Damsel in Danger (Danger Incorporated Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

temple trying to chase away the headache that was beginning to bloom.
    “I would hardly call myself a civilian. You were the one that dragged me down to the police station last night. This poor man had my address, Jason. He must have been coming to see me about…something. I have to know and so do you. You said it’s the key to finding his killer.”
    “I said maybe it’s the key,” Jason corrected. “Maybe being the operative word here. Last night you were trying to convince me that the address was wrong and that it could be anyone on the street. Should I take everyone down to the motel?”
    “You and I both know I was grasping at straws last night. I don’t know why Roger Gaines had my address but I’m willing to admit it wasn’t a mistake. Are we going to argue about this all morning or are you going to admit that having me along might help?”
    Their gazes met and held.
    “Why do you even want to help? Believe me when I tell you there is nothing exciting about investigating a crime. It’s not like on television.”
    “I’m not looking for exciting. I’m looking for information. I need to know why Roger Gaines had my address in his hand. I need to know where I fit in this murder. Can you blame me? Tell me you wouldn’t do the same.”
    He couldn’t say it because she was right. But that didn’t mean he was ready to fold like a cheap tent.
    “I understand your curiosity. You’re right, I’d feel the same. But there’s a difference between us. You’re a teacher – and probably a fine one – but I’m a trained investigator. You’d be wasting your time following me around.”
    “It’s summer vacation. My lesson plans for the upcoming year are done. I’ve got a few hours I can throw away.”
    Brinley clearly thought if she wasn’t with him she was going to miss something. Most people didn’t realize that investigations were mostly a combination of leg and paperwork. Neither of which was all that fun. But having her tag along would give him the opportunity to keep an eye on her.
    “If I say you can go with me you’re going to have to do exactly as I tell you to. I mean it, Brinley. If I say you can’t touch something or you can’t go somewhere I don’t want any arguing.”
    “Your show, your rules. I realize this is out of the ordinary and I appreciate you taking me with you. I won’t do anything to jeopardize this investigation. I promise.”
    “Then get in the truck and let’s get some breakfast. I’m starved.”
    “What about my car?”
    “You can come back for it.” Jason cupped her elbow and led her to the passenger side. “If you’re going to hang around with me it’s easier if we’re riding together.”
    He needed more coffee and a stack of pancakes. He always thought better with a full stomach. And this case needed all the brain power he could muster. They had very little to go on, plus the open question as to whether Brinley was in any danger.
    Nothing would happen to her on his watch.

Chapter Five
    ‡
    B rinley scooped the last bite of cheesy hash browns from the plate and into her mouth, humming with appreciation. She hadn’t eaten this morning, and by the time she and Jason had sat down and opened their menus her stomach had been growling with a ferocious hunger. Placing the fork next to the plate, she dabbed at her lips with a paper napkin.
    Jason quirked an eye at the empty plates in front of her. She’d ordered a stack of pancakes, a side order of bacon, and some hash browns. Starved, she’d made short work of every bit of it. “I like a woman with a healthy appetite. Do you want anything else?”
    An antacid wasn’t a bad idea but more food wasn’t going to happen. She could barely move at the moment.
    “I’m full, thank you.” He didn’t appear to be kidding and the crack about the healthy appetite wasn’t an insult. “I didn’t eat this morning. And I have a fast metabolism. I think it’s from all the biking and walking I do.”
    Jason held up his