Read Online Hostile Desires by Melissa Schroeder - Free Book Online Page A

remember, there is no ongoing serial killer case. With a healthy social media, many Hawaiian residents would make sure she would get attention.”
    That was one of the things he loved about Oahu. There were close to a million people on the island, but it was like a small town. Everyone knew everyone else...or his cousin. It was probably irritating to some, but when they needed each other, there was always community support.
    “Speaking of which,” Marcus said looking at Graeme, “You want to make sure you get all the evidence. I’m pretty sure Charity could do something with it.”
    Graeme nodded. “Let’s hope there’s enough.”
    “Well, they have her clothes from what this says,” Del said.
    “Do you need us for anything else, boss?” Marcus asked. “Cat and I have a meeting out at Hickam tomorrow.”
    Del shook his head. “You go on.”
    When they were left alone, Del leveled him with a look. “Got something to tell me?”
    “No.”
    He nodded and continued to look over the report. “So, you and Elle went out to eat?” Del asked.
    “Yeah. Seems that she frequents McPherson’s.”
    Del nodded. “I could see that. It seems like you worked through your issues.”
    Graeme shrugged, feeling as if Del was fishing, and he was not in the mood. His mind was on the case... and the woman.
    “Did you ask her about her past?”
    “She told me some of it.”
    Del nodded. “I assumed that was part of the reason she had issues with you. But I’m glad you worked it out. My mother gets here the day after tomorrow, and Emma’s sick. She doesn’t want me to know she is sick, but she’s worried herself into a state. I knew the two of you would be able to work the case together.”
    “I don’t know that I need the doctor around after she goes over the findings.”
    “True, but since she has a connection to the first ME, I thought it might help out in the case. I do want her taking off tomorrow. I want you to tell her that I don’t want to see her at the office unless it’s an emergency.”
    Graeme let one eyebrow rise up. “And you think she’ll listen to me?”
    Del smiled. “Tell her I said so. Then threaten her with leave. Or a call to the good old Doc Keahi. The man is like a second father to her.”
    “I didn’t know you knew about their relationship.”
    “I don’t miss much, but I do know he recommended her for this job, and she lived with him for awhile when she first got over here. He might not be able to get her to do anything, but he’ll contact her mother. Apparently, that is the way to put the scare into Elle.”
    “Okay.”
    They heard the ding of the doors, and they both turned toward it. Emma turned the corner into the conference area and made her way to the office. By the time she stepped into Del’s office, she looked like she was ready to pass out. Her face was pale, and she didn’t appear to be steady on her feet.
    “Hey, Emma, what’s wrong?” Del asked, as he rose from his desk.
    “Nothing. I just realized I need to get some good food in me. And I need some sleep.”
    “You got it. I take it you’ll be here when Elle’s done?” Del asked.
    He had planned on it. “Yes. I want to see what she found out.”
    Del nodded.
    “Night, Graeme. Make sure she gets sleep. Elle hardly ever sleeps,” Emma said.
    “And you know this how?”
    “I recognize a fellow insomniac when I see one.”
    He followed them out of the office, then watched as Del led her out into the hall. His boss was right. Emma did not look all that well, but then, he had been around for one of his sister’s weddings, and that had been horrible. The memory still left him with nightmares.
    Alone in the office, he decided to go over the report that Elle had given him while he waited.
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    E lle was practically dragging her ass on the ground as she stepped out of the elevator. She had expected Graeme would stick around, but she felt better when she saw his office light on.
    Graeme. Since the moment she had said