Free Debts and Debtors: (A Geeks and Things Cozy Mystery Novella #3) (Geeks and Things Cozy Mysteries) by Sarah Biglow Page B

love you, Kal.”
    “I love you too.”
    Kalina couldn’t keep a smile from spreading across her lips. The danger was past. If he was willing to confess easily, it made Chris’s job much easier. She returned to the living room and Jillian’s face brightened instantly.
    “Good news I take it?”
    “They have him in custody and it sounds like he’s going to confess. This whole mess is going to be over.”
    “Oh, thank God!” Jillian tipped the bottle over her glass until it was almost overflowing.
    Kalina grabbed the bottle before it spilled and drained the rest of it into her own glass. The raised them in a toast and she took a long drink. This time it didn’t burn on the way down. A few minutes later they both set down empty glasses and Jillian pulled Kalina into a hug.
    “I’m so glad you were on this one, Kal. I couldn’t have handled all of this without you. I’m sorry I was so bitchy before. I love you.”
    “You’re forgiven, Jill. And I love you too.”
    Normally, this much show of affection from her older sister would have made Kalina uncomfortable but the relief that washed over Jillian’s face made it bearable. Now she could look forward to whatever Chris needed to tell her tonight.

 
    CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
     
    Seven o’clock came far faster than Kalina expected. She’d gotten AJ to give her a ride home so she could change with enough time to walk to what would soon be her house. On the way over, her phone buzzed with a call from her mother. Guilt twisted Kalina’s gut at the realization that neither she nor Jillian had been keeping their mother apprised of what was happening.
    “Hi, Mom,” she said and slowed her pace to a stroll.
    “Hi sweetheart. How are you?”
    “I’m OK. I’m sorry I didn’t check in after Thanksgiving. Friday was really busy at the shop.”
    “It always was for your father too.”
    “I’m sorry we didn’t keep you in the loop on what happened with Thomas Chase.”
    “Your sister filled me in just now. How horrible. A part of me feels bad for that young woman but the rest me is just disgusted that she’d agree to coerce a man she claims to love into doing something against his principles.”
    “Yeah. You think you know someone and then this happens. I think Jill is taking it harder than she’s letting on. But we can be there for her.”
    “Yes, of course. Honey, you sound a little winded. Are you sure you are all right?”
    “Yes, Mom, I’m fine. I’m just walking to Chris’s.”
    She could almost hear the smile in her mother’s voice. “You’re going to have to stop calling it his house soon.”
    “I know.” The squat, two-story house came into view and it sent excited shivers down her spine. “I’m here. I should go.”
    “I love you.”
    “Love you too.”
    Kalina ended the call and stowed her phone in her purse. Checking her hair in the glass inlaid in the front door, she rang the bell and waited. She spotted Chris through the glass and beamed at him when he opened the door.
    “Right on time,” he said and pulled her in for a kiss.
    He was certainly being more affectionate than normal. He must have really felt guilty for missing Thanksgiving. He finally pulled away, leaving her breathless.
    “Can I get you something to drink? A glass of wine or coffee?”
    “I think that depends on what you need to talk to me about. Should I be sober for this conversation?”
    Chris’s brow furrowed for a moment as the overhead light caught the strands of gold laced through his hair. “Coffee’s better.”
    “Then, sure, I’ll have some coffee.”
    He smiled at her and disappeared into the kitchen. She made herself comfortable on the couch and studied the room. They’d brought over some smaller items like pictures already. Even these little touches made the place feel like home already.
    “Here you go,” he said, handing her a mug.
    She gripped it between both hands and inhaled the aroma. “So did everything go well at the station?”
    “He