Read Online Finders Keepers by Fern Michaels - Free Book Online Page A

folder to anyone. At some point he knew he’d destroy the file. He just didn’t know when that time would be.
    The file drawer closed at the exact moment Jessie poked her head inside the doorway. “You are an early bird today. Aren’t those the same clothes you had on last night? You didn’t sleep, did you?”
    Barnes did his best to smile. He thought he was finally drunk. He must be—the bourbon bottle was empty. “No, I didn’t sleep. It’s only seven o’clock. I thought you weren’t leaving till nine. You don’t look like you slept either.”
    â€œWould you like me to make some coffee? We can let Ellie sleep in this morning. It was nice of you to get her that hearing aid, Daddy.”
    â€œCoffee sounds good.” Food, drink, and Ellie were safe subjects. Barnes followed Jessie to the kitchen. He watched her, marveling at her wholesomeness. Thea was going to throw a fit when she saw her jeans rolled to mid-calf and her sockless feet clad in dirty white sneakers. The baggy T-shirt was tied in a knot at her waist and topped off with a cherry red sweater wrapped around her slim shoulders. She wore a leather strap watch with a big face. He wondered where the Rolex was, the one Thea insisted he buy for her. Probably thrown in a drawer upstairs. To his knowledge the dress watch Thea had given her several years ago, encrusted with diamonds and emeralds, had never been seen. It was probably in a drawer somewhere, too, along with all the other pricey baubles Thea bought on a monthly basis. He doubted if Jessie’s real family even knew what a Rolex watch was. From his position next to the kitchen window he had a clear view of his brand-new cream-colored Bentley, Thea’s Mercedes sedan, and Jessie’s year-old BMW. One of the articles said the Larsons drove a ten-year-old pickup truck. He felt sick to his stomach.
    â€œI don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a red sweater before, Jessie.”
    â€œThat’s because Mama hates red sweaters. I just bought it the other day. Actually I bought two of them. They look so cheerful. I don’t know why, but I love the color red.”
    Barnes felt his stomach heave. There had been a red sweater in the pink stroller that day when Thea grabbed the child. To his knowledge he’d never seen it since.
    Barnes glanced in the dining room; Thea was already seated at the table, dressed for the day, complete with makeup. He felt his stomach start to knot up. “Jessie and I are having coffee in the kitchen, Thea. Do you want to join us?”
    â€œIn the kitchen!” She made the three little words sound like her husband and daughter were drinking with the devil in hell. “Jessie is leaving in a little while. Don’t you think the dining room is more appropriate? Good grief, Barnes, is this the thought you want to leave with Jessie? Drinking coffee in the kitchen is so tacky. She’ll be back in a few days. It isn’t like she’s going away forever. I packed our bags, Barnes. We’ll drive a discreet distance behind her to make sure she arrives safely. Then when she leaves, we’ll follow her home. Why are you looking at me like that, Barnes?”
    â€œBecause we aren’t going to Atlanta. At least I’m not. You can do whatever you please. I warn you, though, I will tell Jessie of your intentions.”
    Thea’s hands fluttered in the air. “Jessie has never gone away on her own before. She’ll be driving alone. Things happen.”
    â€œJessie is a responsible adult. She will rise to any occasion except possibly where you are concerned.”
    â€œWhat does that mean, Barnes?”
    â€œIt means whatever you want it to mean. Furthermore, I am not moving back to Atlanta. You can do whatever you want.”
    â€œIf you think for one minute I’m going to allow my child to be in that city alone and unchaperoned, you are mistaken. She has no idea what the