Read Online Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren - Free Book Online Page A

information on his boat, endorsement letters, his personal resume, newspaper clippings in all shapes and sizes. After scanning them thoroughly and making notes about his misadventures for more than an hour, her heavy lids dropped.
    She rested her chin on her arm, intending to close her eyes for only a few minutes. But the warmth in the room seduced her, drawing her back under the ocean. She was breathing on her own – without a mask or regulator. Completely weightless with no sense of linear time. Through the murky water, an image came into view: a wetsuit, rapidly approaching. But strangely, she felt no apprehension, no overwhelming fear. No need to escape. The second she recognized Chase, he reached for her face. His lips were on hers, soft yet demanding – locked in a passionate kiss. Although her mind told her it was utterly impossible, that she should flee for her life, Rachel never wanted the sensation to end.
    She never wanted to wake up.
    “ Rachel.”
    A man’s deep voice startled her awake. Her clouded vision fell on the silver-haired man standing in the doorway.
    "It’s Uncle Paul. I was told you were in here."
    As he stepped further into the room, she inwardly cringed. His resemblance to her father was uncanny. Disturbingly so.
    “ I haven’t been able to reach you at home, so I thought I’d take a chance in coming here instead."
    Rachel swallowed hard. Why is he here? She struggled to find her voice, but shame from avoiding him had stolen it. Gripping the top of the desk, she debated on what to do. She wanted to get up and edge her way out of the room. Bolt from any remnants of her guilt-ridden past.
    "This is a pretty big place," he continued, taking a seat in an adjacent chair. "You could get lost here."
    "Unfortunately, I’m...just about to head out." She closed the file and rose to her feet. "Maybe we could do this another time?"
    Paul Lyons reached out, placing his warm hand on her forearm. "This will only take a moment. I promise."
    Rachel slowly lowered herself and lifted her chin. His brown soul-piercing eyes forced a dry swallow.
    "I can’t imagine how difficult this whole situation’s been for you…with your dad and his accident. Not to mention the police investigation that went on for months. You would think after living in this community for so many years…"
    She was painfully aware that he was hardly telling her anything new. When her father's financial shortfalls came to light, an investigative reporter from the Gazette saw an opportunity to make a name for himself. He stirred up the township with ridiculous theories ranging from foul play to intended suicide. The idea that insurance was a possible motive was nothing short of ludicrous, especially with her father's history of overdue bills and lapsed policies. But worst of all, the medical examiner had listed the cause of Sam's sudden cardiac arrest as equipment failure and it had been Chase’s job to ensure the dive gear was working properly.
    "Are you managing all right?" Matt's question invaded her thoughts. "Before I left for London, I know you insisted on handling your father's affairs, but there's no reason I couldn't pitch in now and –"
    "I’m just fine. Really. There’s no need to worry about me." She lowered her eyes to his conservative black suit. Belated bereavement attire.
    "Yes, of course, you’re right. Although I wasn’t able to attend the funeral, your dad would never forgive me for not looking out for you now." He layered his arms across his chest, giving the impression he was preparing for a lengthy visit.
    Too little, too late . She pressed her hands in her lap, willing him to walk out of her life, just like everyone else. Just like her absentee mother Allison Lyons. Even though the pretty ex-stewardess had two young children at home, she’d grown tired and disenchanted with her life. She’d cheated with a number of men before disappearing that night. Word reached her father three months later that she was