Shadows to Light (Shadows of Justice 5) Read Online Free PDF Page B

lot."
    "Enough that I'm considering a new paint job. My kids groan when I take them to school in this."
    "Kids?"
    "Yeah. Couple of former street rats, brother and sister, and smart as I've seen. Love 'em to death. The adoption should be official soon," he finished as if he knew what she was thinking.
    Except he couldn't know she was thinking of her own father and the years she'd gone without him because he was working on something sensitive, or more likely something the elders wouldn't approve of. There were notes and emails, but she'd always felt something missing. The feeling intensified, along with the mystery as her gift for healing strengthened and developed into a brighter power than any of her peers.
    Cleveland drove across the river into the refurbished and now respectable Financial District.
    He pulled to the curb in front of the bistro and put the car in park. A neon sign over the door declared it Leanore's and a handwritten sign in the window announced it was under new management.
    "That's the place," he said, shifting to face her. "You have allies here in town, Mira."
    She paused, one hand on her bag, the other on the door handle. "If I ever don't need a cab, I'll be sure to call you."
    Cleveland smiled, but his eyes were a little sad. "Do that."
    With the sense that she'd disappointed him, she said thanks and climbed out of the big vehicle, uncertain what sort of reception she'd get from Leanore.
    No coward, Mira took a breath and walked through the bistro's outdoor dining area decorated with white lights and fresh evergreens and into the colorful small, restaurant. It was an odd little place, a blend of coffee shop, convenience store and bar. When she spotted lobster ravioli in take out containers in self serve cooler near the door she realized Leanore catered to a specific clientele with superb taste.
    A waitress smiled on her way to serve a table outside. "Seat yourself, we'll be right with you."
    Mira took an empty seat at the granite-topped bar and tried to decide what to tell Leanore.
    A slender woman with platinum blonde hair in a short spiky style burst through the door behind the bar. "Mira?" She smiled and rushed forward. "It's so great to see you!" She swept Mira into a hug. "God, you look amazing. Come on back and let's get caught up." She drew Mira with her into the kitchen, then pointed at a small office. "Go on ahead, I'll just order up something to nosh while we chat."
    Moments later she returned, closing the door to the noisy kitchen. "I'm Leanore. Micky sent me a picture of you so I'd know who to expect."
    Leanore's big, happy personality filled the small office and Mira struggled to find words beyond 'Thank you'.
    "It's no problem. I'd bet good money everyone in town owes Slick Micky in one way or another. What do you need?"
    "A chance to catch my breath, I guess."
    Leanore laughed, the merry sound pinging around the small space. "I can make that happen." A knock on the door signaled the tray from the kitchen. Leanore accepted that, but cut off the long, curious stare aimed at Mira.
    "I've got a room upstairs you can have for as long as you need," she said when they were alone again.
    "Is that your repayment to Slick Micky?"
    Leanore's smile slipped. "Girl don't you get it? There are things you don't want to know. Suffice it to say you can stay here with no obligation to me. Okay?"
    Mira nodded.
    "Now dig into that lunch special then I'll give you the tour and your own access code. As far as anyone here knows, you and I were friends in school."
    "Got it."
    "And you're staying with me while you look for a job. Is that good enough?"
    "Sure."
    "I thought that would explain any coming and going you might need to do."
    With her mouth full of the delightful sliced roast and red pepper sandwich, Mira nodded again.
    "Look, I don't know what your deal is with Slick Micky – and I really don't want to. All I ask is that you keep your business to yourself. That means no visitors beyond the restaurant