Smoky Mountain Investigation Read Online Free PDF Page A

to get back to work again, he’d be on his way. He had no intention of hanging around.
    “Speaking of Steven.” Nick cleared his throat. “I should check in on him and get back to the store.”
    Her brow creased. For an instant she just stared at him, and then her face relaxed a bit. “Sorry you had to get involved in this mess. But I do appreciate your help and concern.”
    Before he had the chance to tell her he was glad to be of assistance, Kylie turned away, pulling open the car door and slipping behind the wheel.
    “Say hello to Steven for me,” she called out her open window as she revved up the engine and backed out of the parking spot.
    “Be careful and don’t forget about the room offer,” he called after her, his words trailing, carried away by the breeze.
    Tension strummed through every muscle, reminding him to keep a close eye on Kylie.
    * * *
    There was little traffic, so the ride to the hospital took only a few minutes. The woman at the information desk directed Nick to the first set of elevators and told him to get off on the third floor, the rehab unit.
    The door to Steven’s room stood ajar. Nick inched it farther open and heard chuckles from the other side of the pulled curtain. Stepping farther into the room, he cleared his throat. A tall blonde dressed in green scrubs yanked the fabric drapery back.
    Steven sat in a reclining chair in the corner of the room, his casted leg elevated and his arm in a sling resting on a pillow. His face lit up. “Bro, welcome.”
    Nick stepped closer. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
    “No, no.” Steven waved his good arm toward the woman in scrubs. “This is my physical therapist, Amy. We just had a therapy session and she was helping me get comfortable.”
    Nick nodded. “I see.”
    “Well, Steven, I’ll check back with you later.” Amy brushed past Nick and slipped out the door.
    “See you later, Amy,” Steven called after her. His gaze bounced to Nick. “I was expecting you sooner. I thought you got into town last night.”
    “I did. But by the time I got to your place it was too late to call or come by.” Nick moved closer to his brother and extended his hand. “I’d give you a hug, but I’m afraid I don’t have Amy’s gentle touch.”
    “No problem.” Steven laughed as he shook Nick’s hand. “Good to see you. I hate that your plane got in late. I know you had a long trip.”
    “Actually, we landed on time. I just ran into an old friend.”
    “Nice.” Steven chuckled. “I’m laid up in bed and you ditched me for an old friend.”
    “I wouldn’t say I ditched you, although it looks like you’ve been in good hands.” Nick lifted a brow.
    “Oh, yeah. What can I say? Women love me.” The pleasant smirk on Steven’s face made Nick laugh.
    “So who was this old friend you ran into?” Steven winced as he adjusted his sling.
    Nick pulled a chair to the side of Steven’s recliner, angling it toward him. “Kylie Harper.”
    “Kylie?” Steven eyes rounded. “I would think she’s more than an old friend.”
    She had been once, but those days were gone. And at the moment, Nick had no intention of rehashing those memories. “Have you seen the news today?”
    With his brow knitted, Steven said, “No, why?”
    “There was a murder at the airport last night. I ran into Kylie in the baggage claim as the body was being removed from the scene.”
    “Wow. Pretty creepy. Was Kylie there covering the story?”
    Nick shook his head. “No. She was contacted by the killer and he directed her to the victim. An unknown man with his throat slit.”
    “What?” Steven sat upright in his chair before slumping against the back again. “Ow!”
    Nick jumped up from his chair. “What can I do?”
    “Adjust my leg a little to the left and place the pillow back under my sling.”
    Nick did as his brother asked.
    “Throat slit?” Steven said through gritted teeth. “Coincidence, or is Conrad’s killer back?”
    “That’s what