Dead Even Read Online Free PDF Page A

“that we’re overcrowded here for lunch today. But Ms. McCall did say that privacy would be appreciated.”
    The woman led Miranda through a large dining room on their right to a smaller room beyond. Only three of the eight chairs that flanked the long refectory table were occupied. A warm fire glowed from a small corner fireplace, and lace curtains hung from the two windows. An oddly genteel place, Miranda mused, for a discussion such as the one they were about to have.
    “Sorry I’m a little late,” she apologized as she removed her jacket. She draped it over the chair next to that of the only other woman in the room and sat down.
    “You’re right on time. We were just sitting here, enjoying the atmosphere before we have to get down to business,” Anne Marie told her. “Besides, we still have one yet to arrive, so let me pour you a cup of this excellent coffee”—she did so as she spoke—“and you can just have a minute or two to relax.”
    “Evan, it’s good to see you again.” Miranda sat and accepted the cup Anne Marie offered her.
    “Always a pleasure.” Evan Crosby, a detective from nearby Avon County with whom Miranda had worked on several cases over the past year, greeted her with a smile.
    “And Jared, I’m guessing you’re the man in charge here today?” Miranda leaned forward to address the man on Evan’s left.
    “Just standing in for John.” Jared Slater sipped at his coffee. “He had a previous commitment. Since Philly is the closest field office, I got the call.”
    “I spoke with John briefly yesterday.” Miranda’s eyes met Evan’s from across the table. “He mentioned that an old friend of ours is no longer a guest of the commonwealth.”
    “Footloose and fancy free, as of Monday.” Evan nodded.
    “How’d he get out so soon?” Miranda frowned.
    “First offense plus good behavior equals a light sentence. Eight months in the county prison, three years probation.”
    “And he is where now?”
    “In a trailer park about four miles from here.”
    “Really?” She mulled this over. “Explains why we’re meeting in beautiful downtown Fleming.”
    “Never could put a thing past you, Cahill.”
    Miranda’s cup froze momentarily midway between her mouth and the saucer. She’d know that voice anywhere.
    Shit.
    “Hello, Will,” she said to the newcomer without looking up. “I wasn’t aware you’d be in on this powwow.”
    “We’ve invited Will to join us because of his computer skills as well as his insightful investigative ability,” Jared explained.
    “My charm, wit, and dashing personality had nothing to do with it.” Will Fletcher took the seat next to Evan, seemingly oblivious to the flash of annoyance that crossed Miranda’s face.
    “Aren’t you lucky to have those computer skills to fall back on,” she murmured.
    “How about if we get Mrs. Duffy back and put in our order for lunch so we can get started.” Jared went off in search of the owner.
    “You’re looking well, Cahill.” Will faced Miranda from the opposite side of the table.
    “Thank you.” She chose not to return the compliment, though he did, in fact, look pretty good. He always did. Dark hair, dark eyes. Great body.
    Forget it, she cautioned herself. That game has been played out.
    “I can take your orders if you’re ready.” The blonde woman Miranda met out front had followed Jared back into the narrow room.
    “Let’s make this quick.” Jared trailed after her. “We have a lot to cover today.”
    Orders were hastily placed, glasses of water replenished by a young man wearing a white buttoned-
down shirt and khakis, and the door separating the small dining room from the larger one was pulled partially closed.
    “Alrighty, then, folks.” Jared removed a folder from the briefcase that rested on the vacant chair next to the one in which he sat. “Time to get down to business. If I recall correctly, everyone here—except for Agent Fletcher and me—has had some contact—direct or