Read Online Copycat by Erica Spindler - Free Book Online Page A

whose kids had been taken away because of her drinking; Danny, the youngest of them, who had woken up to his problem after an auto accident in which his best friend was killed. Danny had been the one behind the wheel.
    They’d grown close because of the alcoholism—and because they understood loss.
    â€œHello, love,” Danny said, taking the seat next to hers and sending her a goofy, lopsided grin.
    She returned the smile. “You’re chipper tonight.”
    â€œLife is good.”
    â€œMust’ve gotten lucky,” Wally said from her other side.
    â€œBeen sober one year tonight.”
    Sandy squeezed his hand. “Way to go.”
    They chatted quietly while they waited for the meeting to begin. Sandy, it turned out, had had a positive meeting with her lawyer about establishing visitation time with her kids and Wally had gotten a job.
    As the group leader opened the meeting, Danny leaned toward her. “Want to get a cup of coffee after?”
    â€œSure. What’s up?”
    â€œSaw you on the news. Thought we should talk about it.”
    From the tone of his voice, she knew he was concerned. Stand in line, my friend.
    They didn’t speak about it again until they were sitting across from each other in a booth at a local eatery called Aunt Mary’s.
    â€œI’m worried about you taking on that case, Kitt. You sure you’re ready?”
    â€œBoy, that question’s getting old.”
    â€œMaybe you should consider that people have a legitimate reason for asking it.” He leaned forward. “You know what your triggers are, Kitt. Don’t put yourself in that position.”
    The pressure to perform. Being under the microscope. Stress. Despair. Hopelessness.
    â€œThe anniversary of Sadie’s death is coming up,” she said.
    â€œI know, Kitt. And that’s exactly my point. You’re not ready for this.”
    She stared into her cup of coffee a moment. “I have to do this, Danny. I can’t explain all the reasons—”
    He reached across the table and covered her hand with his. “You don’t have to. I know them.”
    She gazed at their joined hands, suddenly uncomfortable. Carefully, she slid her hand from under his. “It’s more than my personal reasons. I can’t discuss it, but it has to be me.”
    He was silent a moment, then nodded. “Okay. Just know I’m here for you.”
    He had been. They’d joined AA around the same time and had been through a lot together. She liked him. Counted on calling him friend.
    He’d made it no secret that he would like to deepen their relationship. But she cherished his friendship too much to take a chance on a romance between them. Besides, at twelve years her junior, she felt like she’d be robbing the cradle.
    â€œJoe’s getting remarried.”
    Danny paused, a forkful of apple pie halfway to his mouth. “I’m sorry.”
    â€œIt hit me hard. But I should be happy for him. He deserves happiness.”
    â€œScrew that.” Danny set his fork down and leaned forward. “Wallow.”
    She smiled at her friend. “I tell myself life goes on. It should go on. That I need to let go.”
    â€œLet go,” he said softly. “You deserve happiness, too.”
    â€œWith a younger man.”
    Her tone was teasing. The expression in his eyes was anything but. “You know how I feel. Give us a chance.” He caught her hands. “Let the past go. Allow yourself to have a future.”
    A lump formed in her throat. Her eyes burned. He was right, dammit. What was stopping her? Sadie was gone, five years now; Joe was moving on.
    â€œI care about you, Kitt. I know who you are. I like you. Strong. Vulnerable. Stubborn and forgiving. We’ve lived through the same struggles. We understand each other. We would be good together.”
    â€œYou’re too young for me.”
    He tightened his fingers. “Biological