Read Online The Reckoning by Kate Allenton - Free Book Online Page A

’s eyes searched his, looking for the truth. Could she trust him? “Please, Elizabeth , it’s your turn to have a little faith in me. I won’t let you down.”
    Jake stood and rounded the table. “You can trust us. Elizabeth , you know this is what we do.” Jake pulled out his business card and handed it to the sisters. “Here’s my number. If Mike’s not around and you need anything, anything at all, you call me.”
    The ringing of Abby’s cell phone had everyone turning. She flipped it open, listening intently before replying. “I’m on my way.”
    Abby rose swiftly from the table. “Duty calls. Mike, why don’t you take Elizabeth home to talk to her dad, then meet me at the coroner’s office? Henry has his first overdose victim from the blue stuff.”
    Henry, the old coroner, was Abby’s mentor, preparing her in all things scientific. He’d been a true friend, one the entire Bennett clan trusted with their secrets. It was hard on Abby to work crime scenes and touch objects without having one of her episodes, blanking out as she traveled to times in the past.
     
    ****
     
    Mike nodded, placed his hand on Elizabeth ’s back, and escorted her and Gracie out to his SUV. Mike had reined in the need to hit something. The more details he’d gotten on Elizabeth ’s stalker, the tighter he’d balled his fist under the table in an attempt to hide his anger. He’d tried not to let on to Elizabeth that he was pissed, but he damn sure was. This asshole wasn’t going to be bothering her anymore, not if he ever got his hands on the bastard.
    Mike gripped the steering wheel and clenched his jaw. The tension that had left earlier was back tenfold. The ride back to Elizabeth ’s house hadn’t helped. He knew her father was there waiting for her and was going to try and talk her into leaving, which wasn’t going to be a viable option as far he was concerned. She wasn’t going anywhere.
    Elizabeth reached for his arm. The simple gesture of her touch calmed him. She was here, and she was with him; she hadn’t left yet. He turned and smiled before pulling the handle on the door and getting out. He rounded the SUV and grinned down at her. “Doc, are you ready for me to meet your dad?”
    Mike’s stomach tensed. He’d thought this day might come, years from now when he was ready to settle down, just not so soon and under these circumstances. If he gave the man a bad impression, he might flee with his daughters, never to be seen again.
    Elizabeth cupped his cheek. “Bennett, you’re in for a treat. I’m sure he’s already made himself at home.” Elizabeth grinned. “Just try to not be intimidated by him.”
    She turned the knob on the door and strolled into her house, dropping her keys on the trusty table..
    “About time, little lady,” a voice boomed from her living room.
    Mike followed Elizabeth through the foyer and head long into probably the most uncomfortable position he could have gotten himself in. He stopped stunned behind Elizabeth as he came face to face with her father. He felt his mouth fall open and yet no words escaped. 
    “Shut the trap, before you let flies in, Bennett.”
    Elizabeth swung her gaze from Mike back to her father. “You know him?” she asked as she pointed at Mike. “Answer me, Daddy. You know Mike Bennett?”
    Mike frowned. “This is your daddy ?”
    The grin from the old man’s face said he’d known for a while. It wasn’t a surprise to the old man like it seemed to everyone else in the room.
    “Of course I do, baby girl. Why do you think I picked this town for you?”
    Elizabeth spun on her heels toward Mike. “When were you going to tell me?” Elizabeth demanded, raising her brow and crossing her arms over her chest. “Or were you ever going to tell me?”
    “Oh, this is getting better and better,” Gracie said, taking up the same stance as her sister.
    Daddy rounded the couch and put his arm around Elizabeth ’s shoulders. “It’s not what you think,