Acquainted With the Night (9781101546000) Read Online Free PDF

eyes were blue, with brown chips in the left iris. He resembled the actor in the Dunhill Cologne commercials, but his dark, expressive eyebrows were just like Humphrey Bogart’s. Normally she was skittish around strangers, especially handsome ones who seemed to be following her, but the news about her uncle had left her numb.
    â€œYou were on Bow Street,” she said. “Did you follow me?”
    â€œI’m sorry if I frightened you,” he said, sounding anything but sorry. He stepped sideways, giving off a gust of cologne. Caro was surprised that it wasn’t Dunhill, after all, but Acqua di Parma, the same scent Uncle Nigel wore. Used to wear.
    â€œAre you following me?” She narrowed her eyes. “Wait, are you a reporter from the Observer ? Or a staffer from the Daily Star ?”
    â€œYes, I followed you. And no, I’m not a reporter.” His lips twitched as if he were repressing a smile. “I’m a biochemist.”
    â€œThat was my next guess. Biochemists are always skulking outside my flat.” Her voice sounded clear and confident, but his quick smile was getting to her. His upper lip was well-defined, forming a wide M. Her hands began to shake, and she tucked them behind her back.
    â€œThere’s a Starbucks ahead. Do you have time for a sit-down?” He pointed at the corridor, where people with backpacks and tote bags were rushing to their gates. A crooked line was forming outside the ladies’ room.
    â€œI shouldn’t,” Caro said, though she desperately needed a gingerbread latte.
    â€œIt’s rather urgent or I wouldn’t pester you,” he said. “I won’t take much of your time. When does your flight leave? Mine’s leaving at eight forty.”
    He unzipped his backpack and pulled out a folder that held his ticket and passport. Behind him, a young woman in a plaid coat struggled to control her three toddlers. A chubby girl in a white bunny coat broke free and ran past Caro, straight for a nearby construction zone.
    â€œLacie, no,” the mother cried, holding on to the other children.
    Caro shuddered as she remembered the family she’d briefly misplaced at Waterloo Station. She stepped around the biochemist and ran. Just before little Lacie ducked under the scaffold, Caro caught her. A burgundy tint suffused the tot’s pale cheeks as she pummeled Caro.
    â€œPut me down!” Lacie cried.
    â€œLet’s go find your mum, shall we?” Caro said.
    â€œBugger off!” Lacie yelled.
    The mother rushed up, dragging the other children. Caro set the squirming child on the ground “Be good,” she said, patting Lacie’s shoulder.
    â€œOh, thank you, miss,” the mother said, pulling the children off to the side. Lacie scowled at Caro.
    The biochemist caught up with her. “If you can give me five minutes, I’d be grateful.”
    She glanced at her watch. In ten minutes her flight would start boarding. She’d have to buy a hairbrush in Kardzhali. “I don’t mean to be rude,” she began, “but I’ve suffered an enormous loss, and I’d just like to be alone.”
    â€œYes, I’m dreadfully sorry about your uncle. That’s why I’ve been dogging you. He invited me to tea. I was supposed to give you a lift to Oxford. Then I learned about his death.”
    Her throat tightened. He’d known Uncle Nigel? Wait, was this the man from Switzerland? “How did you find out?”
    â€œThe Zürich airport. It was all over Sky News. They referred to Sir Nigel as England’s most beloved tomb raider.”
    She put one hand on her hip. “Just who are you?”
    â€œSorry, I should have introduced myself straightaway. I’m Jude Barrett.” He extended his hand, but she ignored it. Had he really been invited for tea or was he a clever paparazzo trying to pump her for information?
    They stepped around a queue outside Plane Food. Morning