Read Online Shots in the Dark by Allyson K Abbott - Free Book Online Page B

to get all melancholy again.”
    His use of the word melancholy both tickled and annoyed me. It was a quaint term to use, and that amused me, but the idea that Duncan viewed me as some emotionally handicapped woman was irritating. “The dark side of all this crime stuff is a little depressing to someone like me,” I said, “someone who hasn’t been exposed to it much until this past year. But if I can use my synesthesia to prove the innocence of someone who’s been wrongly convicted, or to help put away someone who needs to be off the streets, then the upside outweighs the downside.”
    â€œYou’re going to continue with these cases whether I object or not, aren’t you?”
    â€œFor now I am. It’s a form of validation for me, Duncan. It’s the first time in my life that my synesthesia has been useful in some way. I’ve spent all my life trying to hide it, feeling ashamed and weird because of it. This gives me a way to put it to good use.”
    â€œIt also puts you in some dangerous situations. You almost got yourself killed looking into Tiny’s sister’s case.”
    â€œI’ll be extra careful from now on. And I’ve got you and Mal to keep an eye on me.”
    â€œSpeaking of Mal, are you seeing him anytime soon?”
    â€œHe’s supposed to come by later today so we can do something together. Have to keep up appearances, you know.”
    â€œI’ll give him a call and talk to him about this new case you have. I want him to stay with you as much as he can. If I can’t be there with you all the time, I’ll feel better knowing he’s there.”
    I wondered if he would still feel that way if he knew that Mal’s feelings for me were, to some degree, reciprocated. “Maybe it’s time for Mal and me to fake a breakup,” I suggested.
    â€œNot until we get this letter writer thing figured out. Give it a little more time.”
    â€œI’m spending way more time with him than I am with you.”
    â€œI know, and I’m sorry. It won’t always be that way, Mack.”
    â€œYeah, you keep saying that, but what’s going to change? This thing with Mal and me, it’s starting to feel real.”
    â€œWhat are you saying?”
    â€œI mean, I really like the guy, Duncan. He’s funny, smart, and easy to be with.”
    Another silence ensued. “I know Mal is a bit sweet on you, Mack,” Duncan said finally. “I can’t say I blame him. But are you telling me you’re developing feelings for him?”
    I bit my lip, hesitating. Then I decided to take the plunge. “Yes, I think I am.”
    â€œDamn,” he said. I heard an exasperated sigh and again saw a colorful maelstrom, but this time the colors were green and blue. “Mack, I know these past few weeks have been hard on us, and heaven knows our relationship hasn’t gotten off to a great start. But I really care for you. Please, give us a little more time to work things out before you give up on me.”
    It was the most emotional thing I’d ever heard from him, and it made my heart swell, almost literally. I felt this odd heavy sensation in my chest, a pressure . . . an ache. “I haven’t given up on you or on us, Duncan. But let’s face it. Our relationship is on a fast ship to nowhere at the moment.”
    â€œGive it a bit longer,” he pleaded. “I know I haven’t been the easiest person to be around at times, and I’ll admit I’m a little gun shy when it comes to relationships, because of my past.”
    â€œWhat exactly happened to you, anyway? You said you were left standing at the altar, but you never gave me any details.”
    â€œIt’s complicated,” he said, and I knew he was going to frustrate me yet again. “Please be patient. I don’t want to lose you, Mack.”
    Irritated by his vague reply, I let out an exasperated, “Fine. I need to