Read Online Delta Stevens 1: Taken by Storm by Linda Kay Silva - Free Book Online

same for both of them.
    “I wish I knew what to say, Jen.”
    “You don’t have to say anything. You being here is enough. The kids ask about you often.” Jennifer reached out and laid her hand on Delta’s leg. “I don’t think it’s quite hit them that daddy isn’t coming home anymore.”
    Delta gently laid her hand on top of Jennifer’s. They were still cold. “Is there anything I can do?”
    Jennifer pushed the manilla envelope closer to Delta.
    “Finish what he started. He would want that.”
    Delta looked down at the worn envelope.
    “There’s one more thing I’d like you to have.” Reaching into the box, Jennifer pulled out a small package wrapped in cotton and handed it to Delta
    Carefully unwrapping it, Delta looked down at Miles’s shiny, silver shield. “But I thought-”
    Jennifer shook her head. “I only told them that I was burying him with it on. I know that he would have wanted you to have it, Del.”
    Looking down at the glittering badge, Delta could almost feel Miles’s presence.
    Wiping the tear from her eye, Delta looked up at Jennifer through blurry eyes. “Thank you, Jen. I’ll treasure it forever.” Slipping it into her pocket, Delta grabbed the envelope and headed for the door.
    “If there’s anything I can do . . . anything.” Jennifer hugged her tightly before opening the door.
    “Find who killed my husband, Delta. If anyone can do that, you can.”
    “I’ll give it my best. I can promise you that much.”

Chapter 11

    Staring out the window of the bar, neon beer names flickered on and off, Delta looked at their reflection in the crystal of her watch. This was the second night she’d come downtown hoping to see some sign of the red leather skirt and pumps. The rain had slowed to a fine mist, and the city’s nightlife bloomed. Tonight was the night, Delta told herself, that she would catch that woman and find out everything the could.
    Three hours later, she was right.
    After waiting and watching, Delta saw the blonde on the corner of the street outside. Jumping off her barstool, Delta raced through the front door and jammed across the street, dodging two cars at the intersection.
    Delta was on her before the woman had a chance to move.
    “Let go of me,” the hooker cried, hitting Delta with her purse.
    Delta grabbed her wrist to keep her from bolting down the street. “Please, listen!” Delta yelled above the noise of the city. “Please, I’m not going to hurt you. I need some information, that’s all.”
    The hooker struggled to break Delta’s grip on her wrist.
    “I don’t have any. Let go of me.”
    Delta released her arm and took a step away. “You know I’m a cop, don’t you?” The woman straightened her dress and looked the other way. Delta stepped closer. “You do know who I am.” It was not a question.
    The woman rubbed her wrists, but did not return Delta’s penetrating gaze.
    “And you knew my partner as well.” Delta stepped even closer. The woman was an inch or so taller than Delta, but she seemed to shrink from Delta’s strong presence.
    “I don’t have to talk to you,” the woman said, showing a perfect row of bright teeth. “You have no right to just stop me and ask questions.”
    Delta realized the interrogative nature of her posture and backed off. “I’m sorry. I’m not looking for any trouble. It’s just that I saw you at my partner’s funeral . . . I’m sorry if I hurt your wrist.”
    The blonde stopped rubbing her wrist and looked at Delta coolly. “You’re not going to bust me?”
    “No. I swear. I told you, I saw you at the funeral, and I’m looking for some answers, that’s all. I thought—”
    “That I was banging your partner? What makes you think I would even give you that kind of information?”
    Delta shrugged and backed away, feeling dazed and confused. She wasn’t even sure she wanted to hear this. “Look, I’m terribly sorry for chasing you out of the funeral the other day and for grabbing you just