Read Caliber Detective Agency - Box Set - Case Files 1-6 for Free Online

mister?”
    “You’re Eva?” Jake said.
    “Yes.”
    “I’m sorry ma’am, but the Eva I was lookin’ for is Eva Heimlich, at least I hope it’s still Heimlich.”
    The woman broke out in a huge grin.
    “You’re Jacob, aren’t you?”
    “Why yes ma’am, but how’d you know that?”
    The woman looked him over with an appreciative gaze.
    “She talked about you, described you to a T; I thought she was putting me on, but no sir, you are a handsome devil and then some, aren’t you?”
    “Where can I find her?”
    “Bit of a hurry are we? Well I don’t blame you. She’s the cook over at Sullivan’s. It’s the big restaurant over by the jail.”
    Jake nodded his head. “I know where it is; I passed the sheriff’s office on the way into town.”
    As Jake rushed past her to leave, the woman grabbed his sleeve and stopped him. A moment later, she spoke to him in words little more than a whisper.
    “That girl could have any man she wants and she waited for you. If you’re not here to stay, then keep riding.”
    Jake slowly pulled away from her as he stared into her eyes.
    “I’m hers if she’ll have me.”
    The woman sent him a smirk.
    “Lord, I hope you ain’t a scoundrel, now get out of here.”
    ***
    S ullivan’s restaurant sat on a corner across from the sheriff’s office and had big plate glass windows.
    Jake walked in and found the place nearly deserted at mid-morning, the only patrons appeared to be two old men sitting at a corner table, drinking coffee. If Eva was the cook, then she would be in the kitchen, and so Jake wandered toward the back and through a set of swinging doors.
    Eva looked up as he walked in. She was blond with large blue eyes and her figure showed even though she wore an ankle-length dress with a white apron over it. She had been sweeping the floor when he entered, and her brow gleamed with perspiration, as errant blond curls fell down her cheek.
    Jake smiled at her. “Hello Eva,”
    She dropped the broom and rushed into his arms.
    “Oh God, Jacob, I’d begun to think I’d never see you again.”
    “I’m back; I’m back to stay,”
    Eva searched his eyes. “Did you come alone?”
    “I’m not married, girl, I came back here for you. I’ve had enough of wandering, enough of army life. I just want a normal life.”
    “With me?”
    “If you’ll have me. I know I got no right to ask, hell, I’m amazed you ain’t hitched.”
    “I’ve had offers, but I always said no,”
    “Why?”
    “Because they weren’t you Jacob, and I’ve been in love with you since the day we met.”
    “I love you too, Eva.” Jake said, and then he kissed her and felt at peace for the first time since he was a boy, blissfully unaware of the four men riding into town, four men who would change his life forever.
    ***
    C entral Park in New York City, Present Day
    Christopher Caliber sat back on a bench along poets’ walk and watched the pigeons peck at the ground. Above his head, the elm trees swayed in a gentle breeze as dozens of people passed before him. He wore jeans, Nike sneakers, and despite the warm spring weather, he also wore a jacket with the hood pulled up.
    Velma Channing walked over and sat beside him.
    “Hi Chris,”
    “Thanks for coming Velma,”
    “You’re welcome,
    Chris looked around. “I always liked this place when I was a kid. Have you seen the statues?”
    “Why are we meeting here Chris?”
    “I just need someone to talk to, face to face.”
    Velma swiveled toward him. “I’m listening.”
    Chris got up and began pacing in front of the bench.
    “What happened yesterday, the shooting, I don’t know what to make of it.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I shot three men dead, and the way I shot them... I don’t know how I did that, where that came from. I wasn’t lying when I told you that I’ve never held a gun, never fired one, it’s true, and yet I killed three men in less than a second.”
    “I have a theory about that.” Velma said.
    Chris sat back