Read Online Final Deposit by Lisa Harris - Free Book Online Page A

I’ll get a tech to scour your dad’s computer for any electronic signatures that might help locate the perpetrator. But to be honest, Lindsey, in most cases victims never get their money back. What we have to concentrate on is keeping you and your father safe. Especially if last night’s break-in was related.”
    She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’d say I’m pretty lucky you walked back into my life when you did.”
    â€œI don’t believe in luck or coincidences.” He smiled. “I’m taking you on as my first Dallas client. Pro bono.”
    â€œKyle, no,” she said, holding up a hand in protest. “You have a business to run. You’ll go broke taking on pro bono cases.”
    â€œI’m not taking on a bunch of pro bono cases, I’m taking on one,” he countered. “Besides, you won’t find a better bargain this side of the Mississippi.”
    â€œOr on the other side for that matter.” She cocked her head and held his gaze. “You’re sure about this?”
    â€œI’ve never been surer. Think of it this way, if you have to. Our firm is gathering intel on a certain Internet-scam ring and any additional information I get could potentially help take them down.”
    â€œI’ll still owe you big-time. I’m sure my nonprofit salary doesn’t come close to paying your invoices.”
    Her cell phone rang on the other side of the counter. She checked the caller ID and frowned. “It’s my father.”
    â€œYou’re not in this alone anymore, Lindsey. Remember that.”
    She shot him a grateful glance and took the call.

SEVEN
    L indsey couldn’t shake the feeling someone was watching them. She pushed her sunglasses up the bridge of her nose and quickened her pace to match Kyle’s long stride as they crossed the crowded parking lot toward the pet shop. She hadn’t expected him to come with her, but when her father called to tell her that he was being released this afternoon, Kyle had insisted that he’d rather shop for a fish tank with her than sit cooped up in a hotel room waiting until his sister got home from a birthday party with his nieces. Lindsey had taken him at his word—she was glad he’d come along.
    A bead of perspiration formed on her temple. Even before noon, the temperature was already well over ninety degrees. She glanced to her left. A tired-looking mom worked to get four kids inside her car. A Volkswagen bug parked in front of them, while a blue van drove past slowly, searching for an empty spot. Lindsey shook off the eerie sensation. These were Saturday-morning shoppers looking for a bargain, not burglars, stalkers and Internet scammers.
    Still, the reality of the past few hours hung heavier than the humid Texas air. On top of all that had been lost, the thought that the scammers didn’t care what happened to the victims made her sick. But it was true. Abraham Omah wouldn’t care that her father was lying in a hospital bed, just like Anya wouldn’t have cared that Kyle’s brother had died simply because he loved her.
    She sidestepped a piece of bubble gum stuck to the hot pavement. Much of her father’s behavior the past few months finally made sense. Guilt and worry had affected him both emotionally and physically, turning him into a recluse. If he’d only told her the truth from the beginning.
    Tires squealed behind her. Music blared. Lindsey’s heart thudded wildly. She slammed into Kyle, trying to get out of the way. Her knee hit the bumper of a parked car. Pain shot up her leg. The vehicle zoomed past, skidding toward the exit.
    She watched them drive away. It was nothing more than a carful of teenagers on a joyride.
    Kyle grasped her shoulders to keep her steady. “You okay?”
    â€œYeah.” Her hands shook as she rubbed the sore spot on her knee.
    â€œJust of bunch of rowdy kids looking for trouble.” He