Read Blurred Lines by KD Williamson for Free Online Page B

years. It’s petty to bring it up now.” He narrowed his eyes and studied her for several seconds.
    Kelli squirmed. She didn’t like to be observed like some bug under a glass.
    “You’re deflecting,” Williams said.
    “That’s ridiculous bullshit.” Kelli glared. Goddamn bullet wounds kept her from walking away like she wanted to.
    “Uh-huh. You haven’t changed that much. Something’s going on in that head of yours, and this old crap is a lot easier to deal with.” He stood.
    Kelli’s stomach twisted, and for a moment she regretted letting anyone in that deep. Meanwhile, there was another part of her that relished it. In the past, he’d been there to drag her out of any dark hole she fell into.
    “I was going to stay, visit for a little while, but now, that’s shot all to hell.” He paused and sighed again. ”Listen, when and if you want to talk, I’m here. Just because I don’t watch your back anymore doesn’t mean I don’t have it.”
    Kelli looked at him sharply. She knew he would listen, but there were times when her shit was just her shit. She nodded slightly.
    “Good. See you later.”
    She watched him go without calling him back. Kelli pressed the controls on the bed to make the incline sharper. This angle gave her a better view of the open door. Williams was right. There was no need to wallow. There was no need to let a harmless dream strangle her with the fucking lights on.
    She stared out the door for what seemed like hours, watching the hustle and bustle. Her mind was calmer, but she still didn’t want to be stuck inside her thoughts. Her brain wasn’t the most pleasant place to be. She blinked as a large section of white paper floated in front of the entrance. The writing on it made her grin like an idiot. Luck of the Irish .
    The sign stayed there for a few seconds before a face she hadn’t seen in a while peeked out from around the corner. “I see I put a smile on your face so my job is pretty much done.” Booker sniffed and tipped the brim of the tattered Sonics cap in her direction. He was an older black man with skin the color of toffee. He had definite swagger even in the old jeans and tattered T-shirt he wore. “They must be taking good care of you because you are looking good .” He sat in one of the chairs by the bed, making himself comfortable.
    Kelli smirked.
    Booker leaned forward and studied her. “What…a nurse got your tongue?”
    Kelli chuckled. These nurses would rather flog her. “Nope. Not at all. I’m just a little shocked.”
    “You shouldn’t be. You’re my girl. I wouldn’t be living if it wasn’t for you. Of course I’m gonna come check on my favorite detective. I wanted to give you some time, but I was sitting at home bored. Figured you would be too. So, here I am.”
    “Thanks, but you didn’t have to, Booker. Don’t feel obligated. It’s been years since—”
    “You wound me,” Booker interrupted. “I know how long it’s been…six years, and it’s actually been two since I’ve seen you. Don’t mean I forgot anything. You saved my life McCabe. You were the best thing that happened to the drug enforcement unit. Anybody else would have left my ass in the gutter. When I heard about what happened, I had to see for myself. Had to see that you were okay.”
    Kelli’s face flushed with heat. “Well, I’ve seen better days.”
    “I’m sure, but in no time you’ll be rocking those pantsuits and looking deadly.”
    Kelli laughed. It rumbled in her chest and was out of her mouth before she could do a thing about it. The sound increased in volume and depth without her permission. She winced in reaction. No matter the pain, it was good to really laugh again.
    Booker grinned.
    “Thanks, Booker. I really needed—” The familiar flash of a white lab coat and blond hair caught her attention. “Nora!”
    Seconds ticked by, and Kelli wondered if Nora heard her or if she was ignoring her. She smirked. After their last meeting, it had to be the