Read Online Unhinged by E. J. Findorff - Free Book Online Page B

to bite, pardon the expression, then just fake like you’re sick and get out. We’ll assess how it went and determine if we should proceed with the suspect.”
    This was everything I thought it would be. I truly loved this shit.

I woke up at 8 a.m. with Jennifer snuggled on my right side and the comforter pulled up to our chins. The sunlight made a hazy glow at the edges of the curtains, which barely lit the room. The air conditioner was on full blast, and the room was pretty chilly except for the side where Jennifer was. The heat from our bodies circulated around us when I lifted the comforter to slide next to her in a spooning position. She had the day off, and I wasn’t going into the station until late.
    â€œMorning,” she said without moving.
    â€œMorning.” I kissed her neck.
    Jennifer put her arm on top of mine, which was lying between her breasts. This had to be one of the best positions to be in. She rolled herself a few degrees until she was on her back, then smiled at me.
    â€œI didn’t get a chance to tell you last night, but my parents are coming over for an early lunch since you’re not going in till later. Do you mind?” Her expression told me that I better not care because it was going to happen no matter what.
    â€œThat’s fine. They know I’m going to be here?”
    â€œOf course. They’re coming around slowly.” Jennifer kissed me and rolled over.
    â€œWhat time are they coming?”
    â€œTen thirty. They’re bringing gumbo. We’ll eat around eleven.”
    I felt myself become tense. But I knew if I was going to be with Jennifer that I’d have to ingratiate myself with her parents, and maybe they might loosen my noose a bit also. I told myself that these lunches, dinners, birthdays, and holidays had to be done if the awkwardness was going to end. Time would heal all wounds, right?
    â€œI’m going to shower.” I kissed her again, then got out of bed.

    Richard and Carla Wilder arrived right on time with a huge pot of okra gumbo, carried by Jennifer’s dad who looked almost too frail to bear its weight. He also looked like he hadn’t cracked a grin since the Nixon administration.
    â€œHi.” I kissed Carla on one cheek. Her hair was up in a bun, and she wore a nice light green sundress that went well with her dark complexion. Jennifer was definitely her child.
    â€œLet me get that.” I took the pot of gumbo from Richard.
    â€œThank you.”
    â€œYou guys sit down and I’ll heat it up,” Jennifer said from the bathroom.
    Great, just me and the parents, but I suspected that Jennifer had planned it that way. We entered the dining room and took seats. Carla smiled politely at me, and Richard just stared straight ahead. I was dying for a drink.
    â€œCan I get you something?” I said, hoping for an excuse to get up.
    â€œI’ll take a Diet Coke,” Carla said. “Richie only drinks water.”
    â€œI remember that. Keeping the kidneys healthy, huh?” I asked.
    Richard pursed his lips and nodded. I was still grateful for the thank-you.
    I left to get the drinks and had to wipe a bead of sweat that inched away from my hairline. I feared nothing would ever change.
    Jennifer had several bowls ready for the microwave. I figured I could eat fast and excuse myself to leave for the station. At least I didn’t have to suffer this torture for too long.
    I returned to the dining room and handed them their drinks. “Guess what?” I said, breaking the silence. “I’m on the Absinthe Killer case, me and my partner.”
    â€œJennifer told us. How exciting,” Carla exclaimed.
    Richard finally chimed in. “You expect him to do it again?”
    â€œI’m afraid I can’t discuss an ongoing investigation.”
    â€œI guess not.” Richard took a good look at his glass before drinking from it.
    â€œHow are you and Jennifer doing?” Carla