Beautiful Music Read Online Free PDF Page A

thoughts, but to enjoy the scenery.
    A horn sounded behind her and she jumped to the curb—so much for a pleasant jog. She turned to find a shiny black pickup following her.
    “Wanna ride?” the driver yelled at her.
    “Hi, Aunt Jen!” screamed a little girl from the front seat.
    Not sure if she was relieved or furious, she attempted a neutral reply directed to her niece. “Hi, Andrea. What are you doing with Uncle Chase? I thought Mrs. R. was bringing you home.”
    “Since Mrs. R. has the day off, I thought I’d bring her home,” Chase offered.
    Every time she turned around he was in her face. Trying to hide the sarcasm she replied, “That was so nice of you.”
    “I don’t mind helping out.” The grin confirmed he was challenging her.
    The sudden ringing of Jena’s phone startled her away from a reply. Looking down she saw the caller ID and her mouth went dry.
    “Hello,” she answered quickly.
    “I’m attempting to reach a Miss Jena Shea,” the voice replied formally.
    “This is Jena Shea.” Glancing at Chase she saw the concerned look on his face.
    “Miss Shea, my name is Detective John Burrows with the Clearwater Police Department. I would like to ask you a few questions regarding your sister’s accident. When would be a good time to meet?”
    “Do you have news?”
    “No, ma’am. I’m sorry, just some routine questions before we close the case.”
    Close the case? They haven’t found her yet. How could they close the case?
    Jena’s eyes darted in the direction of Chase’s truck door slamming. In seconds he was at her side, concern etched in his forehead.
    She attempted to keep her voice steady. “Detective, I’m on my way home now. Any time would be fine.”
    “How about a half hour?”
    “Sure, I’ll be there.” She pushed the end button on the phone exhaling worriedly.
    “What was that about?” Chase asked immediately.
    “A detective from the Clearwater Police. He wants to ask me some questions.”
    “Let’s go. I’ll take you home.”
    Giving in to his protective ways would have been so easy, but she wouldn’t allow herself. “No, thanks, it kind of defeats the purpose of a jog.”
    “It looks like your purpose has been attained,” Chase finished with a wink. “Let me be there for this.” His voice turned serious.
    She considered refusing, but she was too nervous to face this alone. “Okay. I’ll meet you and Andrea back at the house.”
    The jog back gave Jena plenty of time to think. She created horrible scenarios, sure the detective’s visit wouldn’t be a pleasant one. He was giving up. She would never have a body to bring home. Her mind raced. How would she convince him to keep searching?
    Her mind switched to Chase. Why did she agree to let him in on the meeting? She didn’t need him there. His presence made her uncomfortable, but he had cared for her sister too. Andrea’s uncle had a right to know what was going on. That was all there was to it.
    Jena approached the house and her internal argument ceased. The truck parked in the driveway was empty. He’d let himself in. Her blood boiled at the thought. While she was living here this was her home. How dare he assume he could come and go as he pleased?
    She entered the kitchen to find Chase pouring himself a glass of iced tea. “Where’s Andrea?” she asked sharply.
    “Upstairs, in her room. You sound mad.” He took his tea to the table and sat.
    She rubbed her temples and took a deep breath. “Chase, how did you get in the house?”
    “Through the door.”
    The grin he threw at her only infuriated her more. “The door was locked.”
    “I have a key, remember?” He paused. “What’s the big deal?”
    She made every attempt to keep her voice steady. “The big deal…is that I live here right now, and I would appreciate if you didn’t let yourself in.”
    “Sure. Okay.” Reaching in his pocket, he pulled out his keys and began removing the key from the ring.
    “That isn’t necessary. You might