Secret Star Read Online Free PDF Page B

fingers closed around the stone, she felt the jolt—his fingers on her skin, the shimmering blue diamond between their hands.
    Something clicked, almost audibly.
    She wondered if he’d felt it, heard it. Why else did those enigmatic eyes narrow, or his hand linger? The breath caught in her throat.
    â€œImpressive, isn’t it?” she managed, then feltthe odd wave of emotion and recognition ebb when he took the stone from her hand.
    He didn’t care for the shock that had run up his arm, and he spoke bitingly. “I imagine this one’s out of even your price range, Ms. Fontaine.”
    She merely smiled. No, she told herself, he couldn’t have felt anything—and neither had she. Just imagination and stress. “I prefer to decorate my body in something less…obvious.”
    Bailey rose. “The Stars are my responsibility, unless and until the Smithsonian indicates otherwise.” She looked over at Cade, who remained in the doorway. “We’ll put them in the safe. All of them. And I’ll speak with Dr. Linstrum in the morning.”
    Seth turned the stone over in his hand. He imagined he could confiscate it, and its mates. They were, after all, evidence in several homicides. But he didn’t relish driving back to the station with a large fortune in his car.
    Parris was an irritant, he reflected. But he was an honest one. And, technically, the stones were in Bailey James’s keeping until the Smithsonian relieved her of them. He wondered just what the powers at the museum would have to say about the recent travels of the Three Stars.
    But that wasn’t his problem.
    â€œLock it up,” he said, passing the stone off toCade. “And I’ll be talking with Dr. Linstrum in the morning, as well, Ms. James.”
    Cade took one quick, threatening step forward. “Look, Buchanan—”
    â€œNo.” Quietly, Bailey stepped between them, a cool breeze between two building storms. “Lieutenant Buchanan’s right, Cade. It’s his business now.”
    â€œThat doesn’t stop it from being mine.” He gave Seth one last, warning look. “Watch your step,” he said, then walked away with the stone.
    â€œThank you for bringing Grace by so quickly, Lieutenant.”
    Seth looked down at the extended, and obviously dismissing, hand Bailey offered him. Here’s your hat, he thought, what’s your hurry. “I’m sorry you were disturbed, Ms. James.” His gaze flicked over to M.J. “Ms. O’Leary. You’ll keep available.”
    â€œWe’re not going anywhere.” M.J.’s chin angled, a cocky gesture as Jack crossed to her. “Drive carefully, Lieutenant.”
    He acknowledged the second dismissal with a slight nod. “Ms. Fontaine? I’ll drive you back.”
    â€œShe’s not leaving.” M.J. jumped in front of Grace like a tiger defending her cub. “She’s not going back to that house tonight. She’s staying here, with us.”
    â€œYou may not care to go back home, Ms. Fontaine,” Seth said coolly. “You may find it more comfortable to answer questions in my office.”
    â€œYou can’t be serious—”
    He cut Bailey’s protest off with a look. “I have a body in the morgue. I take it very seriously.”
    â€œYou’re a class act, Buchanan,” Jack drawled, but the sound was low and threatening. “Why don’t you and I go in the other room and…talk about our options?”
    â€œIt’s all right.” Grace stepped forward, working up a believable smile. “It’s Jack, isn’t it?”
    â€œThat’s right.” He took his attention from Buchanan long enough to smile at her. “Jack Dakota. Pleased to meet you…Miss April.”
    â€œOh, my misspent youth survives.” With a little laugh, she kissed his bruised cheek. “I appreciate the offer to beat up the lieutenant for me,