Linked

Read Linked for Free Online Page B

Book: Read Linked for Free Online
Authors: Barbara Huffert
Tori’s knowledge far surpassed the police report. Guy didn’t understand how she knew what she did but there was no doubt in his mind that her information would prove to be accurate.
    Tori finished and drew her thoughts to the present. Guy could see the resignation in her eyes. “It’s all in there.” She pointed to the folder between them on the table.
    Knowing he had no other choice, Guy slid it toward her. As she read, he wished he’d talked her into returning to the library where they would have had total privacy. Though they had the coffee shop practically to themselves it was still too public at the moment. What little color had been left in Tori’s face when she’d reached the end of her dream was draining rapidly. He’d never seen anyone so pale who still had a pulse. Her pupils were dilating, like she was about to faint and her hands were shaking so badly that he doubted she could actually read the page.
    Without warning, Tori dropped the folder, slid out of the booth and ran from the coffee shop. Guy grabbed their things, tossed a twenty on the table to cover their untouched coffee and raced after her.
    “Tori, stop!” Guy shouted, chasing her across the parking lot. “Tori!” He had to catch her before she reached her Jeep. Fortunately, his longer legs closed the gap just as she grabbed the door handle. Guy extended his arm above her shoulder and leaned his hand against the top of the door to prevent her from opening it. “Tori.”
    “No. Not now. I have to go,” Tori’s voice was unsteady.
    “Just wait one minute.”
    “No. I can’t do this now.” Her shoulders jumped.
    Guy turned her and held her tightly to his chest, trapping her between his body and her Jeep. “You don’t have to say a word but I can’t let you take off until you calm down. I know your mind is reeling, hell, mine is too, but you killing yourself in an accident isn’t going to solve anything.”
    “Let go.” She struggled unsuccessfully.
    “I can’t. You’re too important to people around here. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you because I let you drive away.” He was desperate enough to use brute force but only as a last resort. “And what about Diana? She’s already had one scare this week. If you won’t stay a few minutes for me, do it for her.”
    Tori slumped against him. “That’s so not fair.”
    “I know but did it work or do I have to come up with something even more shameless?”
    Wordlessly, Tori handed Guy her keys.
    “That’s my girl.” Guy kissed her forehead. “Now put on your coat before you freeze to death.”
    “You sound like Diana.” She let him close the zipper.
    “That mean you make a habit of going off without your coat when it’s this cold?”
    “No. But since I grew up where it never got below fifty, she’s afraid I’ll forget if she doesn’t keep reminding me.”
    “I can’t imagine not having seasons. Isn’t it weird?”
    “Not when you’ve never had them.”
    “Good point.”
    “Hey, Guy, since you’re going to keep me here until you’re satisfied that I’m capable of driving, even though I already am, could we maybe get in and turn on the heater?”
    “You planning on shoving me out the door so you can take off?”
    “No. I’ll stay. I’ll even sit in the passenger seat.”
    He opened her door and handed her the keys. “You said you’ll stay and that’s good enough for me.”
    Inside the Jeep, Guy clasped Tori’s hand, needing to maintain contact. When she looked at their hands and raised an eyebrow, he chuckled. “If you’re thinking I’m holding on because I don’t believe you, you’re wrong. I trust you, Tori. I’m just a little rattled at the moment and touching you is making me feel better. If you’d rather I didn’t, I’ll let go.”
    “It’s okay.”
    They sat in silence.
    “You’re going to tell your brother-in-law.”
    “I have to.”
    “In case the extra things I said could help find

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