Unforgivable Read Online Free PDF Page A

back to business. “Your three hundred dollars?”
    A little furrow formed between her brows. “What, you don’t?”
    He could tell by her tone that she didn’t believe it, either. What he needed to know was why she didn’t believe it. What clue had she picked up on—something he might have missed—that told her there was more to this than a money grab?
    She gulped and looked down at her lap. One of those corkscrew curls fell in front of her face. “I guess not. I mean, I know this sounds strange, but the money? It was almost as if it didn’t matter to him. Five thousand, three hundred, he didn’t really care, you know?” She rubbed the spot of blood on her pants. “And if that was all he wanted, why not just ditch me there in town and take my Jeep? Why make me drive all the way out to OldMill Road?” Her eyes met his, dark and somber now. “I don’t think money was all he wanted. I think he wanted to kill me.”
    The words hung in the air as Ric watched her. He had a responsibility to two victims here: a murdered cop and a young woman who’d barely squeaked by with her life. It was time for him to shove aside his personal feelings and work the hell out of this case, because he intended to close it. Soon. Before Frank Hannigan was even cold in the ground.
    He stood up. “Thanks for your cooperation. We’ll be in touch.”
    She blinked up at him, as if not comprehending his brusque words. “That’s it?”
    “For now, yes. If your Jeep is recovered, we’ll give you a call, obviously.”
    She stood up now, too, and he could almost feel the chill settling over her. “Fine. Let me get your jacket.”
    She walked past him into the hallway, and he followed. She veered into the bedroom wing. He waited by the front door and noticed the keypad mounted beside it. The security system looked new, and she hadn’t gotten around to patching up the paint from when it had been installed.
    She returned and handed him his jacket. “There might be some blood on the lining. My hands were messy when I put it on.”
    She looked tired standing there. And sad, too. He took the jacket from her, fully aware that he could have offered her something more tonight—comfort, at least—and that he’d disappointed her instead.
    Get used to it, babe.
    She glanced up, as if he’d said the words aloud. She pulled the door open and stood back.
    “Set your alarm.” He stepped into the cold night and glanced up and down her street before looking back at her. “And try to get some sleep.”

CHAPTER 3

    Mia ignored the circling buzzards as Sophie pulled into the Delphi Center parking lot and found a space close to the entrance. They were early, which meant prime parking. It also meant that Mia was starting what promised to be an extraordinarily challenging day on little more than two hours of sleep.
    “Looks like they’ve got a fresh specimen,” Sophie said as they crossed the lot.
    Mia didn’t look. She didn’t want to think about carrion birds or the fact that her workplace sat in the middle of a decomposition research center, better known as a body farm.
    “You sure you’re up for this?” Sophie gave her a concerned look as they hiked up the white marble stairs leading to the front lobby where Sophie had her desk.
    “I couldn’t stay home today. I’d go stir-crazy.” Mia unbuttoned her wool coat as they passed through a pair of tall Doric columns.
    “If you say so. Me? I’d call in sick and get some R and R, maybe watch a few talk shows, go get my toes done.”
    Mia shot her a look.
    “You seem stressed. That’s all I’m saying. And you should never underestimate the power of a good pedicure.”
    “Thanks, but I’d rather be here,” Mia said.
    Sophie pulled out her ID badge and swiped her way into the building. The security guard, Ralph, gave them a nod as they entered.
    Mia unwound her scarf and took a moment just to stand. She loved the lobby at this time of day. The morning sun cast shimmering white beams