Had a Great Fall (An Olivia Thompson Mystery) Read Online Free PDF Page A

gulps, Olivia had finished her coffee. She wondered if it would be too demanding to ask Nate for a refill.
    “Just what we needed. Two psychopaths.” Nate tapped her notepad. “Any other tips on who I should be looking for?”
    “Well for one thing, he may not by a psychopath. That’s a very specific personality trait. We also have to consider the possibility that we aren’t dealing with a serial killer at all. So far we only have one body. The death could’ve been accidental.” Olivia thought it was interesting that he had kept Melanie for three weeks before killing her.
    Nate looked at her doubtfully. “All that torture and you think the death was an accident?”
    “I don’t think that. I just said that it’s possible. He might have been planning to keep the girls for his own perverted fantasy.” She stood up. “I need a break. Point me in the direction of the coffee?”
    “I’ll get it.” He reached for the mug. After a quick glance around the room, he kissed Olivia. “I could get used to these working conditions.”
    “I don’t think Vince is going to be very happy when he finds out you’ve replaced him.” Olivia leaned back against the desk. She enjoyed the view as she watched him cross the room. A few other detectives had arrived in the last couple of minutes and they all greeted him. Olivia noted that he was cordial to all of them, but not overtly friendly.
    “Hey.”
    Olivia’s head swiveled in the direction of the voice. She found a serious looking guy hunkered at a nearby desk. Somehow both she and Nate had missed his arrival.
    “Hi,” she said, not sure how to respond.
    “I’m Barnes.” His head tilted. “You’re Tucker’s girlfriend.”
    She couldn’t tell if he was making a statement or asking a question. “I’m Olivia.”
    “I’ve seen your picture on his desk.” Barnes stood and came closer. “You’ve been the talk of the station lately.”
    “Me? Why?” She wasn’t sure she liked the way he was looking at her.
    “Tucker is a bit of a mystery. He never talks about his personal life. We know that he was married, then divorced. But that’s only because of the vanishing wedding ring and a few mail deliveries from divorce lawyers.” He squinted at her, eyes scanning her from head to toe. “But then you came along. He’s been different lately, and I suspect that’s because of you.”
    She didn’t like what he was insinuating. “Nate and I have been friends for over ten years. And I’m not willing to discuss his personal life with you.”
    “You’re out of his league, you know? He’s an average detective that has already passed his prime. Give him five more years and he’ll be fat, bald, and on the path towards becoming an alcoholic.” Barnes was so deep into his tirade that he didn’t notice Nate stepping up behind him. “You should get out now while you’re still young and attractive.”
    Nate stepped around him, smoothly handing Olivia her coffee. “I see you’ve met Detective Barnes. I’d like to congratulate you for not punching him.”
    “Yet,” Olivia added.
    “Barnes is working the missing persons’ cases,” Nate explained “He’s also a giant prick.”
    “I noticed,” she muttered, sipping her coffee. She turned to Barnes. “I’ve found that guys who are giant pricks are typically compensating for their tiny pricks. Care to comment?”
    He first glared at her, then smirked. “She’s sassy, Tucker. You should try to hang onto this one. I think I might like her.”
    “Glad to have your approval.” Nate took a seat and swiveled his chair away from Barnes, effectively ending the conversation.
    “I need to get to class soon,” Olivia said. She noticed that Barnes was backing away slowly, clearly still listening.
    “I can drive you.” Nate’s hand brushed her bare leg.
    She fixed him with a level stare. “Nate. I can get to work just fine on my own.”
    “I know.” He smiled sheepishly. “I’m just not ready to say goodbye