Read Online SEE HIM DIE by Debra Webb - Free Book Online Page B

shortly.”
    “Thanks.”
    When the door was closed, Julie sat on the side of the bed for a minute. Austin was dead.
Murdered
. Her hands shook and she hugged herself. She had known he had enemies. She’d heard him arguing with callers. After overhearing that one phone call that referenced the list she’d found, she had started to pay more attention to his conversations. She’d gotten quite good at eavesdropping. He’d only caught her once and she’d talked her way out of that one. No one made it big in the business world without making a few enemies.
    She stood. Putting off the inevitable wouldn’t do anyone any good. Austin was dead. He deserved to have his killer found and brought to justice. No one deserved to be murdered. She shuddered as the images from early this morning filtered one after the other through her mind.
    It wasn’t fair to make Randall wait. She washed her face and ran her fingers through her hair before going downstairs. Randall waited for her in the living room, his ever-present bodyguards likely stationed on the porch. Randall never went anywhere without his bodyguards. Austin had refused to be followed around. He’d been convinced he could take care of himself.
    How had this happened? What had he been doing at her apartment? Had someone followed him there? She’d told the police about Barbie. Were they looking for her?
    Randall stood when she entered the room. Despite the night’s events, he looked as he always did—regal and polished. Randall Barton was an elegant man. He never allowed himself to be the subject of rumors or to be involved in scandal. He’d never been married and rarely dated, much less womanized. Now he was alone.
    He was surely devastated. Tears flooded her eyes. “I can’t believe this happened.”
    Randall pulled her into his arms. “You have my word, we will find the person responsible for this.”
    Julie nodded as she drew back from his embrace. “The police made me feel as if they thought I was involved somehow.”
    “Don’t worry about that, Julie, I’ll make sure they understand that’s impossible. They’re only doing their jobs, but I’ll see that they back off.”
    “Thank you.” Not trusting her ability to keep standing, she perched on the edge of the sofa. She’d managed a couple hours sleep, but nightmares had haunted her.
    Randall sat down beside her. “I understand you didn’t see the intruder.”
    “I didn’t. I think he intended to kill me, too, but my landlady interrupted him.” Julie hugged herself again.
    Randall reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “Based on what you told the police, I agree. That’s why I believe you should come home with me. You’ll be safe there until we figure this out.”
    The unexpected invitation gave her pause. Wasn’t he afraid of how her presence at his home would look? “That’s very kind of you, Randall, but I’m okay here. I’ll have to get back to work as soon as I can.” She looked down a moment. “I’m sure you’re aware that Austin and I had separated. He didn’t allow me to keep anything. Not even my car.”
    “God knows I loved my brother, but Austin was a fool at times.” Randall released a weary breath. “I’ll take care of everything. I’ll have funds transferred into your bank account tonight and get your car returned to you.” He shrugged listlessly. “I tried not to intrude into Austin’s personal business, but I won’t allow you to be subjected to this nonsense any longer. You’re family, Julie. Don’t forget that. You can come to me any time.”
    Hard as she tried, she couldn’t hold back the fresh wave of tears. She had anticipated that he would be nice to her, but she never dreamed he would be so generous. “You’re too kind, Randall.”
    He stood and held out his hand to her. “See me to the door and I’ll attend to the matter immediately.”
    She took his hand and walked with him to the front door. “When will we be able to make funeral arrangements?”