Read Obsession for Free Online

she had an ally.
    “Thank you,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she fought tears. “Thank you so much. I… I just didn't know where to start, what to do, or who to talk to.”
    She felt his hand cover hers. “You did the right thing,” he said. “I'll get started on it right away, and I'll keep you informed of anything I might find out.” He smiled. “Sound OK to you?”
    “It sounds great,” she answered, returning his smile. “Thanks, partner.”
    He laughed. “Partner. I like that. In fact, I like it a lot. Especially since you are, without a doubt, the best-looking partner I've ever had.”
    Surprised by the flush she felt creeping up her neck, Toni jumped to her feet, angry at herself for the thoughtless use of a term that somehow implied they were a team. “Well,” she said quickly, glancing at her watch, “I'd better get going. I need to get some things done at my dad's office, and it's almost ten o'clock.” She stuck out her hand. “Thank you for your time, Detec—Abe.”
    His smile disappeared, and his eyebrows went up again as he rose from his chair. “What happened? Is it something I said? You're the one who mentioned partners, so it can't be that. Is it the good-looking part you didn't like?”
    Her flush deepened, and all she could think of was escaping from that tiny, stuffy office and getting outside into the fresh air. “I… I've got to go,” she said. “Really. I—”
    “I'll walk you out,” he said, interrupting her as he opened the door to the hallway. She stepped out and hurried toward the exit, but Abe Matthews was right there beside her, holding that door as well. They stepped outside into the sunlight together.
    “You're right,” he said. “This is much better. It was getting pretty warm in there. I really do need a window in that office.” He smiled, his demeanor much more professional than it had been a few moments earlier. “So, where's your car?”
    Toni hesitated a moment, then remembered. “It's at home. It was such a beautiful morning that I decided to walk. And, as you know, it's not far from here to Dad's office. So, if you'll excuse me, I—”
    “Now there's a great idea,” he said, interrupting her again. “In fact, I had just been heading out the door for a quick walk myself when I ran into you earlier. Why don't I just walk with you? Would that be all right… partner?”
    She opened her mouth to protest but couldn't think of a logical reason to say no. And so they fell into step together, down the stairs and out onto the sidewalk. The temperature was in the high seventies now, with a light breeze blowing in from the west. River View was slightly less than a couple of hours' drive from the coast—too far to smell the salt in the air, but close enough to reap the benefits of a cooling ocean breeze on a warm day.
    The beauty of the rare, sunny weather, coupled with the therapy of their moderately brisk walk, soon eased the tension between them. They kept the conversation light, touching on everything from the flowers and birds they saw along the way, to the basketball finals, to the baby-sitting job that Melissa wanted to take for the summer. Suddenly, Abe stopped. Toni looked up at him, puzzled.
    “Have you had anything to eat today?” he asked.
    It was her turn to raise her eyebrows. “No. Why?”
    His smile was back. “Because I'm starved. How about some lunch? Or is it too early for that? Breakfast, maybe? Brunch?” He paused, his dark eyes twinkling. “Some decent coffee?”
    Toni laughed. “That was pretty terrible stuff you gave me back there. The truth is, I seldom drink coffee. I know that's practically heresy in this part of the country, but I just don't care much for it.”
    Abe shrugged. “OK. But you like food, don't you?”
    She hesitated, but before she could answer, her stomach growled loudly. They both broke out laughing, and Abe took her by the arm. “That's it,” he said. “I'll take that as a yes. Let's run