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

stop at a traffic light leading out of the Garrett’s neighborhood. “What about the boyfriend in the Miller case last month?”
    Cris shrugged. “You can’t count him. He’s gay.”
    Ash turned and looked at her partner. “ Wow - just wow.”
    “I’m a bastard.” Cris chuckled. “And you have a green light.”
    Ash drove the car forward. “I only let you get away wit h that sort of shit because you’re old and don’t know any better. Your generation -”
    Cris scoffed. “I beg your pardon, but when did fifty-three become old?”
    Ash glanced at her partner. “Fine, have it your way. You’re a homophobic bastard.”
    Cris slipped his notepad into the inside pocket of his jacket. “Wait, what are my choices again?”
    “Old and misguided, or homophobic prick.” Ash stated casually.
    “Can you phrase that in the form of a question, please?” Cris smirked.
    Ash couldn’t help but laugh. “Nice.”
    Cris let out an exasperated sigh. “Fine. Let’s not fight. I’ll grant you that I have seen many men lose their shit over the years, but I will say it’s proportionally less than women.”
    “Maybe because men are more likely to kill and maim one another, leaving a distraught woman behind .” Ash countered. “You’re a violent lot, partner.”
    Cris pursed his lips in mock consideration. “Agreed. Can we get a Starbucks?”
    ***
    Pierce and Pierce Venture Capital occupied the third floor of a ten story office building near the north central part of San Antonio. Ash walked into the main lobby, which consisted of an overabundance of plants and marble. It reminded Ash of a tomb.
    She walked toward the marble desk , which was being manned by a white man in his early twenties. Pulling her badge from her belt, Ash smiled as she held the credentials in front of her. “Good afternoon. I’m Detective Ashley Haines with the San Antonio Police Department. I would like to see Thad Rooney with Pierce and Pierce please.”
    The young man stared blankly at the badge and photo ID. “Ah, yeah. You need an appointment. Do you have an appointment?”
    Ash looked at the man’s name tag, and then tilted her badge back and then forward. “Chip - this means I don’t need an appointment.”
    The man ’s mouth hung open slightly as he looked up at Ash. “I’ll buzz you up.”
    Walking toward the bank of elevators , Ash shook her head. “I weep for our future.”
    The reception area of Pierce and Pierce was ornate , with overstuffed leather chairs lurking in every corner, and fresh floral arrangements on each of the three glass tables. Ash sat in the chair closest to the elevators while she waited for Thad Rooney, the COO of the firm, and Paul Garrett’s manager.
    Ash assume d the middle-aged Caucasian man in the crisp navy blue 3-piece suit walking quickly toward her was Rooney.
    “Detective Haines ?” The man thrust his hand out, and shook Ash’s with far too much enthusiasm and force.
    Calm down guy, you’re not selling me anything. “Mr. Rooney. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”
    “No problem . We’re all devastated by Paul’s death.” He began walking back toward the main floor of the firm, and Ash took several quick steps to catch up with him. “I assumed you would want to talk to his assistant, Delores? She’s really going to be able to walk you through Paul’s schedule, dates, et cetera.”
    “Initially, yes.” Ash followed the man into a large corner office with picture windo ws. “Based on that exchange, I’ll then determine who else I need to speak with, along with what documentation I may need from Pierce and Pierce.”
    Thad sat down behind his desk, and gestured for Ash to sit in the chair across from him. “I can’t imagine what you would need from the firm. Clearly the tragedy had nothing to do with Paul’s work at Pierce and Pierce.”
    Ash opened up her iPad and reached for her stylus. Thad Rooney had just unintentionally started his interview. “Why is that