Passions of the Dead (A Detective Jackson Mystery/Thriller) Read Online Free PDF Page A

into the kitchen. Her pink pajamas were stained and her crazy morning hair was worse than usual, but his heart filled with joy every time he saw her. “Morning, gorgeous.”
    She kissed the top of his head, and he squeezed her butt as she padded toward the coffee he’d brewed. Jared stood and pulled on his overshirt. “I’ve got to run. Roy wants to meet me for breakfast.”
    Carla turned and scowled. “That’s weird.”
    “I know. See you later.”
    “Do you think–?”
    “Don’t even say it.” Jared grabbed his keys from the hook by the refrigerator, kissed Carla, and scooted out. There was no point in speculating. He would find out soon enough.
    As he reached the restaurant the sun came up over the mountains, revealing a dark layer of clouds overhead. A late spring chill was still in the air as Jared crossed the parking lot, which was nearly empty. He’d never seen it like this before, and he’d been coming to Shari’s since it opened. Jared hurried into the foyer and spotted Roy in a booth along the front wall. He bypassed the hostess and headed straight over. The scent of maple syrup and toasty bread made his mouth water.
    “Hey, Jared.” His boss’ fleece jacket seemed tight on his torso, his cheeks were red, and moisture glimmered on his scalp where his hair was receding. But that was Roy.
    “Hey.” Jared searched his face, and Roy’s left eye twitched. He’d had too much coffee already. How long had his boss been sitting here, waiting?
    “We should order. I’m starving.” Roy tapped his plastic-coated menu.
    Jared flipped through the pages, seeing the pictures and words, but not processing the food details. What was this about? Did Roy know he had started documenting the safety problems? The waitress came to the table, and they both ordered Denver omelets.
    “Are we still going out to the Wetzlers’ house to prep today?” Jared said, when she walked away.
    “No.” Roy locked his fingers together. “They canceled the job.”
    “Ah shit.” They’d had a lot of cancellations lately. “So we’ll start the Deacon Street job early.”
    Roy leaned toward him like a conspirator. “Jared, it kills me to tell you this, but I don’t have enough work to keep you on. I have to let you go. I’d like to think it’s temporary, but we all know better. This recession isn’t going away for a while.”
    Jared felt like he’d been body slammed. He had to pull in some air before he could speak. “Why me? I’ve been with you for five years.”
    “I let Keith go too.”
    “What about Tyler?”
    Roy looked away. “He’s Noni’s kid. I’m stuck with him.”
    “But he’s not dependable and he can’t paint or sheetrock for shit.” Heat and shame fought for space in his chest. “What about Darrell? He’s only been with you a year.”
    “His wife just had a baby. They have no other income. At least Carla still has a job.”
    “I have two kids and a truck payment, not to mention rent. I don’t believe this, man.”
    “I have no choice.” Roy was louder now, less sympathetic. “We simply don’t have enough work to keep everyone on.”
    Jared’s mother had taught him to never raise his voice in public. He whispered loudly to make his point. “You know I can’t collect unemployment!”
    “You knew that when you took the job. I’m sorry.”
    Jared wanted to punch his smug little face. Instead, he bolted from the restaurant.
    Back in his truck, he put his forehead against the steering wheel and fought the black hole trying to swallow him. What the hell would he do now? No one was hiring. He heard his mother’s voice in his head, nagging him to quit working under the table and start paying into Social Security. Jared let out a bitter laugh. She got the first half of her wish.
    He couldn’t go home and face Carla yet. She was such a worrier. The thought of telling her he had no job made his teeth hurt. Carla counted on him to pay his share of the bills. He could not let her down ever