The Straight Crimes Read Online Free PDF

in my journal.”
    “You write?” she asked.
    “Yeah, all the time. That trip was so peaceful that it made it easy for me to concentrate. All you can hear are the seagulls and the roaring waves. The coolest part was being in the middle of the lake when all you can see is water. For once, I felt like I was free from my dad and all our problems.”
    Realizing Nik was opening up to her, it made Harper feel important. It made her smile. “How long did you get to stay?”
    “Three weeks. It went by really fast, but it was nice to get away from my parents’ arguing. I haven’t been back on the ferry since. I’ve thought about going again—just for the ride itself.”
    “I’d be fine just hoppin’ on one of those boats, gettin’ wrapped up in a blanket, and watchin’ the stars from the dock,” Harper said, pointing back towards the marina.
    “You’re easy to please.”
    “You think so, huh?”
    “Yeah, sounds like it.”
    “Well I know it ain’t as excitin’ as racin’ through the swamps to wrestle alligators, or whatever it is you think I did back in Louisiana,” Harper joked.
    “Probably not.” He laughed. “But I wouldn’t say no to a night under the stars at the marina.”
    Good—she thought to herself.
    After the ride finished its final lap, Nik helped Harper step out of the rocking carriage.
    As they stood beside a photographer, she asked, “What do you wanna do now?”
    “Let’s get our picture taken.”
    “Really?”
    “Yeah, so we can always remember our ride together.”
    Although she agreed, Harper was reluctant of what others may think.
    “Relax or you’re gonna look crazy,” Nik warned her.
    “No I ain’t.” Harper loosened her shoulders and let out a nervous giggle.
    “All right you guys hold still ‘til the count of three,” the photographer said.
    Nik placed his arm around Harper’s soft shoulder.
    The electric feeling of his body heat enveloped her soul. Although the experience of having an insanely hot guy pressing his warm flesh against hers was beyond comprehension, Harper still acted overly aware of who may be watching. One second she’d allow herself to relish in the delight, but the next, she was paranoid.
    However, by the time the photographer snapped his lens, Harper lost herself in the moment and allowed her true feelings to emanate through her expression…at least long enough for the camera to capture a truly, perfect moment.
     
    “I’ve had such a great time tonight. Thanks for invitin’ me, Nik.”
    “I’m glad you came.”
    “I appreciate you waitin’ on me for so long. Next time I’ll be on time.”
    “Sure. Let’s just say you owe me one.”
    “Oh yeah?”
    “Yeah, definitely.” Nik grinned.
    They were standing so close that their lips were only inches from each other. In those brief seconds, Harper felt the want on Nik’s breath matching her desire, but despite her yearning, she reluctantly pulled away.
    As they began heading home, Nik held the picture out until it finished developing. They stopped at a street corner lamp so he could get a better look.
    “Hey, it turned out great.” Nik noticed his expression. It’d been so long since he truly smiled, but being with Harper that night made it seem effortless.
    “Let me see.” She held the photo to the light. “Yeah, you’re right.” She shook her head in disbelief. They looked absolutely perfect together…and it scared her to death.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    THREE
     
     
    A s she hid from her sister in the damp basement, Mindi Sue Jones wrapped a tourniquet around her left arm like a professional rider hogtying a bucking bronco. She tapped two fingers against her flaky skin and searched for the first hungry vein to surrender itself.
    Her arms were horribly scarred, like some decimated battlefield. Each mark harbored a painfully dark story and an incessant thirst for illegal toxins.
    She closed her eyes in ecstasy as the sharp needle slowly penetrated her flesh, pumping heroin