Race Against Time Read Online Free PDF Page B

filled the doorway. “Brody.”
    He nodded toward her, his posture stiff and professional. “Madison. I just thought I’d stop by and see how you’re doing.”
    “Kayla’s been a lifesaver.” She glanced back at Lincoln, who still played a video game, oblivious to anything that had happened. “We’re all hanging in, doing as well as can be expected.”
    His eyes caught hers, and he seemed to search her gaze for evidence of truth in her words. She looked away, afraid he’d seen her fear and exhaustion.
    He seemed to take the hint as the warmth left his eyes and an aloof professionalism replaced it. “I wanted to let you know that the crime scene has been cleared. You’re free to return home whenever you’re ready.”
    Kayla placed her hand on Madison’s arm. Compassionate eyes met hers. “You’re welcome to stay here for as long as you need.”
    Madison nodded, relief filling her. She wasn’t sure she was ready to face her house yet. Though Bonnie had also offered them the chance to stay at her place, Madison knew that Bonnie’s ailing mother also lived there. Madison didn’t want to place any more pressure on the woman. Kayla’s place would be perfect, though, especially since Lincoln already felt at home here. “I appreciate it. I think I’ll go back to my house tomorrow after Lincoln is at school and try to straighten up. I don’t want him to see it in its current state.” The noose wrapped around the fan flashed into her mind. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to erase the image.
    A firm hand came down on her shoulder. She opened her eyes and saw that Brody had closed the distance between them. The warmth returned to his gaze.
    “That’s probably a good idea.” His voice sounded kind and assuring. Her racing thoughts slowed. “How about if I pick you up in the morning to help out? You’re going to need a new front door. I’d be happy to help replace it, especially since I was the one who knocked it down.”
    Madison felt her eyes widen against her will. Was this the same man who’d given her the cold shoulder since he’d moved in? Again she reminded herself that he was just doing his job—though fixing her door probably wasn’t written out explicitly in his work description. “I don’t want you to go out of your way…”
    “I don’t mind.”
    She swallowed, her throat dry. “Thank you, then. That would be a huge help.”
    His hand dropped from her shoulder and she instantly missed it. Was she this desperate for someone to help take care of her? She’d never thought of herself as a needy woman. Instead, she’d thought she’d been strong and independent. Based on her reactions to Brody today, maybe she was wrong.
    Brody gave her a tight smile before nodding at Kayla. “Good night, then. Call me if you need anything. And lock your doors tonight.”
    Madison shuddered. Did locked doors even keep people safe? Today had proved otherwise.
    * * *
    As Brody drove home, he wondered why he’d volunteered to spend more time than necessary with Madison. He told himself it was because she might remember more details about her attacker and Brody wanted to be there when she did. He even told himself that it was his job to keep her safe, although in actuality his job was to solve the crime more than act as bodyguard.
    Brody knew there was more to his offer. He’d known from the moment he set eyes on the pretty blonde that she was the type of woman it would be easy to fall for. If he was smart, he’d still keep her at a distance. He’d let her find someone from church or work who could help her with the door. He’d interact with her only enough to get the answers he needed, he decided as he pulled up in front of his house.
    But if he didn’t help her pick up in the aftermath of the attack, who would? The woman seemed so busy that he rarely saw her take time for social visits at her home. Not that he was paying attention to who came and went.
    He glanced over at her house, unusually silent