Bone Deep Read Online Free PDF Page B

her problems since the Judge died, she’d hidden away to wait it out.
    Jill turned to Phillips who appeared genuinely interested in these new surroundings. He moved about the entry hall, studying artwork and pictures that told the story of the Ellingtons and their prominence in Paradise over the last one hundred years. He picked up a small silver-framed photograph of her and Kate at the rambunctious age of ten. A tiny smile tugged at Jill’s lips. She remembered that day vividly. Matching pink ruffled dresses and white patent leather shoes and enough ringlets to make Goldilocks envious.
    “Jill, thank Heavens you’re home.”
    Paul carefully replaced the framed photograph and looked up at the woman who’d spoken from the second story landing. Though the worst had passed, he was still a little shaky. He hadn’t had this much trouble maintaining control in a long time. It was this place, he was sure of it. There was something, but he couldn’t get a handle on it. Something ugly lurking beneath the Norman Rockwell facade.
    “I thought you were resting,” the younger Ellington offered, an apology in her tone, as her mother slowly descended the staircase. “I hope we didn’t disturb you.”
    Paul glanced at Jillian, surprised at the sudden about face. Her expression, even her posture had changed noticeably. Up to now she’d been cool and all business. Barely kept her derision of him in check. But this was Jillian, the daughter, not the attorney. His attention returned to the woman descending the stairs. She was an older version of the daughter, medium height, slender, same delicate facial features. Still attractive. Her hair was more silver now than blond, but the eyes were the same clear sky blue. Blue and watchful, overly cautious. Also like her daughter, she dressed impeccably.
    “Mother, this is Dr. Paul Phillips,” Jill said, drawing Claire’s full attention to him. “He’s advising on Kate’s case. We’re going to have lunch, would you like to join us?”
    Mrs. Ellington descended the final step. With her left hand still on the newel post, she offered her right. “Claire Ellington, Dr. Phillips.” Her voice was softer than Jill’s, the diction perfect, not even a hint of a southern vernacular. According to Jill, her mother and father had both grown up in Paradise.
    He clasped the hand she offered, felt her tension and frustration. This lady was every bit as suspicious of him as her daughter. “The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Ellington.”
    “Are you a neurologist?” she asked, obviously wondering how this stranger might help her daughter. She was as easy to read as a cheery birthday card to a point, a very shallow point. Beyond that was a firm wall of resistance. Strange.
    “No, ma’am. I’m a forensic psychologist. I’m here to review your daughter’s case and suggest a proper course of action for unraveling the events of the past forty-eight hours.”
    Claire nodded uncertainly. “Isn’t that what the police are doing?” She looked from Paul to Jill. “I’m sure the chief is doing everything possible to find my grandson and to catch Karl’s killer. He calls me every few hours with an update. I don’t see how you could expect any more from the man, Jillian.”
    “My presence,” Paul offered, “is no reflection on local law enforcement, Mrs. Ellington. I’m here to assist.” At least the lady was honest. He had to give her points for that.
    “Mother,” Jillian scolded, “the chief thinks he’s already found the killer and he’s made no headway in finding Cody. I’d say he needs all the help he can get.”
    That she made the statement despite her misgivings about him surprised Paul. The lady lawyer had a serious case of needing to prove herself to mother.
    Claire looked indignant. “Don’t be silly, Jillian. The chief knows Katherine would never harm anyone. He’s simply doing his job.”
    Paul watched, fascinated, as the daughter steeled herself for battle, summoned the attorney