Harlequin Romantic Suspense April 2021 Karen Whiddon (best fiction books to read TXT) 📖

they’re cute, but that coffee will keep you up all night, you know,” said Luis, tapping a finger on the side of Julia’s cup.

Lifting the mug to her lips, she took a sip. “That’s what I’m hoping. I’ve got hours’ more work to do before I can call it quits.” Plus, she was afraid of what nightmares might lurk.

Luis’s gaze traveled around the restaurant. “When I was a cop, I did my best work in a little convenience store in my neighborhood back in Denver. It was a shop, not a restaurant, but it reminds me a lot of Sally’s.” He sipped his water and continued. “A bunch of guys hung out at the store and I stopped every morning for a newspaper.”

“Why didn’t you get one delivered?” Julia took another swallow of coffee. Caffeine buzzed through her veins. “It’d save you time in the morning.”

“Not all news is in the papers. Look around. Thomas Irwin, from the bank, is here. He works with everyone in town. Sally knows everyone and their personal business, I bet. Hell, the editor of the paper is even at the counter. You should work the room a little.”

“I’m the sheriff, not some damn politician,” said Julia, though she suspected that Luis was right. She took another sip of coffee. “And I’m definitely not talking to the newspaper’s editor.”

“Why not?”

“You saw that hit job he did on you with that story. How am I supposed to trust the guy?”

“Did he release some embarrassing facts about me?” he asked, then answered his own question. “Sure, he did. Was he wrong? Sadly, no.” While picking a lemon seed from his water, Luis continued. “I ruined my own life. It’s not the newspaper’s fault. Besides, in a small way, I’m glad it came out.”

“Really? Because I’m mad that he embarrassed you like that. And ambushed me in the early morning, too.”

Luis looked up and pinned Julia with his stare. His eyes were a deep and warm brown. Her fingers itched with the need to touch him. Her whole body tingled with the need to have him touch her in return. “To be honest, I’m moved that you care so much.”

Was there something in his words? Something more than camaraderie? Did she dare to broach the subject of...feelings? “Of course, I care.”

“Honestly, I’m glad you’re here. You’re a good friend, Julia.”

Friends. Great.

She shook her head as if to clear it, then nodded and took a sip of coffee. “This morning, you said you don’t speak to your family anymore. Do you miss your sister?”

“Of course.”

“Why don’t you call her and apologize? You’ve changed. Besides, I bet she misses you, too.”

“I suppose that’s it—what if I haven’t changed? Or I haven’t changed enough?”

Julia’s chest ached with Luis’s pain.

“You’re handling this all remarkably well. Me, I still can’t get over what Peter did.”

“That’s one of the first steps to moving forward—owning your past.” Luis added, “Besides, Peter Knowles is good at his job. He found out about me. I wonder what such a good reporter might be able to dig up about Darcy’s childhood?”

Thankfully, she was saved from adding anything else to the conversation by the arrival of a server. “What can I get for you this evening? The special is chicken-fried steak with potatoes and gravy. Green beans come as the side. I had some before my shift. It’s really good. You should try it, Sheriff.”

“Sold,” said Julia.

“Make that two.” After the server left, Luis leaned back. “See?”

“‘See’ what?” Although Julia suspected that she knew what Luis was about to say.

“Even the waitress at Sally’s knows who you are. You’ll have to get used to all the hand shaking. Making friends and influencing people—that’s your job now.”

Julia grunted.

“I’m not comfortable in the spotlight. I like to make things happen and see results. Other people can take the credit. I just want to do my job and keep my life private.”

“Being sheriff of a town that is recovering from a spate of serial killings—and with a new murder, no less—is hardly the place to avoid being a public figure.”

“That’s what I’m worried about.”

The door to the restaurant opened. Sean Reynolds entered, accompanied by three other men. Julia recognized them all as friends of Tom Dolan. She watched them take seats at a booth near the door. “Give me a sec.” She rose and moved through the restaurant, not entirely sure what she planned to say to the group of men. But she knew that she had to say something.

She approached the table. “Hey, Sean. Hey, fellas. How’re you holding up?”

“Lousy,” said Sean. He scooted over on the bench, making room for Julia. “Any news on the investigation?”

She slid into the seat. “I really don’t have much to report. Right now, we’re waiting for results from the toxicology reports. Sometimes, they can take weeks. Months, even. I’ve asked that the tests be expedited and am hoping we have answers tomorrow or Wednesday. Obviously, we’re most interested in finding the blond woman. I spent time following up on leads today, but nothing definitive.” She paused. “How much longer are you staying in town?”

“I’m saving my in-laws the heartache of bringing Tom’s body home. I’ll be here until the body’s released for transport. The guys have all agreed to stay with me...and him.”

“That’s a wonderful gesture.” Julia’s heart went out to him. She squeezed his arm, just a slight pressure, to show that she saw and understood his pain and anguish. “I’ll get back to you as soon as I know something. If you guys think of anything at all that might help, give me a call.”

“Will do,” said Sean.

Julia rose to her feet and walked toward the table. Peter Knowles stepped into her path. He had the nerve to smile. “I thought I saw you come in.”

“I still have no comment, and I doubt I ever will. That story was crap.”

“Are you saying it isn’t true? I’d love to chat with you and Mr. Martinez. How’s the investigation going? Do you have a