a Touch of Ice Read Online Free PDF

Mitch that Tony was murdered, and I want to help you find the killer.”
    Violet was going through one of those phases where she was determined to become southern in spite of her west-coast roots, so I wasn’t sure if her face was all wrinkled up because of the sweet tea, or if it had to do with our discussion. “Your participation is not an option.”
    She caught my glare. “It’s one of your few attempts at socialization since you got out of college, and you can’t be delving into a murder. Sorry. Not gonna happen.”
    “I’m social. I talk with my clients every day, and it’s not like this is my first date.” There was a touch of lost to my voice. It sounded…wounded. Not good.
    “No, but I recall a conversation where you shuddered over the description of your high-school-slash-college memories. ‘Course you didn’t go into the particulars—but that guy last year. I remember you chasing him out of your house and down the street. Not what I would call successful socialization skills.”
    Regret and a hollow ache slammed into my chest. “Perverted fantasies. He could have made a fortune directing porn movies. After him, I figured it wouldn’t ever be possible for me to have a—quote—normal relationship. I touch a guy and get zapped with stuff he’s done. Know that he only wants to hang with me for short-term sex.
    Mitch is different, but not. I mean, he thinks about sex, but there’s respect there, too. And how many people meet over a dead body? Isn’t it usually a water cooler or copier? Or worse, a martini bar. And they dance around each other, exploring behavior patterns, interest levels. All that before they even do lunch. Mitch and I were drop-kicked into intense emotion as soon as I touched him.”
    “I get that, El. It was, what, a week before you told me about your gift? I don’t remember, but it rocked my world. If I hadn’t done the background check—”
    “We wouldn’t be friends. I know, and I’m grateful for your, let’s call it, attention to detail. You probably would have moved away if you didn’t know how innocent I look on paper.”
    “Would have considered it, but it’s tough to reject someone who proves her gift by saving a life.” After six years, her voice still held a grateful tone.
    “I didn’t. The universe did. You know how I feel about there being no coincidences.” I couldn’t stop a grin. “What was it you said after I told you he had a gun? Something about turning pale?”
    “That zombie gray wasn’t your color, I think. Can’t remember. The important part was that I reacted in time to flatten the abusive bastard and relieve him of his weapon.”
    I shuddered, the memory still neon vivid. “He planned to kill her, Violet. That little bit of a thing who only wanted you to get her to a safe house.”
    “Yeah. Missed that one. But I see what you mean by no coincidences. She grabbed his jacket by mistake, you fingered the rip in the leather…but back to topic, ESP fingers or not, you aren’t going to chase after a killer.”
    Best to sidetrack her with an agreeable comment. “Right. I think Mitch is different from the average guy. Probably all Pollyanna of me, but he knows about psychics, which I’m not, exactly. But still, he’ll understand why I can’t touch him.”
    “No man, ever, is going to go along with that plan, El. You know better.”
    “Yeah, well. It has to be that way. At least until I know he cares about my brain as much as he cares about his penis.”
    Sweet tea sputtered from Violet’s lips. “Seriously? The best you can hope for with that comparison is a toss up. Unless, ohmygod. You’re already half in love with him.”
    “That’s ridiculous. I try and love everyone. We’re all part of the same energy, connected, but then when I touch people it blows my good intentions into the deepest part of hell. Hey, isn’t there a song that goes like that: just one touch…” I sang as I sliced the Granny Smiths into a pie shell.
    “I