Read The Rogue Reviewer (Primrose, Minnesota Book 3) for Free Online

hand across the
table and covered hers. “I know this is difficult for you.”
    Dara glanced at their enjoined hands and then
cast a sideways look at Alex whose mouth now hung open.
    Mace’s husky snicker caused her pulse to
skitter as he spoke. “Close your mouth, Counselor, I’m not a total
hardass.”
    He gave her hand a slight squeeze and then
continued. “Can you think of any reason the victim had to be at
your home that time of night?”
    “None. I didn’t even know her; we’ve never
spoken and I only recognized her from a newspaper photo.”
    “Research tells me she has quite a
reputation.”
    She nodded. “She’s well published.”
    “Is this review the first she’s given
you?”
    “There’s something you need to understand,
Detective. The Rogue Reviewer earned every letter of her pen name –
she never, ever writes a complimentary review. She wraps all
twenty eight teeth around a novel, bites down, and then chews until
she swallows every single page. Thank God this is the only time
I’ve received her recognition.”
    His fingers began a steady back-and-forth
glide across her knuckles. “You’re that good?”
    She gave a desperate half laugh. “When you
put it like that, I guess I am.”
    “What exactly didn’t she like about your
novel?”
    “By your own admission, you read the review,
Detective,” Alex intervened.
    “Relax, Counselor.” His grin made Dara want
to tear his clothes from his body. “I simply want her opinion.”
    “Hearsay.” Alex nodded at Dara. “Okay, go
on.”
    Dara sighed. “The woman is – or was-
obviously frigid. She labeled it smut .”
    “You mentioned sensual matter.”
    “Well yes, but the story isn’t about sex. The novel clearly has a plot, a very good one.”
    “Fantastic,” Alex mumbled.
    “When you arrived home, did you notice
anything peculiar about the door?”
    “Peculiar, how?”
    “Was it open?”
    “No, I used a key to unlock it.”
    “You’re sure the lock was engaged?”
    She paused at his question. When she slid the
key into the mechanism, she’d assumed the key was responsible for
snapping the lock. “I can’t say for absolute sure, but I’ve never
left it unlocked. I didn’t turn the knob before I used the
key.”
    “Are you the only one with a key?”
    “No, Marnie keeps a spare.”
    “What about the superintendent of
housing?”
    “No, the homeowner’s association office
administrator keeps a master copy. I’m required to be present for
any repairs Griffin makes in my unit.”
    “Griffin?”
    “Griffin Owens, the super.”
    “How well do you know him?”
    She hesitated and looked at Alex for
direction. The other woman nodded for her to continue.
    “Only in a professional capacity.”
    “As well as Chad?”
    “Relax, Detective Turner.” Alex smirked.
“Griffin can’t compete with you.”
    Mace released her hand to run a hand across
his jaw, a gesture she attributed to irritation caused by Alex’s
jab. “How long have you known him?”
    “Four years.”
    “You’ve lived in Cascade Glens four
years?”
    She nodded. “According to the HOA, Griffin
has been the super for ten years.”
    “I’m assuming by HOA you mean the Homeowner’s
Association.” He paused while she nodded again. “And you’re
absolutely sure he doesn’t have a key?”
    “As sure as I can be. I know neither Marnie
nor I gave him one.”
    “How do you know Miss Carpenter didn’t?”
    She rolled her eyes at his ridiculous
suggestion. “Marnie has been my best friend since forever. She
didn’t give Griffin a key to my townhouse.”
    “Can you think of any reason for the victim
to visit you?”
    “Again, hearsay,” Alex warned.
    “I’m perfectly aware,” Mace snapped. “I’m
just trying to put the pieces together, counselor.”
    Alex grinned, then nodded at her to
answer.
    “Absolutely none.”
    “Are any of your friends acquainted with
her?”
    “Only through her reviews, as far as I
know.”
    “Let’s go back to Griffin.