Free Murder on the Horizon by M.L. Rowland Page A

Well, not really in the middle . . .”
    â€œOn purpose?”
    â€œWhat do you think?”
    â€œDid you stop it?”
    â€œI’d like to think I helped. Maybe a little.”
    â€œThen it was worth it, right?”
    â€œI guess.”
    â€œSo quitcher whining.”
    Gracie stopped rocking and looked over the peas at Allen. “I wasn’t—”
    He winked at her.
    She shot him a look and started rocking again.
    Allen leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. “So what happened? I want details, girlfriend.”
    Gracie lifted her foot up onto the desk, saying by way of explanation, “Ankle’s bothering me.” Skipping the Whitney fiasco and her argument with Ralph, she described the search for Baxter, finding the boy inside the boat, Gardner’s bullying tactics, the boy’s use of a racial slur, the father’s enraged attack. “The grandmother wouldn’t let me call the cops.” She shook her head. “Doesn’t want to press charges. The guy just gets to drive away.” She stopped, staring off into space.
    â€œEarth to Gracie,” Allen said.
    Gracie retrieved her focus. “Sorry,” she said. “I was indulging myself in a little mental castration.”
    â€œWell deserved.”
    â€œThe big man who pulled the dad away? The guy’s brother-in-law, I think?”
    â€œYeah?”
    â€œI’ve seen him before. Maybe even met him. He’s kind of hard to forget. Pretty much the size of Alaska. But I can’t place him. My head’s still jangling from getting my bell rung. My . . . uh . . .”
    â€œClock cleaned?”
    â€œYeah, that.”
    â€œI’ve heard of the family,” Allen said.
    â€œEdwards.”
    â€œThey’re the ones. Something ain’t right there.” He rubbed his palms together. “I know you didn’t ask for my advice, but I’m givin’ it anyway. Stay away from that crowd. They’re bad company.”
    â€œWell, unless I run into ’em between the Wonder Bread and the mayonnaise at Stater Bros., I have no intention of seeing any of them again. Ever.” She glanced down at her desk. “I gotta get to work. I’m way behind on paperwork.”
    Allen pushed himself to his feet. “Need anything? Give me a call.”
    â€œThanks.”
    Allen disappeared up the hall. “Later, lovebug.”
    â€œLater . . . whatever.” She dabbed her upper lip with a fingertip. “Ow.”

CHAPTER
    9
    W ITH dark eyes sparkling, Rob smiled his perfect, golden smile. Then he lowered his head and kissed Gracie. Hands pressed flat against her lower back, he lifted her body against his.
    She closed her eyes and tilted her head back. Rob kissed her ear, tongue brushing the lobe and raising goose bumps along her arms. His hands wandered across her back, over her shoulders, the curve of her hip, fingers caressing, teasing. His soft lips moved down her throat, her shoulder, moving to her stomach and lower.
    â€œHoly cow!” Gracie shot straight up in bed and tossed back the sheet. “Holy cow!” she yelled again, tipping herself off the camp mattress that served as her bed and ending up on hands and knees on the wooden floor, heavy hair draping both sides of her face. Her nose and upper lip throbbed.
    Gracie shook her head slowly as if she could dislodge the images of Rob swirling inside her head. The feel of his mouth on hers, the warmth of his hands on her body was sovivid, she wouldn’t have been the least bit surprised to look up and see him sitting in her bed.
    A faint whine drew her eyes to Minnie, who sat in the darkness six inches away.
    â€œOhhh, sorry I scared you, little girl,” Gracie said, reaching over to stroke the silky head. “Scared my friggin’ self.”
    She pushed herself to her feet and padded barefoot downstairs to the kitchen with the dog on her heels.
    A