Read Online Hybrid by Greg Ballan - Free Book Online Page B

was reluctant to give up his hold on her.
    “Let it ring,” he whispered.
    “I'd like to,” she said as she leaned over and kissed his forehead. “But that phone is killing the mood,” she added as she felt his arms unwrap.
    Erik walked over to the telephone and picked up the receiver. “Knight Investigations, how can I help you?”
    “Yes, Mrs. Reynolds.” Erik's faced took on a very pained expression and his shoulders suddenly slumped. Shanda walked toward him, concerned. Her ability already told her what was occurring. Erik was off the case.
    “I understand, Mrs. Reynolds, no need to apologize. They are an excellent agency and have a lot of good men. But, I really need to see you tomorrow afternoon. I've found something that may or may not belong to Lisa. I need you to identify it for the police.” Erik nodded and grunted a few times in answer to some questions.
    “Yes, it would be a good idea to bring representatives from there to this meeting. I can brief both you and them as to where I am in the investigation. There's no need to be sorry, I understand. I'll see you tomorrow at noon,” Erik said politely as he hung up the phone. He looked at Shanda.
    “Well, you really are psychic. It appears that Mr. Reynolds had the same idea you did. They've hired Halls Investigations from New York; they're probably the best private detective agency in the country. Three men are flying in on the shuttle tomorrow morning, plus two mobile crime labs are already en route . They'll be here to take over the investigation. It seems I'm out of a job.”
    Erik sat back on the chair in front of his desk and sighed heavily. He started shaking his head.
    “I don't know,” he began. “Maybe this was for the best.” He laughed as he looked at Shanda. “Maybe I can come work for you.”
    “No, you're a private investigator; that's what you do. It's what you are supposed to do. The Reynolds are just concerned for their daughter. Look, you found a lead that no one else did, or ever could have. You're going to provide them with solid physical evidence tomorrow. They'll know that you're good, the best. You have nothing to be ashamed of, Erik,” she answered.
    “Thanks.”
    “You need to get out of here for a while, Erik.” Shanda took his hand and led him toward the hallway.
    “Where are we going?” he asked.
    “There's nothing like a good movie and some fattening popcorn to take your mind off your troubles,” she answered.
    “That's fine by me, but let's go eat our dinner first; it's probably getting cold,” he answered as they headed back to the dining area of Madame's.
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    Chapter 3
    Tuesday, Sept 20th, 9:00 a.m.
    Erik had finished his workout at Dawkens’ Gym and was preparing to head back home when Neal Dawkens called him into his office. He gestured Erik toward a chair and sat himself behind his large desk. Erik noticed several awards, trophies, and photographs of the man with several well-known martial artists-turned-actors, movie stars, and politicians. Dawkens saw him staring at the photographs and other paraphernalia that decorated his office.
    “I've been very fortunate,” Dawkens commented.
    “Indeed,” Erik agreed.
    Dawkens leaned over the desk and looked directly at him. “I know my sister took you off the case. I'm sorry. I feel somehow responsible, seeing that I sent her to you. Please understand, she was impressed with you. It's just that they feel the more people looking for my niece, the better.” Dawkens paused. “And, you are only one person,” he added, looking as though he wished that he could have taken the words he just spoke back when Erik flinched.
    “I understand,” Erik answered. “I'm seeing her and her new-hires at noon. I've gathered some information that I'm hoping will be useful to them,” he responded in a neutral tone. Erik didn't blame Dawkens for anything, and he really understood the Reynolds’ reasoning for going with a bigger