Read Online Ten Times Guilty by Brenda Hill - Free Book Online Page B

Tracy?”
    She stared at him. It’s not too late, say something. Don’t blow it! The room was hot and stuffy. She felt lightheaded and was afraid she was going to pass out.
    “Thanks, Mr. Madden,” she managed. “I really appreciate it.” Wishing him a good time on his fishing trip, she fled the room.
    As soon as she got past his door, hot tears came. She swiped them away. What a lily-livered, weak-kneed coward she was! How could she ever accomplish anything if she didn’t speak up for herself?
    She heard a slight creak at the top of the stairs so she ducked into the ladies’ room. She tore off a paper towel, soaked it with cold water and blotted her face, closing her eyes against the welcome coolness. After combing her hair, she reapplied the lipstick she had chewed off. Looking at her reflection, she thought maybe she wasn’t any better, really, but at least she could face someone now. She just hoped it was Ray, the maintenance man, who never said anything beyond a hello.
    She left the restroom and waited until the upstairs voices faded. She wanted to slip out of the building and scurry for home like the coward she was. Mr. Madden’s door was closed and the light out. Just as she reached the stairs, she heard footsteps behind her.
    “Tracy!” It was Karr.
    Damn, damn, and double damn. If only she had been a little faster. She slowly turned around.
    “Just stopped in to drop off my time-sheets,” he told her, rocking back on his heels. “Gotta have that green stuff, you know. You’re here early. Brown-nosin’ the boss?”
    Tracy cringed. Every time he spoke to her she felt a little more dirty. “I had some things to discuss with Mr. Madden, but I have to go now,” she told him, putting her foot on the bottom step.
    “Please wait.”
    Something in his voice caused her to hesitate. She turned to face him.
    “Why do you keep avoiding me?” he asked. “Have I got the plague or something?”
    She felt a stab of guilt. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”
    “Why won’t you give me a chance? I’d treat you real good. Is it because I don’t have a high-powered job or a fancy car?”
    “Of course not. This just isn’t a good time right now. Too many other things are going on in my life. I’m sorry, Karr, but I really have to get home.”
    She hurried up the steps and made her escape. Why did he have the power to unnerved her so? That was something she’d have to work on.
    Tomorrow.
     
     
    Chapter Eleven
     
     
    Reese took the Granite Park exit off I-70 near the foothills and turned into the parking lot of the cemetery where he sat, hands gripping the wheel, needing a few minutes before starting the trek to the gravesites.
    Would this be the day? Would he finally be able to stand at her site and tell her the things he needed to say?
    There were a few visitors to the willow-shaded grounds, some strolling about the lush green lawn, while others sat on stone benches beneath white birches. Squirrels raced between flowered shrubs, birds chirped, and sprinklers clattered, throwing sprays of water between the curving cement walkways.
    A beautiful morning, a peaceful one. Perhaps a good omen.
    He’d lay the flowers he brought, two spring bouquets of purple iris, freesia, daisies and larkspur, accented with pink and yellow roses, one for her and one for his mother. He’d talk to her, beg her forgiveness. After all, he had tried to change, was working hard to be a caring man. And, he was finding he truly did feel for the victims.
    She would forgive him now, wouldn’t she?
    But his heart pounded and his hands felt clammy. What was wrong with him? He’d willingly face a gang of cutthroats, so why couldn’t he visit his sister’s grave? She wasn’t even there, for Christ’s sake. Whatever essence she’d evolved to wasn’t in that hole in the ground. Not her. Her spirit was busy soaking up all the wonders and knowledge of the universe.
    When she wasn’t watching him with