Read High-Caliber Holiday for Free Online Page B

replace your locks. Did you ever leave your keys unattended?”
    â€œUnattended?” She chewed on her lip, something he was beginning to think was a habit. It was full and plump and far too distracting.
    â€œYou know,” he rushed on, though no explanation was necessary. “You left the keys out where someone could get to them when you weren’t watching.”
    She tapped her chin with a slender finger. “I suppose I’ve dropped the ring on my desk at work. Who doesn’t do that? But I’m sure no one took them long enough to get a duplicate made.”
    He wished. “Unfortunately, keys can now be duplicated by sending a digital picture to an online locksmith.”
    â€œYou’re kidding, right? They just have to take a picture?” Fear widened her eyes. She seemed even more vulnerable, tempting him to cross the room to take her hand.
    He planted himself more firmly on the sofa instead. “I’m afraid it’s true. That’s why I need you to think of any place you could’ve set the keys down long enough for someone to snap a picture.”
    She tapped her chin again, her fingernail painted a light pink and perfectly manicured. “Work, like I said. And the gym.”
    â€œYou leave your keys unattended at the gym?”
    â€œNot really. Just set them on the bench in the locker room as I dress. Or on the counter when signing in and out, but from what you say that’s long enough.” She stared at him. “I’ve left them out at church, too, though I doubt anyone there would do this.”
    â€œYou never know.”
    She arched a perfectly plucked brow. “I doubt it.”
    Fine, she didn’t believe him. Most people wouldn’t, but he saw people at their worst and knew what they were capable of. He also suspected the ex-fiancé had been alone with her keys at some point, but the message didn’t lead Brady to believe this Preston guy had left the note.
    â€œSo how do we find out who might have a key?” she asked.
    We? There’s no
we
here.
“I’ve arranged for Rossi to come over. He’ll be here any minute to take your statement and go from there.”
    â€œWhat?” She laughed. “Aren’t you a police officer? Can’t you handle this—wait.” She covered her mouth for a moment, then circled her arms around her waist. “You think this is related to Craig. That it’s not over.”
    He held up his hands. “Slow down. I’m not saying that at all. It’s just a jurisdictional matter. I’m County and you live in Portland’s city limits. It’s the Portland Police Bureau’s responsibility to investigate this incident.”
    â€œOh,” she said, sounding disappointed. “Does that mean you’ll be leaving?”
    â€œI’ll wait for Rossi and make sure you’re in good hands before I leave.”
    As if on cue, the doorbell rang. Morgan startled.
    â€œRelax. I’m sure it’s Rossi.”
    She started to rise.
    â€œI’ll let him in.” Brady shot to his feet before she could get up. “Do you have a photocopier?”
    â€œOn my printer, why?”
    â€œYou should make a copy of the threats you received. Then you can give the file to Rossi so he can get started on it ASAP.”
    â€œOh, right, okay.”
    Brady headed for the door. She’d have plenty of time to make the copies as he intended to have a conversation with Rossi before the other man entered the apartment. It would be better if this conversation happened without Morgan, because Brady suspected without evidence of an intrusion, Rossi would think Morgan was lying about not having any relationships gone bad. And if Rossi thought the items were from a disgruntled ex-boyfriend, he wouldn’t take this threat seriously, leaving her in potential danger. Relationships gone bad made people say stupid things—sometimes even do stupid things like