Read Online All Fall Down by Erica Spindler - Free Book Online Page A

bright side was working the investigation. Damn.”
    â€œI know, partner. I’m pissed, too.”
    When she only looked at him, he laughed andbumped her with his shoulder. “Okay, maybe not as pissed as you. But hell, it’s a matter of pride. The phone banks? Give me a break.”
    â€œThanks for cheering me up,” Melanie grumbled. “I feel so much better now. Positively giddy with delight.”

8
    T uesdays were papering day for the Person’s Team at the D.A.’s office. During that day a prosecutor from the team was available to advise on and review case merit for the police.
    Although many of the prosecutors dreaded their papering-day rotation, Veronica Ford didn’t. She enjoyed meeting with the police; she liked having the opportunity to hear and evaluate cases before anyone else touched them; she was always left feeling as if she had her finger on the pulse of the team.
    Some days were slow, some—like today—hectic. Rape, assault and battery, it seemed, had become a sudden, favorite pastime in Mecklenburg County. Veronica decided it must either be a full moon or the beginning of an economic recession. Both played hell with law and order.
    Jen rang her. “Veronica,” she said, “an Officer Melanie May is here to see you.”
    â€œMelanie May,” she repeated, recognizing the name, surprised at the coincidence. Especially since she had switched rotations with Rick so he could attend the Andersen case pow-wow that morning. The big news from that gathering was Cleve Andersen’sone-hundred-thousand-dollar reward offer. The entire office was buzzing with it.
    â€œShe’s with the Whistlestop force.”
    â€œI know who she’s with. Send her back.”
    A moment later the police officer appeared at her door. Veronica smiled and waved her in. “Officer May, have a seat.”
    The woman returned Veronica’s smile and sank into one of the two chairs facing the desk. “You look familiar,” she said. “Where do I know you from?”
    Veronica motioned to the line of Starbucks travel mugs on the credenza to her right. “We share an addiction to coffee.”
    â€œOf course. We frequent the same java joint.” Melanie May laughed. “I’m a cappuccino girl. You?”
    â€œLatte.” Veronica settled back against her seat. “I confess, when the receptionist announced you, I knew exactly who you were. From the coffeehouse. Your uniform and name tag give you away.”
    â€œYou’re observant.”
    â€œI’m an ADA, knowing the police is part of my job. I’m aided by an excellent memory.”
    The policewoman motioned toward the travel mugs. “I have to ask, why six?”
    Veronica glanced at them, then shook her head in self-directed amusement. “It started innocently enough. I forgot my travel mug one morning, so I bought another. I thought, why not? I could use a backup. I hate drinking out of paper.”
    â€œThen you forgot it again?”
    â€œExactly. It’s evolved into this elaborate system of collecting, transporting, then washing.” She shook herhead, smiling at herself. “Of course, I don’t call it obsessive-compulsive behavior, I tell myself I’m helping the environment by using plastic instead of paper. You know, saving trees. We can convince ourselves of anything, I suppose.”
    â€œA lawyer with a conscience.” Melanie grinned. “How novel.”
    Veronica laughed again. “Uh-oh. Sounds like you have a problem with lawyers.”
    â€œNot prosecutors. My ex-husband’s an attorney. Corporate law.”
    Veronica leaned toward her. “High-priced hand-holders and nose-wipers.” She made a face. “No thanks. Give me a scumbag to put on ice any day.”
    Melanie laughed. “Well, here’s your chance. I have a class-A creep for you.”
    â€œFill me in.”
    â€œName’s Thomas Weiss,”