A Bullet Apiece Read Online Free PDF

“We have Ella. She cooks for us. Plus, Mrs. Carmody started the preschool herself. She thought it would be grand if our children played and learned together. She’s in our group,” she added.
    â€œWhy here, though?” I gestured to the surroundings, and included my office in the sweep of my hand.
    â€œBecause the building and land were affordable. And I know what you’re thinking. We’re not
all
rich bitches without heart out in West County.”
    I leaned back in my chair and held onto my protest.
    â€œBesides, the first kindergarten in the country was in St. Louis. But then, you probably knew that already, detective.”
    I let the comment slide with a smile. “Mrs. Hanady, does your husband drive a Jaguar?” She nodded. “Is his car missing today?”
    â€œIt is. It wasn’t in the garage when I returned from the school at noon.”
    â€œAre you sure it was him who picked up Rachel today?”
    â€œIt had to be. God, who else could it be? Maybe he just returned early. Maybe he wanted to surprise me.” She grasped the arms of her chair and looked as though she might leap up any second.
    â€œMrs. Hanady, just one more question. Have you called his office today?”
    She settled back in her chair and frowned.“Yes. They don’t know when to expect him.” She was looking out the window now, clutching her moist purse.
    â€œThank you for your time. You can trust that I will do all I can to see that your daughter is returned safely. I have a feeling she’s with your husband. In good hands.”
    â€œI wish I had your confidence right now.”
    â€œLet me make some more calls. The policemen you spoke to today will likely be in contact with your husband’s office, if they haven't been already. They will also want to come out to your house.”
    â€œTo stake it out?”
    â€œTo talk to you. And, yeah, to see if your husband, or someone else, returns. If he is back—and I think he is—he’ll come home at some point.”
    â€œYou’re right. I know he will.” She stood and extended her hand. It was soft, her skin supple with lotion. A sensation I had not felt in a woman’s hand for too long. I had to fight the crazy notion that I should bend over her hand and bring it to my lips for a kiss. Ed Darvis, courtier extraordinaire.
    â€œI’ll call you later this evening. Say around eight?” She nodded. “Good. Please take care getting home, Mrs. Hanady.”
    â€œI will.” I held the door as she stepped out into the diminishing rain and got into the coupe. I wasn’t quite sure how those long legs fit in that toyish car and smiled at the thought of examining the mechanics of the arrangement. The rain continued to slacken as she pulled away, and I inhaled the scent of her skin on my hand.

Chapter 4
A Bout at Broad Jimmy’s

    I was fairly certain that Tom Hanady had his daughter. Maybe when he picked her up, he parked on the other side of the building where I couldn’t see his car. If so, I have no case. One thing, though, trouble was brewing in the Hanady marriage. Nothing as bad as some I’ve seen. But still, trouble. Which, for me, is fortunate, seeing as I could use a bit of business.  
    I strolled back to the back room of my office, holding up my hand to my nose. Reluctantly, I washed the scent of Jerri Hanady off my hands in the dirty little sink just outside the tiny john. After I dried them, I smelled the back of a palm: nothing but Lifebuoy. But the disappearance of her scent didn’t keep her off my mind. Even before today, she had looked over at my office numerous times. I had even entertained the fantasy that she needed a reason to meet me. Now, she had it, but not because I’m another lonely detective. I told myself, maybe she needed me for something more than finding her daughter. Yeah, and maybe I’ll get a swanky office in the Continental Building