Read Online Body of Lies by Deirdre Savoy - Free Book Online Page A

would ever put up with Adam?
    â€œLong day,” Zach said. “Is Stevie ready?”
    Barbara gave an exasperated sigh. “Does Martha Stewart wear white after Labor Day?”
    Zach chuckled. “I guess I should have known.” If he had to hang around he might as well see what his brother was up to. “Is Adam around?”
    â€œThe usual spot.”
    Which meant he was off in his study, probably brooding like the last time. Except now there was a hint of a smile on Barbara’s face. “Thanks, I think.”
    Barbara patted his shoulder as he turned to make his way to the study. “Have fun.”
    He knew the reason for Barbara’s smile even before he reached his destination. Adam wasn’t alone. He heard Jonathan’s voice as well as Adam’s as he approached the open door.
    â€œWell, if it isn’t the Brothers Grimm,” Zach said, taking a position by the door. “Plotting more tales to frighten the bejesus out of unsuspecting children?”
    â€œIt’s about time you showed,” Adam said. “We were beginning to think you weren’t coming.”
    â€œSo I heard.” Zach crossed to the bar Adam kept in the corner to pour himself a scotch. Something told him he was going to need it. “So what were you two up to when I came in?”
    â€œJoanna.” That came from Jon. “ We’re worried about her.”
    Zach recognized that tone and what it implied—that Zach wasn’t, which wasn’t true. Ever since Ray’s death, she’d done nothing but stay at home and look after her kids, which wasn’t like her. She hadn’t even returned to work two months ago, as she was supposed to.
    Her house was sparkling, but every time Zach saw her he sensed the emptiness inside her, the loss. But since he didn’t know what to do about that, he’d let her be. He didn’t know what his brothers expected him to do about it now.
    â€œShe needs to see someone, get past this.” Adam cast a glance at Jon. “Dana’s tried talking to her, but she’s not getting through.”
    That didn’t surprise Zach. If they shared one family trait in common it was that no one could get them to do something they didn’t want to do. “What do you want me to do? Hog-tie her and leave her on a shrink’s doorstep?”
    Adam sighed. “It’s a thought, but no. We were just expressing our frustration, really.” He sipped from his own glass. “How are things going with you? I hear you got pulled in on this Amazon Killer thing.”
    Zach slid into the seat next to Jon. “Yeah.”
    â€œIt’s not going to be a problem having Stevie stay with you?”
    â€œNot as long as all parties realize I’m probably not going to be in much. But Stevie’s a responsible girl.”
    Adam made a face suggesting that wasn’t entirely true. Zach grinned. “Don’t worry. I’ll lay down the law. Or if you’re so worried about her staying with me, why doesn’t she stay with this one over here?” He gestured toward his younger brother with his drink. Jon had a spare bedroom, just as he did.
    â€œThat one moved in with Dana two months ago.”
    Zach cast a surprised look at Jon. Two months ago? It surprised him less that his brother had made the move than the fact that no one had told him about it.
    Zach winked at Adam, letting him know he intended to have a little fun with their younger brother. “Poor girl. Is this a short-term deal or are you planning to make an honest woman of her sometime soon?”
    Jon’s expression didn’t betray the barest trace of humor. In fact, his jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. “I’m not the one who has trouble finding the right bed.”
    Zach exhaled, letting his breath flow out over clenched teeth. He should have known better than to expect a different reaction. Neither of his brothers possessed much of a