Whispering Rock Read Online Free PDF

she agreed, but she wouldn’t accept birth control. In a very businesslike tone she asked Mel, “How much?”
    “Forget it, Carra. This one’s on the house. Call me if youneed me. Anytime. I mean it—anytime. Night or day. I’ll write down the number here and my number at home for you. Okay?”
    “Thanks,” she said meekly.
    After all that, the thing that really tore at Mel’s heart was seeing her patient ride away on her bicycle. The girl wasn’t even old enough to drive a car. And she pedaled while standing up—her tender bottom couldn’t handle the seat.
     
    Mike Valenzuela called Brie. He couldn’t help himself. It had been two weeks since he’d heard her voice. Jack was more than happy to keep him up-to-date on her recovery, how she sounded, but Mike needed more. “How are you feeling?” he asked her.
    “Pretty rugged. Kind of edgy and nervous,” she answered. “But then, it hasn’t been that long.”
    “Physically?” he pressed.
    “I… Ah… I guess the worst is over. The bruises are beginning to fade. But it’s amazing how long it takes a couple of ribs to heal.”
    “Jack says you took an extended leave of absence from the prosecutor’s office,” Mike said.
    “Did he tell you why?” she asked.
    “No. And you don’t have to tell me. Don’t make yourself uncomfortable.”
    “Doesn’t matter,” she said coldly. “Because I can’t work like that—when I can prosecute a suspect for rape and he gets off.” She laughed bitterly. “On me! ”
    “Oh, Brie,” he said, sympathetic. “God, I’m so sorry.”
    “If I get a chance, if they find him, I’m going to bury him. I’ll put him away for life. I swear to God.”
    Mike took a deep breath. “You’re one of the bravestwomen I’ve ever known. I’m proud of you. If there’s anything I can do…”
    “It’s nice of you to call,” she said more softly. “Not many people besides family are brave enough—I guess they’re afraid of what they might hear. Does Jack know you called?”
    It wouldn’t be long before Jack found out, Mike thought. Sam had answered the phone, asked who was calling before putting her on. “I didn’t call you because you’re Jack’s sister, but because you’re my friend and I wanted to know how you are. I don’t really care if Jack’s okay with it, only if you are.”
    “I’m okay with it. His protective nature usually just amuses me. Or annoys me. But not at the moment,” she said. “It feels kind of like a shield, just knowing how he is.”
    “I’d be protective if you were my sister, too,” Mike said. “I’m feeling protective myself, though there’s not much I can do but call and talk. I think this is what happens to everyone around the crime, Brie. We all have our responses—from the victim to her friends and family. It’s all part of the healing process. I watched my friends and family go through that, too. It’s one of the reasons I came up here—it was becoming oppressive. Their need for me to heal so they could feel better.”
    “I keep forgetting that,” she said. “That’s how self-absorbed I’ve become. You’re a crime victim, too.”
    “You’re supposed to be self-absorbed right now. Self-protective. Focused.”
    “And that’s how you were?” she asked him.
    “Ohhhh.” He laughed. “I wish you could’ve seen my routine. I started out the day by crawling out of bed crippled, the pain terrible. I dosed up on the anti-inflammatory, iced down my shoulder and groin, drank Mel’s protein supplement drinks that would gag a maggot, and then started my exercises with one-pound weights—so light, so nothing. And it wouldmake me almost cry. Then I’d have to lie down. It took me two months to do a sit-up—and Mel would help me with the physical therapy on my shoulder every day, but not until afternoon, not until I could drink a beer first to take the edge off. She’s little, you know, but you shouldn’t let that fool you—she can pull and push and grind on