Becoming Forever (Waking Forever Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

style single story residence built in the 1950’s, and indicative of the northeast San Antonio neighborhood the couple resided in. Remembering her own mother’s death from three years ago, Ash felt particularly sympathetic to the Garretts and the loss of their only son.
    “Isn’t this the neighborhood that has a deed restriction requiring Christmas lights every year?” Cris asked as he finished his early afternoon five hour energy drink, and tucked the small empty plastic bottle in his jacket pocket.
    Ash looked the house over as they walked up the stone walkway toward the front door. “Yea h. My parents used to drive us through here every year, and now my brothers bring their kids here.” Ash straightened her jacket before ringing the doorbell. “I guess it’s become a bit of a tradition.” She pressed the small metal button to the right of the wood and glass door.
    “ Forced merriment. Neat.” Cris smirked.
    Ash smiled at her partner. “Bah , humbug.”
    The door opened, and a tall man with peppered gray dark hair stood in front of the two detective s. In spite of the dark circles under his eyes, evidence of his recent tragedy, Jonas Garrett was a handsome man, dressed simply in a pair of tan khakis and a white polo shirt. He looked at Ash and then at Cris.
    “You must be the detectives that called earlier?” Jonas asked.
    “Yes. Mr. Garrett. I’m Cristelo Martinez and this is my partner Ashley Haines.” Cris unclipped his badge and photo ID from his belt, and held it in front of Jonas. Ash quickly followed suit.
    Jonas looked carefully at each badge, and then stepped to the side, gesturing for the detectives to enter. “Please come in. My wife has tea for us on the patio.”
    Ash couldn’t help but smile. Given Jonas’ accent, it was clear he was from Texas, and regardless of the reasons for his current house guests, southern hospitality mandated iced tea or coffee be offered to a guest.
    “Thank you very much , Mr. Garrett.” Cris said as he and Ash followed the man toward the back of the house.
    Ash looked around as they made their way through the living area, den and through the kitchen to a set of pine French doors leading to a covered patio. Clearly Paul had come by his penchant for cleanliness from his parents. The house was tastefully decorated in an Arts and Crafts style reminiscencent of Frank Lloyd-Wright architecture. It was simple without unnecessary decoration or ornamentation.
    Evelyn Garrett sat in a wrought iron patio chair with a burgundy cushion. The petite, brown haired woman stood to greet Ash and Cris. “Detectives, welcome. Please, have a seat.” Ash and Cris sat on two of the four chairs set up around a square wrought-iron table. “I’ve made iced tea, but if you would prefer coffee, I can brew a pot.”
    Ash and Cris both shook their heads. “No thank you , Mrs. Garrett. The tea is perfect.” Ash smiled as she leaned back in the chair, crossed her legs and opened the cover of her iPad. Evelyn began pouring the tea from the clear glass pitcher into four tall glasses.
    Cris cleared his throat. “Mrs. Garrett , I’m Cristelo Martinez, and this is my partner Ashley Haines.” Evelyn nodded as she leaned across the table to place a glass of iced tea in front of Cris. Ash could see the dark circles were under her eyes as well.  “We want to ask the two of you about Paul, and get a list of any friends, acquaintances and co-workers we would be able to meet with.”
    Jonas, who had sat in the chair next to Ash, leaned forward. “You can’t think this was anyone Paul knew.”
    Cris nodded. “Sadly, the odds that Paul knew his killer are pretty good.”
    Evelyn shook her head. “The fact my son has a killer is just -” The woman sat down heavily, and slumped on the armrest of her chair. Jonas reached over and covered his wife’s hand with his own.
    “ I can get you a list of people we knew. But you’ll want to go to his office for any work related individuals.” Jonas