Read No One Heard Her Scream for Free Online

benefactor and his so-called affiliation, did he once own the property?" When the man answered with only a sly smile, she tried again. "Okay, let's try something a little more simple. Does your benefactor have a name?"
    "All in good time, Rebecca. I have faith in your ability to detect such things." He cocked his head, not taking his eyes off her. "But I have to warn you. My benefactor is a very dangerous man."
    "Is that a threat?"
    "No, consider it a warning. More of a professional courtesy."
    She narrowed her eyes and stared at him, trying to determine any hint of sarcasm. He looked dead serious.
    "Aren't you taking a chance by warning the cop working the case? If he's so dangerous, why cross him?"
    "Guess I like living on the edge." His expression grew more solemn. Eyes down, he toyed with his coffee cup. "And he doesn't own me . . . yet."
    She reached across and rubbed her fingers on the sleeve of his expensive suit. "Oh, I don't know. Looks like he's made a hefty down payment on his investment."
    For a brief moment, he torqued his jaw and looked up. She'd hit a nerve.
    "Just make sure you bring your A-game with this guy. He's powerful and as nasty as they come."
    "Don't you worry about my A-game, Slick." She raised her chin in challenge. "I always bring it."
    "Oh, really." With eyes focused on her lips, he picked up a napkin.
    In a surprising gesture, he leaned closer and reached for her, a pale blue linen in his hand. Becca pulled back at first, shocked by his bold move. But as he wiped her chin, with an unexpected gentleness, she gave in to the intimacy and relaxed.
    Way to go, Beck. Real classy. All this time, she put up a front of bravado with black smudge on her face, a remnant from the fire. And he kept a straight face, not mentioning it.
    With a raised eyebrow, he showed her the dirty napkin—proof of her A-game.
    "Thanks." She barely looked him in the eye. "Guess it's been a long day."
    After a strained moment, Becca noticed he hadn't backed away. She found him staring. And once again, she sensed a strong connection. As close as he was to her, anyone along the street might have assumed they were lovers. Becca imagined she felt his breath on her skin, and yet his touch seemed so natural—as if they'd met in another life.
    A stirring, unforgettable moment.
    But without warning, he broke the bond, sternness back in his expression. A gust of wind blew her hair, and, in a snap, her connection to him faltered. He sat back in his seat and let awkward silence build between them. It reminded her they were strangers who had run out of things to say.
    "Like I said, you'll need an A-game, even if you have to borrow one."
    "Look, Slick, I've got an investigation to conduct. And as much as I've enjoyed our little one-sided rendezvous, I've got things to do."
    After taking a sip of his coffee, he looked across the table at her cup.
    "But you haven't touched your cappuccino."
    "I only drink with friends."
    The gloves were off. No sense allowing him to monopolize her dance card. She had better things to do.
    "So why this cryptic little game, Slick? You won't share your name or the identity of your so-called benefactor, yet you're chock-full of professional courtesies. Surely you have better things to do with your time than waste mine."
    After a faint sad smile, the man slipped on his sunglasses, preparing to leave.
    "I wanted to meet you. To find out why a homicide detective gets assigned to a fire investigation."
    Finally, all his cards were on the table, a well-played hand thus far. But now, he was fishing. He knew she worked homicide but had no idea about the body found in the old theater. Interesting. It appeared she still held a card up her sleeve.
    And latex gloves in her pocket.
    "Well, imagine that. I guess there're things you don't know." As she spoke, Becca slipped on one of her gloves under the table. "But a resourceful man, such as yourself, will find out soon enough. I have faith in your abilities."
    She reached