Read Online Chosen (Second Sight) by Hazel Hunter - Free Book Online

checked Geoffrey, who seemed not to have moved. She strolled to the other side of the bin. Something near the bottom glinted. She did a quick double-take just as she realized what it was. It was a small picture frame but it was empty and the glass was cracked. She’d been about to look away when she realized what was next to it–a photo. Isabelle’s breath caught. Even at this distance, she’d know that face anywhere. It was Daniel.
    With a fast and sweeping view of the entire room, Isabelle quickly stooped and grabbed the frame and photo. In her haste, she’d grabbed a folded tissue as well. She quickly dumped the frame and photo in her purse. As she peered back down into the trash, she didn’t have to wonder why Kayla would throw away a picture of Daniel–because she wouldn’t . Someone else had thrown it away.  
    Maybe there’s something else of Kayla’s in there.
    Isabelle was just reaching back down to move the shampoo bottle out of the way when Geoffrey’s voice came from directly behind her.
    “Something I can help you with?” he asked.
    Isabelle jumped at the nearness, her hand flying to her chest as she straightened up. She turned to see Geoffrey staring at her hand. Abruptly, she followed his gaze and realized she was still holding the tissue. Quickly, she raised it to her nose and blew, loud and long.
    Trying not to think of what might have been on the tissue, she wiped her nose and tossed it into the bin.
    “Allergies,” she said.
    “Oh,” he said, frowning a little. “Not bad, I hope?”
    “No, no,” she stammered, blood pounding in her ears. Had he seen her take the photo? “Just once or twice a year. It’s really not bad.”
    Geoffrey smiled broadly.
    “Good,” he said, sounding relieved. “ Excellent .” He indicated the door behind her. “Shall we?”

    • • • • •

    Cyber Division had to be a geek’s dream come true. Mac walked into the darkened lab, following Scanlon, who held the door for him.  
    “You’d better be right about this, MacMillan,” Scanlon said under his breath.
    Although every law enforcement agency had its turf issues, both external and internal, it turned out that Mac had managed to step directly onto a land mine his first day. Scanlon had been less than pleased to be working with Cyber Division. Apparently Assistant Director Cassandra Martinez, who headed it up, felt the same about Scanlon.
    Every other agent in the room was seated at a computer but Martinez stood. She wore a dark business suit, knee length skirt, white blouse, and dark heels. In her fifties, like Scanlon, and trim, her short, brown hair was not yet gray. At least Mac couldn’t see any in this lightning. What Mac could see was her body language–arms crossed over chest, torso turned at an angle.
    She was watching them.
    “Director Martinez?” Mac asked, extending his hand. “I’m Special Agent MacMillan.”
    She smiled politely if cooly and shook hands. He didn’t bother to introduce Scanlon.
    “Director,” she said, nodding at Scanlon as she looked away.
    “Director,” he said, the word a near echo of hers.
    “Green Earth Commune,” she said to Mac. “What’s your interest there?”
    “I’ve come across some data that suggests it’s a cult,” Mac said. “A cult of personality. I couldn’t say anything more specific until I’ve had a chance to do some interviews but it seems the man who is the head of it has fathered possibly dozens of children who reside there.”
    At that, a couple of the agents seated at monitors looked over.  
    “And how have you come across that information?”
    “Kayla Massen,” Mac said. “One of the members. She’s pregnant but not by the leader and wants to leave. I think she might be our way in. Her mother made contact with her.”  
    Mac left out the part that involved Isabelle.  
    His gut wrenched a bit at the thought of her. The look on her face when he’d said he wanted to move in–he couldn’t get it out of his