Read Online High-Caliber Holiday by Susan Sleeman - Free Book Online

his gut instinct.
    â€œI’m more inclined to believe her,” he said making sure his tone carried his conviction.
    Rossi arched his brow. “She tell you something I’m not getting from the scene?”
    â€œNo. Her story was simple. She opened the car door. The roses and invitation were here.”
    â€œOdd that they’re so fresh. Not wilted from the cold, right? Seems unlikely that the stalker put them here in broad daylight. Means she could’ve left them.”
    No
. The word shot into Brady’s brain but he held back from saying it. If he was going to get Rossi fully on board, he’d needed proof of Morgan’s actions this morning. Maybe a video. Brady searched for surveillance cameras on the nearby buildings. Found none. So what else could prove her innocence? A money trail.
    â€œYou could pull Morgan’s financials to see if she’s bought any flowers lately,” Brady offered.
    Rossi rolled his eyes. “Credit card receipts for three roses? Nah. She could’ve paid cash.”
    He was right and Brady was grasping at straws here, but he wouldn’t give up easily. “What about showing her picture at local flower shops? See if anyone recognizes her or they have invoices for a purchase?”
    â€œSame thing. Flowers can be bought just about everywhere these days. And if she was trying to hide the purchase, she’d make sure she got them from an untraceable source, like a street vendor.”
    â€œYour points are all valid, but you can’t just ignore the fact that she might have a stalker.”
    â€œI’m not ignoring it. If I was, I would’ve gotten a whole lot more sleep last night, but after you took off, I brought the fingerprints to our tech, and I also confirmed the ex-fiancé is in Florida.”
    â€œYou’re sure he’s out of town?”
    â€œPositive.” Rossi frowned. “I’d honestly hoped the guy was behind this so I could close the case and move on. Being the jilted boyfriend and all, I thought it was likely, but I was wrong.” He blew out a long breath and stared at the car. “I’ll dust for prints again. We can compare any we find to last night’s prints and search AFIS for a match. I’ll do a canvass again and review the threat file she gave me, but after that I’m done unless something else turns up.”
    Brady wanted him to do more than search the Automated Fingerprint Identification System—a national fingerprint and criminal history system managed by the FBI—but had to agree that there was nothing more to do. “I appreciate you taking this seriously.”
    Rossi nodded gravely. “I suggest Morgan gets her locks changed.”
    Brady agreed. “She’s in the coffee shop. I’ll arrange that with her while you check for prints.”
    Wearily, Rossi ran his hand down his face. “I’ll be in to take her statement in a minute.”
    Brady turned on his heel and jogged down the steps to the shop. Morgan met him at the door again, her expression hopeful.
    â€œRossi’s dusting for prints.” Brady gestured at a table. “We should sit. It’ll take some time.”
    She looked at her watch and shook her head. “I have an important presentation this morning and can’t be late. With my car out of commission I’ll have to take MAX so I should get going.”
    â€œIf we want Rossi to continue to take this seriously, you need to stay to give him your statement.”
    â€œI want to stay.” She glanced outside then back at Brady. “But my clients are counting on me to obtain the support of a local employer today, which could mean more jobs.” She tapped the screen on her phone and Brady saw the MAX timetable appear. “I have to leave right now to catch MAX. I’m sorry if I brought you out here for nothing, but my clients come first.”
    â€œYou can take my truck if you like.” What was he