The Wrong Man Read Online Free PDF Page A

walking along Melrose almost daily. I saw them at the coffee shop around the corner from my shop. I even ran into them at the dry cleaners. It felt like I was being followed but the sentiment smacked of paranoia, so I shrugged it off and tried to strike a friendly but distant vibe.
    If it hadn’t been for Mack, I probably would have turned around or pretended not to see him. Granted, that was immature, but I was desperate to avoid Jake if possible. The problem was I couldn’t ignore Mack. He seemed to recognize me. His tail went crazy when he saw me. He would dart at me as though directing Jake toward a special friend he simply had to greet. I was charmed by the old dog’s attention. He was ancient in canine years, and he certainly moved like a senior citizen. The fact he mustered the extra energy for my sake was endearing.
    I was standing in a longer-than-normal line, waiting to order my daily caffeine fix one morning before opening the store. A trip to the coffee shop was as much a part of my routine as brushing my teeth and getting dressed. I had a fabulous commercial-grade machine at home, so there really was no excuse for spending money on my extra-large drip every day. But I loved the friendly baristas and the fact I didn’t have to tell them my name or order. It made for a pleasant start to my day. Waiting in a line wasn’t my favorite though. I sighed heavily and pulled my phone from my pocket. My gaze was glued to my cell, but I heard the running commentary of the young women in front of me. They were gossiping about a coworker when one of them stopped and drew in an exaggerated breath.
    “Check out the guy who just came in. The one wearing a fire department T-shirt. He is gorgeous! Hmm, he can come put out my fire any time.” Her companion giggled appreciatively. I paused mid-text, instinctively knowing who I’d see when I looked up. Yep. The ubiquitous Jake Westley.
    “Hey, there! Wow. We seem to run into each other a lot lately,” he greeted me warmly as he took his place in line behind me.
    “I was just thinking the same thing.” I put my phone away and glanced at him briefly before stepping forward.
    The girls were correct. He was fine. His wavy hair was slightly damp and mussed like he’d finger brushed it after showering. He was wearing a basic LAFD tee and form-fitted jeans. There was nothing special about his clothing but it couldn’t be denied he wore them well. The way the white T-shirt clung to his biceps and stretched across his broad shoulders was mouthwatering. I gulped. He might be hot, but Jake was off limits.
    “Busy day?” he asked conversationally.
    I sighed and turned to give him a snarky reply but something stopped me. He looked tired. Exhausted actually.
    “Yeah. You okay? You look like you haven’t slept.”
    “I haven’t.” He chuckled softly and gave my arm a slight push to keep me from holding up the line. “I’m just coming off a four-day shift. So yeah, I’ve slept, but it’s different when you’re not in your own bed.”
    “How does that work? Is it like the movies? Do you have a bunk you share or what?” I was curious in spite of myself.
    “Pretty much. I was bunked with a serious snorer last night.” He shook his head mournfully.
    “Earplugs?” I glanced up to see I was next in line and smiled at Juan, the barista. My coffee would be waiting for me when I got to the register.
    “Nah. I’ve adjusted to sleeping lightly at the station and soundly at home. I wouldn’t have lasted long in my profession if I asked for earplugs and quiet to get a night’s rest, Bran.”
    I started at the affectionate inflection in his tone when he spoke my name. It was oddly familiar and sent an instant shiver down my spine. I licked my lips and looked up at him distractedly. He smiled sweetly and gave my shoulder a gentle tap.
    “Let me buy your drink.”
    He stepped in front of me and placed his order with Juan before turning to ask what I’d like. Juan smirked