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this guy has a motive then that leads credence to your suspicion. Now you need to find out what that motive is.”
    Alex saw the conflicting emotions on Brad’s face, could feel his unease in believing in what he didn’t understand.
    -63-
    Anita Whiting
    “Remember what I said about my criteria for taking a case,
    Brad?” she asked coolly. “You’re not the only one making the decisions.”
    Rosa squeezed Alex’s hand, frowning. “Excuse me for being
    blunt, Brad, but don’t be a fool. If you feel firmly that your aunt was murdered, then Alex just gave you the confirmation you
    needed. So go with it, for crying out loud.”
    Right or wrong, Alex’s natural curiosity compelled her to
    glimpse inside Brad’s mind. What she saw saddened her. Fantasy and the illogical weren’t part of his upbringing or his makeup. He’d never pretended as a child, wasn’t allowed. There were numbers and hard facts and strict routines but no day dreams. Unexpected tears glistened in her eyes, tears for the small boy and not the grown man.
    He shrugged. “I guess I don’t have any choice, do I?”
    “Yes you do, Brad,” she said evenly. She rose, shouldering her purse and leaned down to kiss Rosa on the cheek. “I’ll give you a call next week and we can meet for lunch. Take care of her, Miguel, and call me the minute something happens and thanks for a truly wonderful meal.”
    She turned to leave but didn’t get far as Brad captured her
    wrist, spinning her back toward him as he stood.
    “You’ve got to curb that quick temper of yours if we’re going to work together for the next few weeks, lady. Won’t get much
    accomplished otherwise.”
    The resentment slowly faded as she caught the message behind the words. “That will never happen. My parents have worked on it for years.”
    “Your family all have the same temperament?” he asked wryly.
    -64-
    A Killer's Agenda
    Her lips tilted. “To varying degrees.”
    “God help your mother then.”
    “Actually, I think I inherited hers.”
    Brad moaned as Miguel rose, laughing, and slapped him on the back. “Good luck, buddy. You’re going to need it.”
    Rosa swatted him with a towel lying on the counter and slipped an arm around Alex’s waist. “All jokes aside, you two, be careful.
    The criminal mind works in strange ways. Miguel and I can both attest to that. If this nutcase thinks you’re getting close, there’s no telling what he’ll do to stop you.”
    “Speaking of close, it would seem the logical start would be to visit this Russell Ferron.” Brad turned to Alex. “You up for a road trip?”
    “I will be Monday. My parents are due to arrive back from
    vacation tomorrow and I can relinquish the family reins and move home after that.” She hugged Rosa again. “Which is why I have to get moving. God forbid Mom arrives and the house isn’t in tip top order.”
    She was aware Brad wasn’t comfortable with family and
    suddenly she wanted to change that. She barely knew the man, but she could feel the pain inside of him and the hurt he had buried deep. What was more, she knew without a doubt that there was something between them. Wasn’t sure she liked it but it was there nonetheless. She intended to find out what that something was.
    She waited until they reached her car. Tossing her purse
    inside, she turned to look up at him. “To be honest, I could use some help tomorrow afternoon if you have the time.”
    -65-
    Anita Whiting
    The surprise showed in his expression. “What kind of help?” he asked warily.
    “Alan has a football game tomorrow morning and Alicia has
    play practice. There are a number of things I’d like moved back to my house before my parents get home. It wouldn’t take long.”
    He shook his head. “Come on, Alex. Don’t tell me you don’t
    know at least ten men who would jump at the chance to do that.”
    “I think that was a compliment but I’m not sure,” she said,
    laughing up at him. “Yes or no?”
    “Why