Read Deep in Death: A Shelby Nichols Adventure for Free Online Page A

“Hmm…you’ve got a point there.”
    He nodded, agreeing with me wholeheartedly. “Now…tell me how you’ve been. We’ve kind of missed you around here.”
    I smiled that he would admit to missing me. It made me feel warm inside. “To be honest, I’ve been a little bored.” At his raised brows, I continued. “Not that I miss getting shot at or anything. That part’s been great. It’s just that I’ve kind of gotten used to doing stuff for you. So tell me…Chris made it sound like you wouldn’t be calling me so much. Is that right?”
    “I told Chris what he wanted to hear,” he began. “I knew you needed time to heal and I know he doesn’t like that you work for me. But don’t ever forget that you and I have an arrangement, and it’s not up to your husband how I do business.”
    His steely-eyed gaze caught mine, sending the message loud and clear that he wasn’t about to take orders from Chris. “However,” he continued. “I understand his concern for your safety. I have no desire to see you get hurt, so for now, I’ll try to keep things simple. Things like meeting with Kate, or coming here for special appointments.” He was thinking that sending me on errands hadn’t turned out so well, so he was willing to compromise. If I used my abilities where he could keep an eye on me, I should be safe. “If your husband can’t handle that, then I suggest you don’t tell him.”
    His meaning was perfectly clear to me. I also picked up a certain amount of satisfaction when he thought of Chris, but I couldn’t understand why. “I’m sure that won’t be a problem.”
    “Good. I’m glad that’s settled.” He let down his guard and I picked up that he tried not to get attached to most people, but I was like family now, and he’d do what he could to keep me safe.
    “Thanks,” I said. “I appreciate that.” He pursed his lips, realizing once again how he couldn’t keep much from me.
    Maybe now was a good time to leave since I didn’t want to make him mad. “Well, I guess I’ll go.” I stood, and both Uncle Joey and Ramos stood as well.
    Uncle Joey glanced at Ramos. “I guess you’re off the hook for this fiasco with Kate. Do you think Shelby will be safe meeting with Kate tomorrow, or do you think she’ll get shot at?”
    Ramos chuckled. “Who knows…it is Shelby we’re talking about. Maybe I should go too, just to make sure.” He liked teasing me, but behind his words he was thinking how easy it was for me to get into trouble without even trying.
    “Hey…I’m touched and all, but I’m sure I’ll be fine. It’s just lunch. What could go wrong?” I heard both of them thinking that where I was concerned…anything could happen. Especially considering how much Kate and I hated each other. “Come on guys, unless you think Kate’s going to try to kill me…which I know you don’t, I’ll be fine.”
    “You sure?” Ramos asked, stepping close enough to invade my private space, and gazing deep into my eyes.
    “Yeah.” Having him this close made my heart flutter, and I knew I wouldn’t mind having Ramos along, not for his protection, but because I liked the eye-candy part of being with him. That probably made me a bad wife…dang. “Yeah…” I repeated, stepping away. “You shouldn’t come…I mean…you don’t have to come. I’ll be fine. I’ve got my stun flashlight, so I can take care of myself.”
    His eyes narrowed with a mischievous glint. “Hmm…okay. I certainly don’t want to make you nervous.”
    “I’m not nervous. I just think…I mean…I’m sure you’ve got better things to do, right?”
    He was thinking nope , but was saved from answering by the ringing of Uncle Joey’s phone. “Yes?” Uncle Joey asked. “Ah…yes we’re done. Send him on back.” He set the phone down on the receiver and glanced at Ramos. “It looks like Shelby will be fine without you.” To me he continued, “Just don’t forget to let me know what you find out about Kate