Read Online DEATH IN PERSPECTIVE by Larissa Reinhart - Free Book Online

familiar comfort food.”
    “I am not sick. I am frustrated with the lack of mobility. And I don’t want anyone
     to see me like this. The Bear can not appear weak.” Max pushed a hand through the
     thick, brown hair that nearly brushed the collar of his robe. A lock flopped over
     his forehead, hiding the small scar above his left eyebrow. “Weren’t you just here?
     Why are you bothering me again?”
    “I’m just checking on you because that’s what friends do when one is sick. Or frustrated.”
     I licked the spoon, then dove it into the bowl for a bigger taste. “And I need to
     deliver a message.”
    “What is this message? Who gave it to you ?” He leaned back in the chair and folded his arms over his chest. The small chair
     creaked in pain.
    “It is from the drama teacher at Peerless Day Academy, Mr. Tinsley. He has his sights
     set on your coffers. Although from the look of the school, they already have plenty
     of money.” I ate another spoonful of beans and considered Tinsley’s request. “Anyway,
     he wanted me to ask you. I’ve asked you.”
    “I need more information. If he wants the charitable contribution, my accountant must
     investigate to be certain we can get the tax credits. I must be careful of the audit.”
    I shrugged. “He has a blog. Does that help? Tinsley Talks . Can you pull it up on your laptop? I want to check it out.”
    “Unless he publicizes his accounts, this blog doesn’t help me. But for you, I will
     examine it.” Max watched me lick the spoon. “Why are you involved with the drama teacher?”
    “I’m not involved. I’m going to do some art work for his production . ” I paused to grin. “And he wants me to hunt down a heinous texter who is harassing
     the faculty.” I explained Mr. Tinsley’s worries and the death of Maranda Pringle.
    “Blackmail?” Max’s eyes sparked and he straightened in the chair.
    “You get a little too excited at the mention of blackmail for my tastes,” I said.
     “It just sounds like plain ol’ bullying to me. I hate bullies and will be glad to
     ferret this one out.”
    “You also like to involve yourself in the suspicious business that is not yours.
     There must be purpose to the bullying. An exertion over the weak to prove strength.
     For power or money. Maybe revenge. Or in spite, due to envy or resentment. Perhaps
     it is a student who is the bully.”
    I dropped my spoon in the empty bowl and propped my hip against his dresser. “You
     seem to know an awful lot about bullies. Have you been the bully or the bullied?”
    “Where I am from you are surrounded by the bullies. You must stand up to them or find
     yourself paying the extortion. It is not just annoying harassment. It is dangerous
     and sometimes deadly.”
    “No wonder you like it here in America.”
    “You will need my help.” Max drug his leg off the stool, pushed out of his small chair,
     and grabbed the back to steady himself. “For weeks you have been smothering me with your friendship. I
     seek the balance in your need to aid me with my disability.”
    “Smothering? I think your English is off. You mean supporting.” I wrinkled my nose.
     “You refuse to leave the house. How are you planning on helping me?”
    Max released the chair and balanced on one leg. “I know you, Artist. You will do your
     best in hunting this verbal assassin, but your methods will be instinctual and reactive.
     You need guidance.”
    I narrowed my eyes. “That sounded vaguely insulting. And if I need guidance, I’ll
     get help from Uncle Will or the Line Creek police. They’re already investigating Maranda
     Pringle’s death as suspicious.”
    “Bah, police.” The Bear waved a hand, sending his balance to the braced leg. He grabbed
     for the chair, but the slight frame slipped under his weight. Max followed, slamming
     into the soft carpet with a low moan.
    “Are you okay?” I fell to my knees beside him. “This is why you need me checking in
     on you. What