Read Online The Last Execution by Jerrie Alexander - Free Book Online

and wits under control.
    “I may have a legal issue on the horizon.” She choked on the knot in her throat, waited a beat, and then continued. “I give you my word, before I embarrass you or the team, I’ll request to be removed as liaison.”
    “I know enough about your achievements on the police force to expect you’re capable of handling any rough spots in your personal life. You’ll keep me apprised, and let me know if I can help.”
    His gaze was locked on hers, making it hard for Leigh to get a read on Casey. His face was a study in non-emotion.
    “This whole thing should be short lived. Thanks for understanding.” She left his office more uncertain than when she’d gone in.
    The possibility the Chief had shared more than her work background nagged at her.
    She had to keep the situation with Jason from spiraling into a tornado out of control.
    ****
    Tuesday, April 27, 11:00 a.m .
    J.T.’s lip reading ability had provided him with the name of the man who’d visited and upset Leigh. He’d pulled up Morgan Anderson’s website before Leigh walked inside Casey’s office. Anderson practiced family law. Hello? The word family swam in front of his eyes. The attorney’s address on Clairmont Road placed him in one of Atlanta’s highest rent districts and explained the high-dollar clothes. Whatever news he’d delivered had shaken Leigh to the core.
    J.T. had stood close to her the return trip in the elevator. After her meeting, the color from her face had disappeared, and her entire body trembled. She hadn’t collapsed. She’d supported herself. Her actions led him to believe she was accustomed to not having a shoulder to lean on.
    The lady definitely had problems. Irritation sizzled across the back of his neck. She’d clammed up on him then hurried in to discuss something with the boss. Then again, Casey had accepted her from the beginning. J.T. still had doubts. Drunks, liars, and bad mothers firmly planted any woman in his no-fly zone. All the more reason to keep your dick from making decisions while at work.
    Her stride was deliberate when she crossed the office, sat, and pulled her chair up to her computer. She worked in silence for a few minutes, taking notes while concentrating on the screen. Abruptly, she pushed back and turned to him. Maybe now he’d learn what the hell was going on with her.
    “If you’ll give me fifteen minutes, we can head to the lab.” She carried her cell and the notepad with her into the hall.
    Then again, maybe not.
    ****
    Tuesday, April 27, noon
    Don dressed and headed out for a run. He hated days off, they left him idle and at loose ends. The park was a couple of blocks away, and within minutes, he’d set a steady pace around the jogging track. Tension eased with each slap of his tennis shoes. Sweat beaded on his forehead and vaporized when the southern breeze hit him in the face. The people having lunch, mothers pushing kids in strollers, and the homeless asleep on the benches faded from his vision. He had to get outside more, exercise more.
    Winded, he dropped to the ground to catch his breath. When he looked up, Ellen Rosen stood over him.
    “What are you doing down there?” She knelt beside him and grasped his arms. Her cheeks were red from running against the wind. “Are you okay?”
    “Yeah. I ran out of steam.” She was the last person he expected to see.
    “You must’ve been in the zone. I called your name again and again.” She leaned over, placing her hands on her knees. “I couldn’t run you down.”
    “I’m sorry, Ms. Rosen. I didn’t hear you.”
    “Obviously.” She laughed and patted herself on the chest. “I’m out of breath. May I join you for a minute?”
    “Sure.” He moved over to give her a spot in the shade.
    “It’s Ellen. Please. Ms. Rosen makes me feel old.” She stretched her legs out in front of her and leaned forward to touch her toes.
    “Okay. Ellen.” She was quietly attractive. Funny, he hadn’t noticed before.