For All to See (Bureau Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

building’s foyer. A skinny man with a sideways stare and a terrible case of the shakes slouched in a corner chair. Track marks, both fresh and fading, marred his arm. Desperation bloated his sunken eyes. An odd sadness washed over her. She couldn’t imagine needing something so badly that it’d be worth your life.
    The second occupant’s leather vest boasted a screaming skull in flames. His steel-shackled arms paid tribute to Anita on one and Layla on the other. She wondered briefly if they were mother and daughter tributes or lovers dueling for the burly man’s affections. She hoped her first notion was accurate because, given the evil scowl plaguing his face, she could not see how this brute’s heart could seduce two women with its spell.
    Madelyn hurried to the first set of double doors and peeked her head through the small, square window. Edna—the receptionist from hell—sat behind her desk tapping the skinny gold watch on her wrist. Squaring her shoulders she pushed through the door.
    “Hi, Edna. How are you doing today?”
    “I’m trying to keep Chief’s schedule, if you people would oblige,” the women snapped.
    “I wasn’t given a specific time to meet him. He told me to come after school,” Madelyn explained.
    “School let out an hour and forty-five minutes ago.”
    “Yes, but then I have tutoring.”
    “She told me all about it,” Chief explained from his doorway.
    “Well, why didn’t you tell me?” Edna squawked.
    “I’ve been a little busy, wouldn’t you say?” Adrian Tau, better known as Chief, though he wasn’t a police chief, stepped out of his office and motioned Madelyn forward with a wave. “Don’t mind Mrs. Edna. She’s just ornery because her husband wants to postpone their anniversary celebration for a week.”
    “No need to air my business,” the older woman said.
    When Madelyn approached, Chief opened his arms wide and she surprised herself by diving into his embrace. Her slender frame turned into a puff of smoke in his magic act, disappearing in his arms. The comfort was something she wouldn’t have normally allowed, but she accepted the kindness she needed. She sank from the weight of worry. Emotions crashed against the dam inside her, but she wouldn’t permit them to breach.
    “I’m surprised he didn’t postpone it indefinitely,” he chuckled softly.
    Madelyn collected her scattered thoughts and pushed back from the bear hug. “Hey, Chief.”
    The brackets of his mouth thinned as his lips pursed. “You look a little ragged.”
    “I feel it,” she admitted.
    “Well, come on in. We’ll see if we can figure out what’s going on.” He stepped to the side and ushered her into his office with a hand on the middle of her back.
    She tried to ease the tension in her muscles, but they didn’t listen. She’d invited his touch by accepting his hug. The line had been breached and there was no going back. A full breath eased the worst of her discomfort...until she choked on the exhale.
    A man leaned broad shoulders against the wall to the right of Chief’s desk. One foot kicked over the other and his arms folded across his chest. His sharp khaki suit, striped shirt, and bold tie said, ‘money,’ and, ‘turn up the AC.’ His face, on the other hand, said nothing at all. His classically handsome features and dark eyes gave nothing away.
    She paused in the doorway. Chief’s soft belly bumped into her back, forcing her to continue into the office on her own two feet or on her face. “Sorry,” she breathed. I didn’t realize anyone else would be here.”
    Madelyn forced her feet forward into the small office, and then noticed a second suited man sitting in front of Chief’s desk. He was beautiful in an overly obvious way. He looked like Barbie’s husband, Ken. She squinted against the blinding shine from his blond hair, blue eyes, and perfect smile.
    Chief skirted her and moved behind his desk, but didn’t sit. “These gentlemen surprised me with a visit