The Reckoning Read Online Free PDF Page B

reach her eyes. “Not really, I’m not feeling very well.” Elizabeth pushed from her chair. “I’m sorry, Claire. Thank you for a wonderful dinner.” Elizabeth pointed toward the front door. “I need to go home and lie down.”
    Mike stood and took her hand. “Let me grab my keys, and I’ll drive you.”
    Elizabeth gently pulled her hand from his and wrapped it around her midsection. “That’s not necessary. I’ll just call a cab. I don’t want to ruin your sister’s party.”
    Claire pushed from her chair and rounded the table, taking Elizabeth ’s arm in hers. “Don’t be ridiculous. Mike brought you here. The least he can do is take you home.”
    Elizabeth just wanted to be alone. Her mind screamed that she needed to get as far away from the professor as possible. The fact that the professor was most likely the one in the garage; confirmed he had found her even before Abby’s department had called him in to help with the investigation. She wasn’t safe, and the incident in the parking garage just confirmed it.
    Claire walked her to the door with the rest of the family following. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to lie down in one of the guest rooms? I could call a doctor for you.”
    Elizabeth took Claire’s hand and gave a gentle squeeze. “No, I’m sure I’ll feel better in my own bed, but thank you for a lovely evening.”
     

CHAPTER 4
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Mike pulled the door of the SUV open for Elizabeth and waited for her to climb in. He turned and winked at Claire. His sister had a heart of gold; she cared for everyone, even if he didn’t agree with her attempts at playing matchmaker. Mike had felt Elizabeth ’s body stiffen beneath his palm. At first, he assumed it was the topic of discussion but she was a doctor. It didn’t make sense and he had no idea what was going on with her. He’d seen the flash of fear in her eyes seconds before she’d attempted to cover it with a smile. It was the same fear he’d seen in the parking garage, and he didn’t like it. It was in times like this he’d have liked to have Claire’s gift. She had the ability to read minds, where Mike could only visualize the actions that someone had just taken. 
    Mike pulled out of Claire’s drive and reached for Elizabeth ’s hand, entwining his fingers with hers. He’d meant for the gesture to be one of reassurance to calm her fear. He’d instinctively felt the need to make her feel safe. The moment his hand touched hers, he wished he could take it back. He was acting as if they were on a date. He shook his head at the thought and reminded himself; there was nothing wrong with them being friends as long as he didn’t act on what he really wanted to do with the doctor, then he would be fine.
    Her hands trembled. Mike glanced over at Elizabeth , curious at the change of events. “I’m sorry we bored you with work.”
    Elizabeth let out a sigh, leaned her head against the door, “You didn’t.”
    She turned her head, never lifting it from resting on the window. “You know, you could have stayed. I could have just called a cab.”
    Mike brought Elizabeth ’s hand to his lips and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “Nope, I promised to keep you safe from the boogey man, and that’s just what I intend to do.”
    Elizabeth let her eyelids fall closed.
    “You want to tell me what happened back there?”
    Elizabeth shook her head. “Not really. I just want to go home.”
    Mike had been surprised that Elizabeth hadn’t tried to lie and tell him that nothing was wrong. He was expecting her to deny it, to play it off like she wasn’t bothered. Now if he could just figure out why, he’d be a step closer to figuring the little doctor out. Elizabeth rode the rest of the way in silence with her eyes closed. The heaviness that permeated the air hung like a cloak veiling her reluctance to confide in him. She was distancing herself, and it was driving him crazy. He knew she was not only capable of a verbal