Touching Evil Read Online Free PDF Page B

but you’ve been through a terrible ordeal.  Take some time to consider it.” Cam was certain he was the only one to find her words fraught with irony.
    “Glad you at least recognize that Dr. Channing has been through a trauma.”  Cam propped a palm on either side of the open doorway, sending a meaningful glance toward Maria.  
    As usual her black hair, liberally threaded with silver was pulled back, its severe style reflected in the plain dark pants and jacket she wore.  She returned his gaze imperturbably.  “I’m not without sympathy for what Sophia’s been through.  That’s why I told her to take some time before deciding whether to resume her assistance on the task force.”
    “Dr. Channing,” Sophie’s spirited response held just a hint of inflection, “is standing right here.  And while I appreciate everyone’s concern, it’s unnecessary.  I’m going crazy sitting around while everyone else tiptoes around me as if I’m a bomb ready to detonate.  If I can continue to be of help in light of last night’s developments, of course I want to do so.  Vance terrorized me while I was his captive, but I didn’t suffer what his other victims did.  I’m fine. ”
    Cam studied her, mingled resignation and concern threading through him.  Her slender frame was wrapped in a thin thigh-length robe, her long blond hair tumbling down her back.  But it was her injuries that brought a clutch to his chest.  “You look fine,” he drawled, a dangerous heat to the words.
    As if on cue, she flushed.  The bruise on her jaw had graduated from navy to purple, ringed with yellow.  Her lip was still puffy and her left arm in a splint.  From the careful way she moved he realized her injuries weren’t limited to those visible.
    But it was the emotional injuries that concerned him most.  He knew they were there, even while she continued to deny it.  Cam still suffered the occasional post-traumatic stress flashback himself from the nearly two years he’d spent undercover on a multi-agency drug taskforce.  He knew from personal experience that there was no way someone could have survived what Sophie had without some collateral emotional damage.
    Which is why he no longer wanted her anywhere near this case.
    Clearly believing that she’d gotten what she’d come for, Maria said, “Take all the time you need, Sophia. You can call me when you make your decision.”
    Cam fixed Sophie with a look, as if by sheer force of will alone he could alter what she would say next.  Their gazes did battle as she responded, “I don’t need time.  I’m ready to resume my consulting duties whenever you need me.”
    Maria switched her attention to Cam.  “Nine o’clock briefing?”  He gave a curt nod before she exited the room.  He walked over to the overstuffed chair in front of the desk and sank down heavily.  Leaning forward, he rested his elbows on his knees and scrubbed his hands over his face.  He’d been up over twenty-four hours.  It was going to be a lot longer before he’d get any rest.
    But it wasn’t sleep that concerned him most right now.  Dropping his hands, he studied the woman who was watching him soberly.  Aside from her physical injuries she looked none the worse for wear.  The bruises provided stark contrast to her gilded angel appearance, highlighted the refined features and intelligent brow.  Most wouldn’t notice the mauve shadows under her eyes.  They were silent testament that she was anything but fine .  She wasn’t sleeping.  After what she’d been through, who the hell could?
    Her smile was tentative.  “I know what you’re thinking…”
    “I made you a promise.”  He heard the bleakness in his tone, was unable to temper it.  Not now.  Not when there was just the two of them.  “Three days ago.  Do you remember it?”
    Something in her expression softened and she came over to lean a hip against the overstuffed arm of his chair.  “You said you wouldn’t let