Read Online At the Drop of a Hat by Jenn McKinlay - Free Book Online Page B

States would call a defense attorney, I believe.”
    â€œOh,” I said. “Did Stephen call you?”
    â€œNo, the three of us were having lunch together when Stephen got Ariana’s message from your phone. We hurried over to the office but she had already been taken here.” He paused and studied me. His look was warm and approving and I felt it all the way down to my toes. “It was good of you to come with her.”
    â€œIt was the least I could do,” I said. I glanced over to where she and Stephen had their heads together. He was whispering in her ear and she was nodding. Her lips were pressed tightly together as if she was trying very hard not to cry again.
    â€œShe’ll be all right,” Harrison said. “Stephen is a good man. He’ll get her through this.”
    I glanced back at him. “So Alistair and Stephen are both friends of yours?”
    â€œRugby mates,” he said with a nod. “We’ve been playing together for years. You should come to a match sometime.”
    I looked at him. Was he inviting me as an old friend, a new friend, a woman he had recently kissed senseless? How was I to know? And, I scolded myself, why did it matter? I was not interested in him or anyone. Right?
    â€œI’m sure Viv, Fee and I would love that,” I said. My voice sounded stiff.
    â€œExcellent. I’ll let you know when we have our next match,” he said. His voice was as starchy as mine.
    What had happened to our easy friendship? Oh, yeah, he had kissed me and that now sat between us like a big hairy beast.
    â€œExcellent,” I parroted him. Yeesh, if the conversation became any more wooden, I’d be picking splinters out of my tongue. Bleh.
    Much to my relief, Alistair reappeared. He gave Ariana an encouraging smile. “The inspectors thank you for your cooperation and have said that you’re free to go.”
    Ariana sagged in relief. Stephen kissed the top of her head and said, “Come on, love, let’s get you home.”
    Harrison and I went to follow them but Alistair stopped me with a hand on my elbow.
    â€œI’m sorry, Scarlett, but you’re not dismissed yet.”

Chapter 8

    â€œWhat?” I asked. “Why?”
    He gave me a sympathetic glance under very long thick curly eyelashes that made me positively green with envy. Such beautiful lashes were wasted on a man, okay, maybe not on him, because, well, wow. But still, I could really put lashes like that to use.
    â€œThe inspectors asked to speak with you particularly,” Alistair said.
    I drew my attention away from his lashes and focused on his words.
    â€œI suppose I have no choice then,” I said.
    Ariana glanced around at me with horrified eyes. “Oh, no, I’m so sorry, Scarlett. Here, I’ll wait for you.”
    â€œNo,” I said. “It’s fine. Inspector Franks and I go way back. He’s practically a favorite uncle. Go on ahead.”
    Stephen gave me a grateful smile but Ariana looked unsure. I stepped close and took her hands in mine. “You’ve had a terrible day. There’s no need for you to stay for me. Truly, I’ll be fine.”
    â€œI’ll wait for her,” Harrison said. “In fact, I’ll even go in with her. Inspector Franks and I go a ways back as well.”
    â€œAre you quite sure?” Ariana asked.
    â€œAbsolutely,” I said. “Tell you what—why don’t you pop over to the shop tomorrow and we can discuss your hat in greater detail. All right?”
    Ariana gave me a watery smile. Then she unexpectedly let go of my hands and hugged me tight.
    â€œThank you for everything,” she said. “I don’t think I could have gotten through this day without you.”
    I patted her shoulder and she stepped back. Alistair gave me a small smile and a wink before following after Ariana and Stephen.
    Once they had disappeared, Harrison turned to me and asked,