Read Online Captured Again by L.L. Akers - Free Book Online Page A

supportive and keep a close eye on her,” Emma explained, hoping it would be enough to stop any more questions.
    “That still doesn’t answer why you’re going to take her husband’s clothes.”
    “Well... she has all his stuff just sitting there. We’re just taking out a few things at a time. Some sweatpants and basketball shorts and a couple of T-shirts. Trust me, he has a lot more. Gabby won’t even miss them,” Emma answered.
    The car rolled to a stop outside Gabby’s house. Emma reached for the door handle when she felt Dusty’s hand on her arm. She looked back at him only to see the same determined look she saw last night when he’d finally told her she was being arrested.
    “Emma, wait. Even if this is your sister’s house, I cannot just let you go in there and steal her dead husband’s stuff. That’s not only illegal; it’s just not right,” he said very solemnly. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you do that.”
    Emma cringed at the “dead husband” part and closed her eyes as a wave of grief washed over her. She was so screwing this up and digging herself a hole with this guy.
    “No, you’re confused. I’m not stealing them! I’m just... moving them... Look, it’s complicated.”
    “This still doesn’t make sense to me.”
    “Look, Officer Rowan , I’m not doing anything illegal—or immoral. My family knows, and I’m not the only one doing it. If it makes you feel better, I’ll call my sister Olivia and let you listen in. Hang on a second.”
    Emma frantically pulled her phone out and dialed Olivia. Turning it once to Dusty, so he could see the “Twinnie #1” contact name as it popped up, she then put it on speaker and could hear it ringing. Hurry up, Olivia. Pick up! I really need to hurry here. Gabby’s house was off the road quite a bit, but if someone came by to deliver something or check on Gabby—as neighbors had been frequently doing lately—they might see the patrol car in her driveway and mention it to her.
    “Hello?”
    “Olivia! It’s Emma. Look... I’ve got you on speakerphone and need you to answer a question or two. Just answer yes or no, okay?”
    “Okay,” Olivia said hesitantly.
    “Okay. Is Gabby grieving for Jake?”
    “Oh, for God’s sake, Emma. What kind of question is that? You know she is! What’s wrong with you?”
    “Olivia! I have you on speakerphone. I said to answer just yes or no... I’ll explain later.”
    “YES!” her oldest and usually most patient twin sister said and let out a tired sigh.
    “And does Gabby still have all Jake’s clothes just as he left them, and do we take turns taking—I mean moving—some of them, and is it my turn to do a grab while Gabby’s at work?”
    “Yes, yes, and yes. What is this about, Emma?”
    “I gotta go... Love you, bye.”
    Emma had been watching Dusty during the call. Now he just shook his head, giving up.
    “All right, go, then.”
    Emma scrambled out of the car and jogged to Gabby’s front door. She looked over her shoulder to see if Dusty was watching before finding the hidey spot where they kept their extra key. Olivia had made a copy of hers so everyone could get in to check on Gabby in case of an emergency, and they kept it hidden well. She didn’t trust Dusty to know where it was—even if he was a cop. There were only a few people on this earth she did trust, and that was her family.
    She got the door open and looked back to see Dusty was watching now. She gave him a one-finger salute—not that finger... the other one—indicating she would be back in a minute. Once in the house, she hurried into Gabby and Jake’s room and snatched several things, rolling them up as fast as she could into neat bundles. She swiped a grocery bag from the laundry room bag holder and shoved the clothes in, then hurried back out the front to lock up. She was in and out in less than five minutes and pulling away from Gabby’s street in record time.
    “Thanks so much. You can take me back to my car