Read Online Ill Take Forever by Barbara McMahon - Free Book Online

case?' she asked casually as the eggs cooked.
    'I have an apartment near the campus; sometimes I sublet out one room to a student during the school year.'
    Jenny glanced around, a frown on her face. 'I meant really.'
    'Jenny, one way never to make a mistake is to live the role you're playing. I'm a professor at San Francisco State and I'll stick with that cover. Easier for you to know only what the story is. No chance to mess up.'
    But I want to know about the real you, she thought. I'm not interested in cover stories, but the real deal. Sighing quietly, she dished up his breakfast and put it before him, resigned to the fiction they were creating.
    While Kyle ate, Jenny sat with him and had another cup of coffee. When the first hunger pangs had been satisfied, he spoke. 'As soon as I'm a little more fit, I want to start going out, meeting people. You'll know best how to take me around with the least amount of comment or curiosity on the part of your neighbors.'
    'There's bound to be some talk; this is a small town and you're news,' she said slowly.
    'Let's start with my accompanying you when you go into town. You must go in fairly often.'
    'A couple or three times a week.'
    'Fine. Introduce me to people you see there. Then if you're invited to a party or something, ask if you can bring me along. And when you have time, drive me around, pointing out landmarks, favorite spots with those who live here.'
    Jenny nodded. 'People will be dying to see you, of course.'
    'Why?'
    'Because everyone knew Johnny, and they know many of his cousins. They'll be interested in meeting another.'
    'Then you had better give me more of the genealogy of the Warwick family, so I don't blow it. Once I'm feeling more fit, I want to start scoping out the area so I can get my bearings. Maybe we can hike or take the dog on long walks or whatever seems appropriate.'
    'I hike a lot, so that would probably cause the least amount of comment.'
    'Where do you go?'
    'Lots of places. I like to hike down near the water, but there are other hills and trails that are appealing. Since I got Shasta, I've ventured further afield.'
    'Ever see marijuana growing?'
    'I told your Mr. Brownley, I don't know what it looks like. I may have done so or may not.'
    'I'll see we get some samples so you can look for it on your hikes. If you see anything suspicious, leave immediately. Don’t try to find out more. Tell me and I’ll confirm if it’s a pot field.'
    Jenny was quiet for a moment. While she didn't like the idea of drugs, she felt a little odd in spying on neighbors and friends, trying to uncover anyone who might be growing the drug in their area.
    'Tell me something about the people around here, the ones you know. Anyone you might suspect?' Kyle asked.
    'No. Even Nate seems too genial most of the time, more of a good ol’ boy. I've never thought about it before, but I wouldn't have thought anyone I know could be involved. You're sure there's marijuana being grown around here?'
    'Reasonably sure. Enough to have me assigned here. Anybody in town flashing money around when they shouldn't be? You know, recently come into wealth, buying expensive things with a small salary? That kind of thing?'
    'No. There’re a few families in town that have a lot of money but have always had it. No one has come into money in the last few years that I know of.'
    'Who's the town banker?'
    'Mr. Bottoms. He's about a hundred and three and has been in charge of the bank as long as I can remember. He might be able to tell you if anyone is banking large sums of money. But not without a court order and that would blow your cover.'
    'Not worth the risk. And I doubt anyone smart enough to pull this off would have an account is under their own name. If they're cautious, they won't be using this bank. Does Bottoms live in town?'
    'Yes. Across the street from my mom and dad, as a matter of fact.'
    'Why don't you live with them?'
    'Who, my parents?'
    'Yes.'
    Jenny looked around her. 'This is my home.