Free Borrowing Trouble by Stacy Finz Page B

happened?”
    â€œIt was a domestic call. Robbery-homicide doesn’t typically handle those, but the husband was wanted for questioning in a liquor-store holdup. I wound up embroiled in a hostage situation without backup.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you have backup?” he asked.
    Because no one came when she’d radioed for help. “It was a screwup. But it ended fine.” She really didn’t want to go into it. “Where in LA did you say you cooked?”
    â€œI didn’t.”
    She threw up her arms. “What’s the big secret?”
    â€œNo secret. I’ll tell you my story if you tell me yours.”
    He really was an exceptionally good-looking man, but she wasn’t telling him anything. “Some other time.” She finished her soup.
    â€œYou want more? Dessert?”
    â€œI’m stuffed. And I really should turn in. I’ve got a big day tomorrow.” She got up and started clearing the dishes.
    â€œI’ll get that, Sloane.”
    â€œNope. Rule in my house was the chef didn’t have to do KP duty.”
    â€œSuit yourself.” But he came up behind her while she stood at the sink and looked over her shoulder.
    Sloane was no little wisp of a thing, but with his front pressed to her back she felt small, almost fragile.
    â€œMy place didn’t come with a dishwasher, did yours?” he asked, and she shook her head, afraid if she talked she’d stammer. “I’ll wash the pot.”
    â€œI’ve got it.” It came out like a croak and she pretended to cough.
    He backed away and busied himself putting away the leftovers. Together they got the kitchen cleaned up in record time. She grabbed her jacket and scarf and headed for the door.
    â€œI’ll walk you,” he said.
    â€œI live three feet away.” Not to mention that she had a Glock strapped to her hip.
    â€œIndulge me. I know you can take care of yourself, but I’m a Southern guy. It’s a manners thing.”
    â€œOkay.” She actually thought it was nice. And maybe, just maybe, he’d kiss her good night.
    The more she got to know him the more she liked him. After all she’d been through, it was nice to have someone she felt safe with. And the best part was he seemed so comfortable in his own skin. He didn’t have to one-up her or act macho to prove his manhood just because she wore a gun and carried handcuffs. With Brady Benson there was no question that he was all man. From his hard body to the confidence he exuded in everything he did. It was so appealing that she wanted a taste . . . his lips on hers.
    But when they got to her door and she turned the key in the lock, he went back inside.

Chapter 6
    â€œD id you hear that they found a body yesterday at the Meet Up?” It was the first thing Lina said to Brady when he walked into the Lumber Baron the next morning.
    â€œWhat’s the Meet Up?”
    â€œIt’s a stretch of rocky beach, across from Nugget High, where the kids go after school or after games, to hang out. And yesterday, Justin McCreedy almost tripped over a skeleton.”
    â€œI heard,” Brady said.
    â€œThen why did you ask?”
    â€œI didn’t know it was called the Meet Up. So what’s your brother saying about it?”
    â€œYou know him. Rhys doesn’t tell us anything. But he put that new officer, the pretty blond lady, in charge of the investigation. Do you think it was a murder?”
    â€œI have no idea. What does the Nugget Tribune say?”
    â€œNot much. Hey, can I ask you something?” Lina followed him into the kitchen. “Do you know a real estate agent named Dana Calloway?”
    â€œI met her once.” She’d had clients who’d stayed at the inn. Came to pick them up to show them properties and wound up staying for breakfast. That was the extent of his knowledge of her. “Why?”
    â€œI just wondered what you thought of her.”
    â€œIs