Dangerous Memories Read Online Free PDF Page B

can get into a lot of trouble for what I’m asking, but my little girl needs your help and protection.
    “‘Over the years, I mentioned that I should have died that day, but I hung on for Jolene. That of course is the truth, but I also yearnedfor revenge. It should have been justice, but as a husband and father, I don’t try to fool myself.
    “‘Four years ago you respected my wishes and introduced yourself as a friend. Since that time, the lie has become truth and I consider you family. By now you know I’ve pleaded with the Department of Justice to bring Jolene into the program. Jolene needs you. There’s evidence locked away in hermemories. And I’m afraid I made a horrible mistake allowing her to move away from us. Her memories are beginning to surface even if she doesn’t recognize them. You’re the only one I trust to take care of her.’”
    When he looked up from the page, her palm was extended. He handed it over, as expected.
    “So there’s nothing in your letter, either.”
    “I have a second page,” he said, andreached to the empty side of the berth for page two. He dreaded reading it to her. The short-lived camaraderie was about to end. She may explode, run, hate him. He’d believed the letter, believed in Joseph and believed in Jolene. She’d come around. She didn’t have to like him to accept his protection.
    “‘If you’re receiving this note with your letter, Levi, it means we didn’t have a chanceto meet after my return. I’ve been too bold, too careless and exposed my Atkins identity to the wrong people. Perhaps I should have just called you, but I don’t trust anything any longer.
    “‘My absences have been following recent information that finally led me to something solid. I’ve never stopped searching for those who destroyed my family. I’ve discovered why my wife’s testimony was sucha threat to her client. Her enemy is even more powerful after twenty years. I would turn over what I know to the Department of Justice now, but they refuse to help Jo. I had no choice but to return to Boulder. I hope she can forgive me.’”
    He had to swallow, dreading the last paragraph.
    “‘You can’t tell Jo until she’s safely in your care. I wish I could say everything I’ve done is onlyso my daughter can have a real life, but it’s also for Elaine. Jo’s letter, let her share it with you when she’s ready. I hope you’ll respect my wishes. Thank you, my friend, and farewell.’”
    The first page crumpled in her fist. He placed his hand over hers but she threw it off, jumping up, wrapping her arms around her slim waist.
    “He...he was... Oh, my God. They murdered him. Why didn’tyou tell me? Tell anyone? What was he thinking?”
    He’d been thinking like a friend, respecting the wishes of a man he admired. Not thinking like a U.S. Marshal. Deep down if he admitted the truth, he’d thought Joseph was a bit paranoid and he hadn’t believed the contents of his letter until the shot had been fired at the funeral.
    “You should have told me.”
    “You’re probably right.Hand delivering the letter was a part of my instructions. Maybe not my smartest move. I trusted your dad. I should have trusted him more, not less. Turns out his suspicions were right.”
    “This changes everything. Are they investigating the accident? No, not an accident—murder. Both of my parents were murdered.” She turned to all the walls, felt her clothes drying in the shower area, pacedback to the window and dropped her forehead against the glass. “Why can’t I remember anything?”
    He stood so fast he clipped his shoulder on the top berth frame, a sting that couldn’t compare to what Jo must be feeling. Before he could reach out and try to take her in his arms she turned on him. Defenseless kitten into wild mountain cat.
    “Why are you here? You’re the only person who knowsthe truth. You should be investigating his murder, not babysitting me.” She shoved passed him—not far since the