High-Caliber Holiday

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Book: Read High-Caliber Holiday for Free Online
Authors: Susan Sleeman
looking like she might be sick. “Where are you going?”
    â€œI need to make sure no one else is in the apartment.”
    Grim realization dawned on her face. “You think whoever left this is still here.”
    â€œIt’s a good possibility. I didn’t notice any signs of forced entry. Any chance this is a current boyfriend with a key who has a sick sense of humor and wanted to surprise you?” he asked, not liking the fact that she might be in a relationship.
    â€œI don’t have a boyfriend.” She wrapped her arms around her slender waist.
    â€œThe message doesn’t point to the former fiancé, but I have to ask. Is he mad that you ended things with him?”
    She shook her head. “No.”
    â€œAnd no other boyfriends?” he asked again, to be sure.
    â€œI haven’t even dated since I broke off with Preston, and I haven’t given anyone a key to my place except my parents.”
    So, stalker it is.
    â€œThen stay put while I check it out. And don’t move or you could cut your feet.” Brady eyed her for a long moment to be sure she would follow his instructions.
    â€œBe careful.” She clutched her arms tighter and chewed her lip.
    After the second shock of the night, he hated to leave her alone, but it would be foolish not to check for an intruder. A few strides across the hall and he was in a bedroom. The space was neat. Organized. The same colors as the family room. He checked the closet and under the bed, then made sure the windows were locked even though the apartment was on the fifth floor. He glanced into a small bathroom with a pedestal sink, claw-foot tub and subway tiles. Also empty.
    He stepped to the front door and searched for any signs of forced entry. The wood was smooth and free from pry marks.
    Odd. Very odd
.
    He dug out his phone, called Jake and relayed the incident so they could report it to the Portland Police Bureau. The FRS responded to emergencies across the entire city, but they didn’t have jurisdiction to investigate crimes within city limits.
    â€œI’ve got the detective’s card from the shooting,” Brady continued. “But I don’t get the feeling that this is related to the train incident or another disgruntled plaintiff. Do you think I should call Rossi or should this be handled separately?”
    Jake didn’t answer right away. Brady knew he was thinking. Pondering. The usual Jake. He cleared his throat. “With no sign of forced entry, it seems more like you have a relationship gone bad. You really want to bother PPB this late at night with that?”
    â€œNormally I’d agree with you, but Morgan says she doesn’t have a boyfriend and hasn’t dated in months. Plus, I’m getting a stalker vibe here.”
    A long hiss of air. “I’ll have to call in favors to get a quick response so you’d better be right.”
    â€œNot sure I am, but then, her life could depend on us taking the right action here.”
    â€œYou’re right. Can’t be too careful. I’ll call the watch commander. Rossi is likely the detective on call and if he’s finished at the scene, the commander will send him over. Otherwise you’ll have to hang out there until someone else arrives.”
    Not a hardship
, Brady thought and it surprised him. “I’m off tomorrow so I can stay as long as needed.”
    â€œI’ll text you when I know something.” Jake disconnected.
    Brady kept his phone in hand so he wouldn’t miss the text and returned to the kitchen. A hint of color had returned to Morgan’s face, and she was talking on the phone to someone named Lacy. He suspected this was the woman who’d taken the train with Morgan. It sounded like they were good friends.
    Not wanting to interrupt, he leaned against the counter and took the opportunity to study her while she was distracted. He couldn’t put his finger on the word that best

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