Read Online Tarot's Touch by L.M. Somerton - Free Book Online

range of paperwork, Alex thought back to their conversation. He’d long ago realized that being with Conor was more important to him than any part of his job, and recent events just embedded the certainty even deeper. His interview with Toby Walsh the previous day had hit him harder than usual. Alex had delivered bad news many times before, but watching the man’s face crumple, the devastation that had hunched his shoulders and reddened his eyes had been horrible. They might not have been together that long but there was no doubting that Toby and Sam Teller had been deeply in love.
    Recalling the scene yet again inevitably led Alex back to thinking about how he might feel if he ever lost Conor. It made him feel physically ill to even consider the possibility. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his wallet. Inside was a small picture—a miniature version of one of the snaps he had taken of Conor while they’d been on holiday in Cornwall. Conor was shirtless, leaning back against a rock, glancing up shyly from beneath his lashes. Alex’s cock twitched.
    “You are one lucky son of bitch, Alex Courtney.” He folded his wallet and slipped it back into his pocket. “Don’t ever forget it.”
    He slid open his desk drawer and pulled out the small black velvet box that nestled in his pen tray. He pushed open the lid and looked at the contents—two matching rings of smoky platinum, both completely plain, narrow bands. Inside each were engraved the words ‘amare aeternam’ meaning ‘love eternal’. Circling them in the box was a bracelet made from the same metal and a tiny key, which fitted into the band’s intricate locking mechanism. Once closed, it appeared seamless, apart from the keyhole. Alex had noticed Conor playing with the bracelet around his wrist that morning and couldn’t wait to replace it with a more permanent symbol. Perhaps if they got to Cornwall soon for a break, he would find the perfect moment to pluck up some courage and ask the question that had been tormenting him for months. Alex wasn’t scared of much, but Conor rejecting his proposal of marriage was a terrifying prospect.
    The phone rang. Saved by the bell. The real world was a great excuse for not thinking about difficult, emotional issues. It was Sergeant Higgs.
    “Hey, boss, everybody’s here if you want to come and give us an update.”
    “Sure. I’ll be leaving soon, so it’s perfect timing, I’ll be right down.”
    He replaced the receiver then slipped the jewelry box back into his desk drawer. He picked up the envelope containing his plane tickets and flight details then grabbed his jacket. The piles of paperwork on his desk would still be there when he got back. It felt good to close the door on them. Alex locked his office door and headed down to see his team.
    They were gathered in a loose circle, perching on desks or leaning against the walls. Alex waited for the chatter to die down before he spoke.
    “The best lead we have so far is the animosity between our murder victim and his ex-wife. I spent a lot of time on the phone today with the Scottish police and I’ve managed to arrange an interview with Amanda Teller. I’m flying up to Scotland this afternoon and will be conducting the interview with one of the locals. Mrs. Teller is about to leave for a three week cruise, so it has to be today.” He looked around his staff. “The aim is to get a better picture of this woman’s relationship with her ex-husband. I want to know if Toby Walsh’s impression of her was accurate and whether she still holds any animosity toward either Toby or Sam. Apparently she took him to the cleaners during the divorce, but that might not have been enough.”
    Higgs folded his arms across his chest. “You can’t beat face-to-face for getting the proper impression of someone and she’s the best lead we have.”
    “Exactly. I’ll be back tomorrow. I’m sure you can manage without me for a few hours. Sarge, you’re in