Malicious Mischief (A Rylie Keyes Mystery) (Entangled Select) Read Online Free PDF Page B

date, things have not improved between us.
    A young, unfamiliar detective probed the scene alongside Lipschitz. The guy was definitely a newbie to the Bellevue Police Force. I would have never forgotten a face like that. I tried not to look at his strong jaw, not stare at his amazing dark hair, or his sexy shoulders. I knew guys like him, stayed clear of guys like him. Players. The road to find a decent man, one destined never to ditch me—something my mother never found in my love ’em and leave ’em dad—was not paved with players.
    Both detectives headed our way after ducking under the yellow police tape. As they drew near, Lipschitz beamed me one of his famous leers.
    “Here it comes,” I said.
    “Be optimistic,” Solo replied.
    I rolled down my window. Lipschitz leaned in close. The unfamiliar detective stood several feet away, watching us.
    “Hey, Sweet Cheeks,” Lipschitz said against my hair. “This is going to be fun.”
    Sheesh, if he got a hairball, I wouldn’t gripe. Probably it’s mean to enjoy the image of him hacking and gagging on hair like a pack-a-day smoker, but given that it was Lipschitz, I made an exception. “When did you become a detective?”
    He made slurpy noises in my ear. “That’s the sound of me getting promoted. It was nice to go before an all female review board. There is always time for a Lipschitz break.”
    Yuck.
    Solo’s eyes rounded. “I’m losing my optimism.”
    “I’m losing my licorice,” I said.
    “I guess you want our statements,” Solo said.
    Lipschitz ignored him and gave my barely visible cleavage a cheesy brow lift. “You must be wearing the all new Miracle Bra. Anything else you’re faking? Hey, Talon,” he tossed over his shoulder to the player. “She’s hiding something. We’ll interrogate her at the station.”
    “You mean interview her,” Zach said on his approach. “What’s wrong with you, Lipschitz? Rylie isn’t a suspect.”
    Lipschitz worked up a wintery smile. “So, Zach, how’s it been on the information and complaint desk? Mollycoddle any bad guys lately?”
    When Zach tugged at his shirt collar, a heavy crucifix that once belonged to his late father popped out. “Stalk any women lately?” he asked Lipschitz.
    “Ah, that’s right,” Lipschitz said, staring at the cross. “You Catholic boys swing a different way. Boys will be toys, huh?”
    Zach’s eyes darkened.
    “I never stalked Rylie,” Lipschitz went on. “Though I bet she likes to think I did.” Lipschitz shot me a sour smile. “See you at the station, Sweet Cheeks. And you, Island Boy. We’ll need your statement, too.” He turned and left.
    Solo dribbled a little licorice spittle on his vest.
    Lipschitz’s partner started to follow, but paused. Our eyes caught, held long enough to suffer both pleasure and guilt. I considered his name: Talon. Not too friendly, yet he wore a classy gray woolen jacket with darker suede elbow patches, black pants, and a white shirt. Comfortable country chic. In contrast, his eyes were the sharp-edged blue of glacial ice.
    “Careful.” Zach lifted my chin with a finger. “You’ll catch flies.”
    Seagulls squawked in the awkward silence. Zach was brooding over something. What, I couldn’t tell, but—shamefully—I hoped it was jealousy. Purgatory, here I come.
    “Who is he?” I asked with forced blasé.
    “He’s part of the Sister City Exchange Program. Name is Thad Talon. He’s Scottish.” He stared at me. “And he’s not your type.”
    I laughed. “How come?”
    But he didn’t reply, only peered over the top of the car at someone calling his name. The tow-truck was making a grinding noise and the driver was waving for Zach to help. “Give me a minute. I’ll take you home first to change clothes, then to the station.” He settled his hand at the base of my neck, left it there. “Wait for me.”
    “Forever,” I said absently.
    Again, he said nothing, only captured me with those gentle eyes of his. Then he