Fancy Gap Read Online Free PDF Page A

hysterically.
    “Jesus, Susan, let me look around outside.”
    Fear sunk deep in Tim’s heart.

CHAPTER 9
    Louisa and Quinn quickly polished off the bottle of wine. They talked about the highs and lows of their careers and lives. She talked about her failed marriage, which had ended more than ten years earlier. She thought she had married the man of her dreams. He turned out to be a workaholic business titan who wasn’t the least bit romantic. It lasted all of two months before they both realized it had been a mistake. The divorce was painless and without emotion. They had remained distant friends.
    She had dated a few men since then, but nothing had blossomed into a lasting relationship. She made a point not to date anyone associated with the Bureau or any other law enforcement agency. She rarely broke that rule.
    As the hour turned late, Laura interrupted their conversation. “OK, you two, it’s just about midnight, and I see one empty wine bottle sitting here. Anything more to drink for you two?”
    Quinn suddenly realized that Laura was talking to them. “No, sweetie that should do it. Bring me the check.”
    “Save your money, big fella. This one is on us.” She winked at him and slowly walked down the length of the bar.
    “That young woman likes you,” Louisa said as she reached into her purse. She took out a twenty-dollar bill and put it on the bar. When he began to protest, she pressed her finger against his lips. Quinn blushed and said nothing more.
    “Where are you staying?” she asked.
    “I’m at the Sheraton in Crystal City near the Metro stop.”
    “Now, that is way too convenient. My townhouse is only three blocks from there. We can head back that way together.”
    He hugged Laura and waved to Ned as they left. Ned winked and waved back. They walked the few blocks to the McPherson Metro stop to catch the Blue Line to Crystal City. He could smell the late summer flowers blooming everywhere. He was surprised when she reached down and took his hand as they walked down the street. The darkness hid his blushing face. They walked slowly and stole glances at each other under every streetlamp.
    She sat close to him as they rode the Blue Line out of the District into Virginia. He felt her warmth next to him and realized his senses were suddenly alive. They had the Metro car to themselves. Before they knew it, they were riding up the escalator out of the Crystal City Metro Station. As soon as they hit the sidewalk, Louisa stopped dead in her tracks.
    “I know it’s late, but would you like to join me for a glass of good wine at my place?”
    Her request caught him somewhat by surprise, but he subconsciously had been eagerly anticipating the invite. “Hey, I don’t have to go to work in the morning. All I have to do is drive five hours back to Fancy Gap.”
    “Great! I have a late flight out tomorrow to California to visit my sister. I can sleep on the plane.” she offered as they slowly walked down the sidewalk.
    In five minutes, they arrived at her place, a new townhouse in a small development close to the Crystal City apartment buildings. She unlocked her door and entered the code on the security system. He immediately noticed a Bianchi road bike in the entryway.
    “Wow, what model Bianchi is that?”
    “Oh, it’s an Infinito Dama. I just got it two months ago.”
    “I didn’t know you rode. That bike is a beast!”
    “Since I’m retired, I have time to ride and stay in shape. I get out on the George Washington Parkway trail almost every day.”
    “Now, that’s impressive. Good thing it’s not too hilly here.”
    “And exactly what do you mean by that?” she asked, arching her eyebrows and placing a hand on each hip.
    He immediately knew he had misspoken. She had that competitive look in her eyes as she stared him down. “Look, Louisa, I’m only sayin’ that it’s easier for riders around here since the terrain is much flatter than in the mountains.”
    “So, Mister Mountain Man,