Free Chasing Shadows by Terri Reed Page A

second attempt yielded the same result.
    â€œI’ll call the local law enforcement and see if they can stop by the Jamesen house.”
    â€œBut that could take hours or days.” Sadie would be upset until she knew for sure. “It’s, what, an hour and a half drive to Rhode Island?” She checked her watch. “I think I’ll go check on Denise myself. I could be there by one and back by five.”
    â€œNo. I’m not going to let you go off by yourself on some road trip.”
    Kris smiled sweetly. “Then you’re volunteering to come with me. How wonderful. My car or yours?”
    Gabe blinked. He shook his head as if trying to make sense of what just happened. “I didn’t say I was going with you.”
    â€œBut you just said you wouldn’t let me go alone.”
    His jawline hardened. “You’re not going, period.”
    Drawing closer, she stared up into his handsome face. “Let’s get one thing straight. I don’t take orders from you. I’m going to Rhode Island with or without you. Your choice.”
    Dark clouds gathered in his expression. Kris almost backed down. Almost. But she liked thunderstorms and he didn’t scare her.
    Finally, he blew out an exasperated breath. “Fine. I need to touch base with my partner. We’ll take your car.”
    Elated with his decision, Kris put her hand on his chest, over his heart. She could feel the thud against her palm through his dress shirt and suit jacket. “Thank you.”
    His mouth twisted in a wry smile. “You’ll be the death of me, Kristina Worthington.”
    Her eyes widened in horror. “Let’s hope not.”
    He took her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. “No worries.” He released her hand. “I’ll go find Angie, you say goodbye to your grandmother. Meet me in the parking lot.”
    Kris stared after him as he headed down the hall. The spot on her hand tingled where his lips had caressed the skin.
    With a smile, she went in search of Sadie. Then it hit her. He’d given her an order.
    And she was gladly obeying.
    Maybe he had more power over her than she was comfortable with. What a disturbing thought.
    Kris found her grandmother in the common room, an airy space with comfortable-looking sofas, a television, a coffee bar and several tables strategically placed. Near the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the courtyard, two elderly men sat playing a game of chess. Several residents watched the news, which had the local weatherman predicting more snow in the greater Boston area.
    Near the lovely stone fireplace, a large Christmas tree twinkled with red and gold decorations. From a table set off to the side, yet in a place to receive the warmth of the fire, sat Sadie, Mrs. Tipple and two other women. A silvertea service dominated the white linen tablecloth. The women sipped from delicate, floral-patterned tea cups.
    Kris approached the table, glad to see her grandmother’s smile as the women chatted. She didn’t look stressed or jittery. Kris put her hand on her grandmother’s shoulder to draw her attention. “Grams.”
    Sadie blinked up at Kris. “Krissy, dear, what a nice surprise. I didn’t know you were coming today. Let me introduce you to my friends.”
    Kris’s heart thudded and her stomach dropped. Her grandmother hadn’t remembered she was here. Not good, not good at all. She forced a smile of greeting. “Ladies, do you mind if I steal my grandmother away for a moment?”
    â€œBy all means,” Vivian Kirk, the woman sitting across from Sadie, said. She didn’t look nearly as old as the other ladies. She was a plump motherly type with cool gray eyes, apple cheeks and short, blond hair. A colorful afghan was draped over her wide shoulders.
    Kris helped Sadie to her feet and led her to a quiet corner in the room. “Uh, Grams, we were just in your apartment a little bit ago.