Safely Home Read Online Free PDF

no cryin’ or whinin’, you hear me, boy?”
    He did. And he’d follow the directive because no matter how bad the sliver removal might be, the punishment if he didn’t sit quiet and still?
    Far worse.
    He went inside, trying to ignore the smells, the waste, the dirt, pretending he was surrounded by soft yellow walls and pretty white flowers . He used to see the room clearly in his head, and he’d imagine himself there, laughing. Playing.
    The image was gone now, but the colors stayed, warm and sweet. But even those were graying along the edges. What would he do when even the tiniest glimpses of “before” vanished?
    He had no idea.
     
     

 
    Chapter Three
     
    A flash of color interrupted Alex’s work the following week. He turned as Cress Dietrich stepped into view, the wide cherry entry trim framing her rust-brown hair and matching eyes. He tried to ignore the appealing look, mostly because he was way too familiar with the scornful attitude beneath the prettiness.
    She looked perturbed , much like she had when he stumbled upon her in Gran’s kitchen seven days before. But with Cress, irritation wasn’t exactly a news flash.
    He refused to sigh. Instead, he eased a hip onto the edge of his desk and waited, silent. The cop side of her met his gaze dead on, unwavering, until he hiked a brow and inclined his head. “You wanted me, Detective?”
    “Like a mouse wants a trap.”
    One side of his mouth quirked up. “Equating yourself to a rodent? A new low.”
    Her brick-brown eyes sharpened. “Or you to an inanimate predator, watching as you plan how to bilk other grieving old folks out of their life savings.”
    He’d rather die than reveal Norma’s secret, so he’d leave Cress Dietrich to think what she would, although part of him— a very small part— wanted her approval, but he chalked that up to old crap, re-visited , and shoved it aside. “Still quick, Cress.”
    “ But not quick enough it would seem.”
    He eased off the desk and inclined his head in acknowledgement. “Now that the customary pleasantries have been exchanged, what can I do for you?”
    “My grandmother sent this.” She handed over a folder. “Said you requested it.”
    Alex angled his gaze, meeting hers, taking his time. “And—  the cookies?”
    She flushed. Obviously she didn’t realize Norma called ahead. Alex kept his face flat while he smiled inside. “My cookies, Detective?”
    She met his look, resolute. “In the car.”
    “Stealing’s a crime.” He moved closer. She’d lost the cop face the minute he mentioned her grandmother’s oatmeal raisin confections, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. “Might even be considered grand theft, considering the worth of Gran’s cookies.”
    “Or I simply forgot to get them out of the back seat.”
    “Hmm.” He crowded her space. She step ped back, a move of concession, making him wonder why she’d do that. The Cress he knew wouldn’t hesitate to stand her ground. “I don’t think you forget too much, Detective. You figured to punish me by maintaining the cookies in absentia. You commandeered my stash. Lucky for me, I knew they were en route and was able to track their progress. Very Fed Ex.”
    “Gran talks too much,” Cress asserted. Her stance tightened. “And hangs with the wrong crowd.”
    “Mary Jenkins? Ginny Dumerese?” Doubt edged his tone. “I think they’re nice.”
    “I meant you.”
    “I’m wounded.” He feigned pain, set the folder down, and moved toward the door. “Where’s your car?”
    She looked angry and trapped. Good. She deserved both. And maybe an old fashioned spanking to top things off. That thought led him in the wrong mental direction and it took work to maintain an easy expression. But he did it.
    She jerked her head. “On Sixth.”
    “I’m hungry. Let’s go.”
    “I can get them myself.”
    He waited as she went through the door, followed, then pulled it shut behind him, making sure the lock engaged. “That’s like asking the