Desert Exposure Read Online Free PDF Page B

“Our work is not nearly as…ah…exciting and romantic.”
    Her eyes gleamed. “We see it played out on the local news. They always show the busts,” Rachel continued. “It’s a big deal here in the Coachella Valley, especially when the SWAT teams are involved. Guess it’s because we’re so close to the Mexican border, and—”
    “Which brings me to the second part of this interview,” Michael said, cutting her off.
    Romantic ? What the hell had gotten into him ? He switched to business mode, compensating for his prior lapse. Business he could do well.
    “Second part?” Rachel moved forward, and frowned. “I thought we were done.”
    He looked up, and then pressed his fingertips together, forming a steeple, and steeled his expression. He presented her with his serious work face. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a few questions about the history of the Salton Sea. I’m new to the area, and it could be helpful to your grandfather’s case.”
    She nodded, but looked skeptical.
    “I’m off duty now…and kind of hungry,” he said, and eased back in the chair, relaxing his posture. “Can I treat you to breakfast? We could talk, off the record…”
    “Sure. I’m half-starved.”
    “I’ll drive,” Michael said, and then jumped up. “We can leave the truck here.”
    Rachel picked up her backpack and gave him another glance. She seemed about to say something, then called to Ralph, who’d sniffed out every corner of the investigation room like it was the local park and all his buddies had left messages of importance. Michael smiled. He liked the dog. Even though small and fluffy, and not exactly a guy’s dog, Ralph had attitude.
    “Would you…would you mind doing me a favor?” Rachel asked.
    He picked up Ralph, and with both arms extended, handed the dog to her. “What do you need?”
    “The truck is acting up. If I leave it at the service station down the street, could you drop me at home after breakfast? I mean, if it isn’t going too far out of your—”
    “No problem.” He buttoned his jacket, and then cleared his throat. “Where do you live?”
    “Well, locals refer to it as Almagro…Rancho Almagro. The jacket isn’t necessary,” she said, with a tilt of her chin. “It’s going to be warm today, and the diner is super casual. But the food is great, and they have a patio, and they allow dogs. They love Ralph.”
    “Perfect. I’m glad you live in…ah…Almagro. I want to drive by a house for rent. That’s where Stanton is stationed, right?”
    “Yeah. We went to school there. Where do you live now?”
    “I’m in a studio apartment. Month to month rent. Every house I’ve looked at so far is either too large, or too modern and cold.”
    “Good.” She shot him a quick glance. “It sounds like you’ve done your homework.”
    “What?”
    “My grandfather…it’s obvious you looked into my family background.” Her shoulder’s stiffened and her chin tilted upward.
    “Yes. And I’m so sorry about Henry. I just had a quick glance at his file,” he said, and shook his head. They continued to walk toward the exit doors. Then seeing her slight thaw, he smiled softly. “Maybe you can fill me in on a few details.”
    “And, Detective Delaney, I’ll even fill you in on the history of Almagro,” she said, matching his stride. “There’s not much I don’t know about these parts.”
    “Call me Michael.”
    She looked up at him. “Okay, sure, Michael. Oh, and can you lose the gun…and the holster? Put it in the glove compartment or something? I mean, it’s breakfast.”
    Her cell phone rang, and she glanced at the number of the incoming caller. “Excuse me a moment. I need to give Manuel some work instructions.”
    Michael heard her explain how she needed to put the truck in for service, a few other things about office work, and something about lemons, and peanuts. He walked too close to be able to block out the conversation entirely, but he tried to concentrate