Dangerous to Know Read Online Free PDF Page A

stomach. She scooted away from the window, back behind the counter before the shop bell could ring.
    â€œHi, Gemma,” Jerome said as he stepped inside the shop and shook the water from his dark hair.
    Nathalie emerged from the kitchen carrying three mugs. “Hi, bro, I heard you come in. I guessed you wouldn’t say no to a cup of tea.”
    Jerome grinned. “You guessed right. I came to see if Gemma was still up for the trip this weekend.”
    She caught the twinkle in his deep blue eyes. “Actually, I was just telling Nathalie how much I was looking forward to it.”
    Nathalie gave a mischievous smile as she put the drinks down on the shop counter. “When were you thinking of leaving for the lakes?”
    Jerome shrugged. “Whenever we can get away.”
    Gemma picked up her mug to sip her tea.
    â€œGemma’s owed lots of holiday. Why not take this Friday and the Monday to make a long weekend of it?” Nathalie suggested.
    Gemma choked on the hot drink.
    â€œSounds good. What do you think, Gemma?”
    She finished coughing and put down her drink before she spilt tea all over the counter. “Sure, why not?”
    â€œIn fact, if we could leave on Friday morning that would give us plenty of time for travelling and setting up camp.” Jerome took a drink from his mug.
    â€œWonderful,” she said, thinking it was too late to back out now.
    He handed her a card. “If you need to talk to me before Friday, call me on my mobile. I’m staying at Mum and Dad’s this week.”
    Nathalie frowned. “Why aren’t you at the cottage?”
    Gemma knew Jerome owned a small house just outside town.
    â€œThere was a small problem when I got back after taking Gemma home yesterday.”
    Nathalie placed her hand on her brother’s arm. “What kind of problem?”
    Gemma watched as he shuffled his feet, avoiding his sister’s gaze. “Nothing much, just some vandalism. Looks like some moron got a bit slap-happy with the spray paint around the front of my house.”
    â€œIs it connected to the radio talks?” Gemma was concerned. It didn’t sound like nothing to her. She suspected he had played down the seriousness of the damage so as not to alarm her or Nathalie.
    â€œProbably. I thought it better to lay low for a while. It’s a good time to disappear up a mountain.” He grinned as he finished his tea.
    â€œI don’t think it’s a laughing matter, J. You never take anything seriously,” Nathalie complained.
    His handsome face sobered. “You’re wrong, sis. I promise you I’m taking this very seriously indeed.”
    Gemma hoped he was, because she didn’t like the sound of the damage to Jerome’s home. “Have you told the police?”
    â€œIt’s all in hand. I promise you there’s nothing to worry about.”
    She felt a little cheered by the sincerity in his voice.
    Nathalie still looked doubtful. “I hope so.”
    He placed his empty mug down on the counter. “Tali, stop worrying.” He ruffled his sister’s hair, disturbing her neat chignon, causing her to scowl at him.
    â€œGemma, I’ll call for you at about half-past nine on Friday morning, if that’s alright. We’ll be hiking so pack light.” The twinkle in his eyes made her heartbeat quicken.
    â€œYes, sir.” She snapped a mock salute as she tried to calculate how many pairs of knickers she could fit into her backpack and still have room for chocolate. It didn’t sound as if there would be a corner shop where they were heading.
    Jerome laughed and headed for the door. “See you Friday!”
    She watched him duck back out into the rain. “What do you think about the vandalism, Tali?”
    Nathalie frowned. “I don’t know. Jerome won’t tell me the whole story about these protesters. That pretend bomb thing was very scary and now it sounds as if