Read Online Hold on to Me by Linda Winfree - Free Book Online Page B

Schaefer said. That comment brought Caitlin back to reality and a smile to her lips. She could imagine Tick doing so and doing a darned good job, too. She didn’t understand why he had doubts about taking this position. He was the kind of guy who was always there when needed, and the community needed him.
    He never shirked a responsibility.
    Schaefer stopped at an open office door, rapping lightly on the frame. “Ms. Calvert, I’m with the sheriff’s department and I need a word with you, please.”
    Her back to the door, Tori Calvert didn’t turn from the computer screen. Long dark hair spilled over her shoulders in a shining fall. “Jeff, unless you’re coming to tell me that you won the lottery and you’re donating the money to the center, I don’t have time.”
    “Would you have time for the FBI?” Caitlin asked.
    “Oh my gosh, Cait!” Tori jumped from her chair and rushed to embrace her. Caitlin hugged back, affection surging through her. “What are you doing here?” She stopped, glancing from Caitlin to Schaefer and back, sobering quickly. “Oh. Of course. Amy and Sharon. And now Vontressa. When did you get here? Why didn’t Tick tell me you were coming? Oh, gosh, it’s good to see you!”
    Caitlin smiled. Tori hadn’t changed—happy or upset, she still bubbled over with questions. “I got in yesterday afternoon. I have no clue why Tick didn’t tell you, so you’ll have to ask him. And it’s good to see you, too.”
    Tori stepped back. Her eyes, the same chocolate shade as Tick’s, sparkled with excitement. “You look wonderful! But you always do.” She wrapped her arm around Caitlin’s waist and grinned up at Schaefer, who leaned in the doorway and watched them. “Jeff, did I ever tell you that when I was a teenager and first met Cait while she was at Quantico with Tick, I hoped they’d get married? He was so besotted with her it was pitiful. I just knew they’d make a great couple and have beautiful babies together. I even had names picked out.”
    Caitlin’s breath stopped in her throat and she struggled to keep her composure. Good God, Falconetti, she’s only teasing. Pull it together.
    “Actually, no, you never shared that with me.” Schaefer laughed. “Maybe we could have dinner Saturday night and you could tell me more.”
    Tori grinned. “Mikata’s?”
    He nodded, blue eyes glowing with male appreciation. “Sounds good. I’ll pick you up around seven.”
    “How about I meet you there instead? We can walk over to the theater afterward.”
    Caitlin drew a sharp inhale. “Tori, I hate to interrupt, but I wanted to talk to you about Amy Gillabeaux. Her mother said she volunteered here.”
    “I’ll tell you everything I can, but I need to get away from that awful budget for a while. Jeff, you’re dismissed.” She waved him away. “Cait, I can tell you about Amy over lunch.”
    Caitlin started to protest, but knew the gesture would be futile, like disagreeing with Tick when he had his mind set on something. Somehow, she’d keep Tori focused on Amy, not on catching up and all the places that could lead. Faking a smile, she gave the younger woman a teasing salute. “Yes, ma’am. Let’s go.”

Chapter Three
    The lunch rush in Coney, Chandler’s county seat, was in full force already. They ended up at the Hickory House, a long, squat concrete building on the highway. Pickup trucks and SUVs filled the parking lot, but Tori squeezed her silver sports car into a small space between a huge diesel Ford and a pecan tree.
    The heat washed over Caitlin in waves when they stepped from the car.
    Tori dropped her keys in her purse. “We may have to wait, but it’ll be worth it. The food is great.”
    Her prediction proved true, as the line at the ordering counter stretched to the entrance. Caitlin glanced around at the country décor—hokey hand-painted signs, ceramic animals, lots of sunflowers. The spicy scent of smoked meat and barbeque sauce hung in the air, and her stomach