Read Online Death in Her Eyes (A Mac Everett Mystery Book 1) by Nick Vellis - Free Book Online

she’d look as flushed in bed, but let the thought pass. “Who’s his lawyer,” I asked as I started to take notes.
    I asked questions for about thirty minutes. She gave me the skinny on the case and a rundown on her brother’s mouthpiece. She looked drained and finally said, “I’m sorry I just don’t know any more.”
    “That’s OK I’ll check things out. Call me if you think of anything else. Sometimes it's the little, seemingly unimportant things that make a difference,” I offered. I waited to see if my words had broken through. “Here’s my card,” I said taking one from the holder on my desk. “If you think of anything or if something happens, call me. Call me at any time. Do you understand? Oh, is it all right if I call your father? I feel I owe him.”
    She took the card and looked at it as if it was made of gold. She nodded and said, “I understand. Yes, call him. Thank you Mr. Everett…aha…Mac.”
    I hoped I could come through for this kid. Kid, an hour ago I’d been watching her come up the steps wondering if I could score. Based on the way she went into the clinch and the dew in her eyes, I knew I could, but now I was feeling paternalistic. Well done, Mac.
    “What’s the best way to reach you?” I asked.
    “I’m staying at a friend’s condo when I’m not at my dad’s, here’s my private cell number,” she said as she jotted the number on a business card of her own. “Use this number.”
    She handed me her card and I was impressed. It read Ashton Hunt, Senior Associate Leopold & Leopold New York City.
    “A New York lawyer?”
    “Don’t be all that impressed. It just means I make a lot of money and live in the world’s most expensive city.”
    “I’m not impressed, just disappointed that I can’t use my lawyer jokes on you.”
    “Thanks for trying to cheer me up.”
    “Sure, sure Ashton.”
    Oh, that was smooth , I thought.
    “Mac, do you think there’s any hope?” she asked, finally looking up from my card.
    “I don’t know. We have to answer some basic questions. Why was his wife killed? Who would benefit? Is there a way to show it wasn’t a crime of passion? We'll figure it out together, you and me.”
    I smiled my most sincere smile trying to comfort her, but I suspected it wasn’t nearly enough. Her twin brother’s life was on the line and they obviously had a connection. She rose, composed once again. I came around the desk and offered my hand. She looked at it for a moment then stepped forward to embrace me.
    “My brother’s life is in your hands.” She whispered into my chest. “Thank you, Mac.”
    I caught her eyes and looked deep. There was no guile there, only worry and pain, but she was hiding something. I ignored the thought as I returned the embrace tentatively, trying not to break my rule about getting involved with clients, but damn. With her head buried in my chest I said, “Try not to worry. We’ll work things out.”
    She held me a moment longer and when she lifted her head I could see the tears moistening those pale green eyes. Damn she was beautiful and she was waiting for my kiss. I stepped back and then around her to the door. I felt the pulse pounding in my temples and much lower as I said good-bye and told her I would be in touch. She left without another word.
    Her perfume lingered long after she was gone. The thoughts I’d had gave me pause and made me shudder, but I went straight to work. I made a quick list of calls and questions. First on my list was General Hunt. Norris said the general was out on the lake for the day. He promised to have the general call when he returned.
    My next call was to Warden Barber Esq. I didn’t know Mr. Barber personally, but his reputation as lawyer to the elite, was common knowledge. The general had hired the best money could buy. I hoped their choice of PIs was as well calculated.
    “Law Offices, may I help you,” the efficient sounding receptionist said in a honey dipped southern drawl.
    I