Read Online Fahey's Flaw by Jenna Byrnes - Free Book Online Page A

can do wonders.”
    Connor rubbed his face on Wynn’s sleeve. “You two are crazy. I just want to sleep. Exercise is the last thing on my mind.”
    Wynn nuzzled his head again. “That’s good, buddy. I hope you can sleep. It’d be the best thing for you.” He gazed at Reilly and winked.
    The teacher gave a small smile, but wiped it off his face quickly.
    Sydney arrived a short while later, her husband Derrick in tow. “Connor!” She tried to hug the boy but he shrank into Wynn’s arm.
    Wynn reached for him and squeezed his shoulders. “Remember what we talked about, buddy. Everyone needs to go home and get some sleep, now. I’m going to work the case, and I’ll call you tomorrow when I can. But if you need me, call any time. Okay?”
    “Okay.” Connor hugged his neck.
    Relishing the tightest hug he’d gotten from his kid in ages, Wynn squeezed back then pressed a noisy kiss to Con’s forehead. When he pulled back, Con was smiling. He passed him over to Sydney. “Thanks for coming, Syd. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
    “Get these slimeballs,” Derrick said to him before they led Connor away.
    “Yeah, you got it,” Wynn muttered, not wanting to take even the most obvious piece of advice from Syd’s husband.
    Before he had a chance to talk with Reilly alone, Mel returned. “The doctor just came out and spoke to the Morgans. Jesse should make it, but his condition is still iffy. Time will tell. We won’t be able to speak with either boy until morning.”
    “Okay, so the chief wants us to catch some Zs and start fresh tomorrow. He’s spoken with Jeff and Beck. They’ll interview the other party-goers and their parents. He wants us to beat every bush and shake every tree. Something’s liable to fall out. The boss even mentioned getting Dix and the Homicide crew involved.”
    Mel nodded. “This has developed into serious business I’m glad he’s giving us some help.” She glanced around. “For tonight, do you think we should send some of these people home? The Baxters left. The Morgans and the Robinsons are with their sons. No one else needs to hang out. I believe it’s time for some privacy.”
    Reilly smiled. “It’s easy to tell you two are partners. Wynn just said the same thing a few minutes ago. I’ll help, if you like. I’ll speak with Principal Andrews and we’ll suggest everyone go on home.”
    “Thank you.” Wynn touched his arm briefly, then pulled his hand away. He wanted to say so much more, but once again, this wasn’t the time or place.
    In the next few minutes the teacher and the principal convinced everyone to take off, while Mel and Wynn spoke with the nursing staff and advised them they’d be back in the morning for statements. It took longer than Wynn had expected, and when they returned to the waiting room, everyone was gone.
    He looked for Reilly but didn’t see him. It was two a.m. He was tired, but he wasn’t that tired. “I’ll walk you to your car,” he told Mel.
    She stretched and yawned. “Remember what I said about us taking the high schools versus Jeff and Beck taking the colleges, and how we got the better end of the deal?”
    He smiled sadly. “Yeah.”
    “I was wrong. Dead wrong.” Mel sighed. “Morning is going to come awfully early.”
    “I say we give ourselves an extra hour. Why don’t we meet back here at nine?”
    Mel reached her car and nodded. “I won’t have trouble falling asleep. If I’m lucky, I’ll dream about that hunky teacher, Reilly O’Keefe.” She smiled and batted her eyelashes before climbing into her car.
    “Night,” he called, feeling a little guilty. He needed to tell her Reilly wasn’t available, but he just couldn’t handle one more thing tonight.
    The drive to Reilly’s was quick with no traffic in the wee hours. He pulled into the driveway and as if on cue, the garage door opened. Wynn smiled and exited his car, locking it. Walking into the garage, he tossed his keys in the air and caught them. He suddenly