Read Online mystic caravan mystery 02 - freaky lies by Amanda M. Lee - Free Book Online Page B

without paranormal abilities to head Mystic Caravan’s security I was thrown because I didn’t think a common human would be capable of doing the job. Despite his magical limitations, though, Kade had proved worthy (and I don’t believe that simply because he’s hot). As Max’s son, though, he could boast a magical birthright. Could it be possible he had powers that had yet to manifest? It was far more likely he showed signs of power throughout the years and then made excuses when he couldn’t explain them. I would have to test that later … much later, when he knew the truth and had forgiven me. What? I’ve chosen to be an optimist today.
    “You’re not normal,” I said, forcing a smile. “You’re better than that.”
    “Oh, well, thank you,” Kade said, his cheeks flushing with color. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me all day.”
    “Ugh. I may puke.” Luke wrinkled his nose. “You two might not be groaning and moaning yet, but you’re definitely making me sick to my stomach.”
    “And on that note … .” I shook my head and focused on the task at hand. “We need information, and this place could be a goldmine if we approach it correctly.”
    “I still don’t understand what you hope to uncover here,” Kade said. “Why do you think the dead body has anything to do with us? You saw it. Whoever killed him did it days before we arrived. It might’ve been weeks depending on how much it has rained here recently. The cops aren’t going to share information on that, though, so what do you expect to get?”
    “I’m going to wager that these people already know who that body belongs to,” I replied. This time the smile I flashed was genuine. I love when I get to put my intuition on display. “This is a relatively small community. Gossip spreads fast when everyone knows everyone else.”
    “We should know,” Luke intoned. “We live in the same kind of community.”
    “Oh, poor Luke,” Kade said, grabbing my best friend’s cheek and giving it a good jiggle. “Are you feeling down because everyone knows you’re in the middle of a dry spell?”
    Luke jerked his cheek from Kade’s annoying fingers and narrowed his eyes. “I may be in the middle of a dry spell but at least it’s not by choice,” he snapped. “You’re sleeping in the same bed with a beautiful woman – and I’m not just saying that because she’s my best friend, she’s genuinely the prettiest woman in the world – and you refuse to make a move. Which is worse?”
    “I’m not having this discussion with you,” Kade warned, his voice low. “She and I have already talked about this. You may be her best friend, but this is none of your business.”
    Most people would have the grace to apologize, or at least be embarrassed. Luke is not most people. “My poor Poet,” Luke said, shaking his head. “You’re not just on a dry run, are you? You’re lost in the middle of a desert and the only source of water is surrounded by crocodiles.”
    Kade scowled. “Let’s just start asking questions, okay? I think I’ve had just about enough bonding for one afternoon.” He shifted his conflicted eyes to me. “Do you want to come with me or go with Luke?”
    It was a pointed question. Unfortunately for him I was still dwelling on Luke’s previous statement. “Why would there be crocodiles in the desert?”
    Luke shrugged. “Maybe they like the sun.”
    “Oh, good grief,” Kade muttered, grabbing my hand. “We’ll go this way. You go the other way, Luke.”
    “Fine,” Luke said, unruffled by Kade’s tone. “Whoever gets the better information wins.”
    “It’s not a competition,” Kade snapped.
    “Everything is a competition,” Luke countered. “You’re falling behind in the race, man. You might want to figure out a way to catch up … or at least cheat so no one realizes you can’t even finish the race.”
    “Thanks,” Kade muttered, gripping my hand as he tugged me away from Luke and toward the