Free Full Speed by Janet Evanovich Page A

her hands in his. "But spending this time with you is a real treat. Would you like something to drink?" He nodded toward a basket of fruit and a bottle of wine. "I don't usually drink alcohol, but a dear friend left this for me, and I hate to waste it. I'm not particularly fond of the red wine. It tastes bitter to me. But if you like it, I'll join you."
    That just might work in her favor, Jamie thought. "Yes, let's have a glass."
    He grinned and uncorked the bottle. "I took the liberty of ordering lunch. I hope you like fish." He looked up and caught her staring. "Is something wrong?"
    "You look tired, Harlan." Which was true.
    "Why don't you go out on the balcony, prop your legs, and I'll pour the wine?"
    He nodded. "Promise not to take too long?"
    "I'll be right out." Jamie waited until he stepped outside before she poured the wine into two glasses. Once again, her fingers trembled as she reached into her pocket for one of the laxatives she'd crushed into a fine, white powder. She sprinkled it into his drink. She stirred it, taking care to see there was no residue on the side of the glass. She had about twenty minutes before it would start to work and then she could make her getaway.
    "I know what you're doing," Harlan said the minute she joined him on the balcony.
    Jamie froze. "You do?"
    "You're trying to spoil me."
    She relaxed. "Looks like you need spoiling. Here, drink this. Maybe you'll feel better."
    He took the glass. "Do I really look that tired?"
    "Oh, now I've gone and hurt your feelings."
    "No, actually I appreciate your honesty. I haven't slept well lately, except for last night, but I think I just need to catch up on my rest." He took out a small pillbox, opened it, and took out several tiny pills.
    Jamie noticed he was trembling. "Are you OK?" she asked.
    "I have a little headache. These help." He popped them into his mouth, then raised his glass to his lips.
    Jamie watched closely as he took a sip of his wine. He didn't seem to notice a difference. "Losing sleep will catch up with you sooner or later. Are you worried about something?"
    He shrugged. "Just everyday stress, but I don't want to burden you with it. We're here to enjoy ourselves." He drained his glass. "Perhaps I should have another," he said.
    Jamie studied him. "It's none of my business, Harlan, but I don't think you should be mixing alcohol with your medication."
    He nodded. "You're probably right."
    "You look very handsome today in that navy blue suit," she finally said. "That's definitely your color. I'll bet half the women in your congregation have a crush on you."
    He smiled and tugged at his tie as though it was too tight. "Well, I do get my share of homemade cakes and pies."
    "I'll bet you do," she said, a teasing lilt in her voice.
    "There are a lot of lonely widows in the church. They just want someone to talk to, you know? I try to do my best."
    "I'm sure you do." She sighed. "I know what it's like, Harlan. Not having anyone you can tell your troubles to. We all need someone we can trust. Someone who won't judge us or betray our confidence."
    "People like that are hard to find," he said.
    "My friends have always been able to come to me," Jamie said softly. "What good is a friend if you can't talk to them? I mean
really
talk to them," she added. "Unload, spill your guts, get it all off your shoulders kind of talk. I've heard it all, Harlan, buh-lieve you me. Nothing would shock me."
    "That kind of friendship is rare indeed," he agreed.
    "And I know about loneliness," she said. "The kind of loneliness you spoke of in your sermon. Sometimes ..." She paused, as though wrestling with her emotions.
    "What is it, dear?"
    "Sometimes I get so lonely my skin aches."
    Harlan looked at her, studied her face. "Then you know what it's like. I've discovered I have to find solace wherever I can.
However
I can."
    A knock at the door seemed to startle him. "That must be our lunch." He stood and walked inside, and Jamie followed. She wondered if it was