Read Digging Up Death (A Mari Duggins Mystery) for Free Online Page B

Electricity tingled through me, quickening my pulse. I jerked from his touch.
    “I don’t need your help.” I returned the club to the bag, but not before I considered using it on his skull. I retreated to the edge of Henderson’s desk.
    Fletcher followed, scanning the room. “Seems like you do.”
    “You’ve helped enough today.”
    “I brought a peace offering.” Fletcher pulled a red rose from behind his back, taken from the bouquet on Candy’s desk, no doubt. “Promise not to bite my hand off?”
    He tickled my cheek with the petals.
    “Sweet gesture, but—” I sneezed.
    Fletcher’s eyes withdrew. “Sorry, I forgot.” He tossed the flower in the trashcan near Henderson’s desk. “Maybe I should tattoo an apology to my forehead. Save me the trouble of saying it every time I see you.”
    “Couldn’t hurt.” I let a smile escape.
    “Truce?” Holding out his hand, he flashed his irresistible grin.
    “For now.” I offered my hand, and he gave it one firm pump. The tension in my shoulders eased. I could dodge his advances until summer, couldn’t I?
    “Too bad about the old goat.” Fletcher grabbed Henderson’s book on the desk and flipped through the pages. “Guess he wore out his ticker engaging in too many extracurricular activities.”
    I ignored Fletcher’s bait, walked to the bookshelf by the door, and knelt in front of an empty box. “Actually, the police think he was murdered.”
    Fletcher snapped the book closed and set it on the desk. “Why would they think that?”
    “Henderson’s daughter said he was being blackmailed. With photos.”
    “Photos of the prof in a compromising position? Sounds interesting. Did they turn up?” He leaned against the desk.
    I rolled my eyes. “Not that I know of, but they asked me about you.”
    “Moi? Do tell.”
    “They wanted to know if you were the last one to see him. I told them I didn’t know, but you were probably in the green room.”
    “Great!” Fletcher started pacing. “So now I’m a suspect. What are they going to say when I apply for a full-time position?”
    “I thought you were returning to the field this summer.”
    “I decided to stick around for a while. Seems like now they’ll actually need me. What do you think?”
    “About what?” I’d been trying all morning not to think about Fletcher.
    “Do I have a shot at the job?”
    “Sure, you’re the best candidate we have.” The only one we have. “Candy will be happy to fill Henderson’s classes so quickly.” I checked my watch. “I better quit talking and start working. I’ve got a lot to do before I have to leave.”
    Fletcher grabbed a box from the floor. “I can give you a hand.”
    I shrugged. “Why don’t you start on the book shelf? I’ll sort through the papers.”
    “No, don’t get up. I can handle the desk.” He opened the bottom drawer, snatched a bunch of files, and dropped them in the box. “See, I’m not completely useless.”
    “That’s debatable.” I smirked. “Besides, I can’t reach the top two shelves. Even in these heels. Henderson has valuable artifacts up there. Natasha won’t be happy if they’re damaged.” I tried to rock into a squat without my skirt riding past my knees. Fletcher hurried to my side and offered his hand. I leveraged myself against it in a not-so-graceful stance.
    “Fine. You win,” he said, steadying me.
    “You better get used to taking my orders. If you get the job, I’ll be over you.”
    He raised his eyebrows. “When were you not?”
    Heat flushed my cheeks. “I’ll be your boss until they find a department head. I can make your stay here comfortable or miserable. Capisce ?”
    “Ma’am, yes, ma’am.” He saluted, clicked his heels, and stood at attention as if waiting for orders.
    “What are you waiting for? Get to work.”
    “As you wish.” His sultry gaze sent shivers through me, but I managed to roll my eyes at his Princess Bride reference. Most couples had “a song.” Fletcher and I