Read Online Meadow's Keep (The Gatekeepers Series) by Shanon Grey - Free Book Online Page A

something.”
    Jenn picked up the bagel and took a bite, chewed, and swallowed. Jasmine doubted her friend knew she’d eat en anything. Jenn set the bagel down and frowned at it, as if seeing it for the first time. She grabbed her coffee. “What’s on it?”
    “Cream cheese and jelly.”
    Jenn shivered and made a face. She pulled the bagel apart and, taking Jasmine’s knife off her plate, scraped off the spread. She took another bite and continued. “Well, Sonya called me a little while ago. They ran a missing persons on her. Nothing. When Sonya asked about her family, the girl freaked out. I think that’s where the old injuries came from. So, my guess is that the poor thing went from an abusive relationship at home to an abusive relationship on the streets.”
    “What do you want me to do?”
    “This time I want you at intake. Show your style. I have a feeling she’ll respond. Then, we’ll play it by ear. Maybe you could strut your stuff right after she gets here.”
    Jasmine smile d. Strutting her stuff was one thing she knew how to do. She was already mentally going through her wardrobe. “I guess we want to entice her to stay, not run.”
    Jenn laughed. “You got it. I have Dr. Browne on call.”
    “God, does that woman ever leave? She was here late last night.”
    “I know. I really like her. I think she’ll work out well.”
    “Yeah, me too.” Jasmine thought of the tea. “Any hints on the girl ’s looks?”
    “Oh yeah,” Jenn reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper, the faxed mug shot.
    She was a pretty thing. Round face. Too much make-up. Jasmine guessed her age between sixteen and eighteen. She hoped for the girl’s sake it was eighteen. “Vitals?”
    “Five-six, one ten. Slim.”
    “Between a four and five dress size. I have an idea.”
    Jenn rose. “Whatever you can do, just do it.”
    Jasmine looked at Jenn’s posture. The vitality that poured from her was gone. “You all right?”
    “Just tired. It’s been a long week.”
    Jasmine reached out and placed her hand on Jenn’s arm. “You’re our mainsail. You need to take care of yourself.” With that, she gave a little push and a pulse of energy.
    Jenn’s eyes flew open.
    “Too much?” Jasmine gave a half-smile. She still had a lot of practicing to do.
    Jenn laughed. “A bit. ” She shook her curls. “Funny thing, I do feel better.” She reached over and hugged her. “Thanks.”
    ****
    There was a light knock on Jenn’s office door just before it burst open. Jasmine, wearing black capris, an open-drape white cardigan over an azure blue silk shell, and canvas ankle-laced platforms the exact color of the shell, strode into the room. Her hair, softly spiked, moved when she walked. Silver earrings hung down her long neck. She looked every bit the fashion diva and presented the air of a runway model. She carried a hanger slung over her shoulder, on it a tone on tone ivory embroidered top with open cutwork sleeves and a Queen Anne neckline. She stopped in front of Jenn, whose eyes had opened wide.
    “I’m so sorry to interrupt.” Her deep southern accent sounded not in the least contrived. “Marsha has dropped out. She has that appointment for the audition you talked her into doing. Now I have no one to wear this Nina Ricci top in our fashion show.”
    Sonya made a sound in her throat.
    Jasmine pinned the detective with her black eyes, made even darker outlined with coal. She sighed. “I’m sorry, Sonya, I just don’t have it in your size this time. You did wear that gold lamé at the Christmas bash to perfection.”
    The young girl’s eyes flew to the plus size woman standing near the window. The sun glinted off her caram el colored skin. The woman stance shifted, one of a model. Her suit lines changed at the movement and, other than the shoulder holster bulging under the jacket, she looked like she could easily carry off a lamé dress. The light in the girl’s eyes heightened.
    “You!” Jasmine