Read Online Don't Say a Word by Beverly Barton - Free Book Online Page B

long and drawn out.”
    â€œDid Will tell you anything about the new case we got today?”
    â€œNo.” J.D. paused. “Wait. What do you mean, we ?”
    He sat down on the couch beside her, and Julia kicked off her shoes and leaned back against the cushions. She sighed. She looked a little tired, but as pretty as ever. Again he marveled at the resemblance between Julia and Zoe. Now he could see it more than ever. All that long, straight black hair. Julia was taller, around five seven, but Zoe would probably be that tall or taller once she reached adulthood. Julia’s eyes were large and golden brown and intelligent, but at the moment, they looked worried.
    â€œChief Mullins assigned me as Will Brannock’s liaison. Tam will come aboard as soon as she’s free. It’s a bad one, J.D. A federal judge was murdered, right in his own house.”
    â€œI knew a murder case came up today, but Phil Hayes didn’t have time to fill me in on the details. What judge are you talking about?”
    â€œLucien Lockhart. You know him, right? I remember your mentioning him.”
    J.D.’s frown darkened. “Can’t say I’m surprised somebody finally got him. He’s about as corrupt as they come.”
    â€œHe’s known for corruption?”
    â€œHe’s known for worse than that. There are rumors of collusion, inside jury tampering, all kinds of illegal things.”
    â€œWell, that’s interesting. You’re not the first one to mention that.”
    â€œHey, in there,” called Zoe’s excited voice. “Do you like black olives, Julia? Say yes!”
    â€œBlack and green both,” Julia called out, winking at J.D. “Love ’em!”
    â€œYou got it! I do, too!”
    Julia glanced around the living room. “So where’s Audrey tonight? Working late?”
    â€œShe had a family obligation. She said to tell you she was sorry she couldn’t be here to welcome you to town.”
    â€œSo I take it you’re still all gaga over her?”
    â€œThat makes me sound ridiculous.”
    â€œI think it makes you sound sweet.”
    â€œOh God, that’s even worse.”
    J.D. couldn’t help but think that there was a lot of smiling going on since Julia got there. “Seriously, Jules, I’m so glad to see you. It’ll be great to have you around all the time. A lot better than only seeing you at Christmas now and then, or playing phone tag the rest of the year.”
    â€œYeah. I needed a change.”
    J.D. knew what Julia was talking about. She’d lost her partner three years ago. Bobby Crismon had been killed in action, right in front of Julia. The two of them had been surprised by an enraged husband high on meth. She’d had a tough time dealing with it. She was better now, looked better and felt better, and he hoped this change of scenery would really help her. Maybe someday she’d sit down with Audrey and talk it through.
    â€œYou uncover any leads yet?” he asked Julia about her new case. She was a hell of a good detective; had won more commendations than he had. He was proud of her and let everybody know it.
    â€œLockhart had a call girl out at his house last night. Brannock and I are going to interview her first thing tomorrow morning.”
    â€œMan alive, you’ve had to hit the ground running. How about this? You can have my bedroom while you’re here. I’ll sleep on the couch.”
    â€œShe can sleep in my room,” yelled Zoe from the kitchen.
    â€œOh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Zoe has ears like an elephant,” J.D. said in exasperation.
    â€œI heard that,” Zoe yelled, and then they heard her laughing at him.
    â€œSee?”
    Julia smiled. “I might crash here for a day or two, but you really don’t have room for me. Zoe needs her privacy here and so do you. I’ve got a friend in Chattanooga who lives somewhere out on the Tennessee River. She