Read Online Tapestry of the Past by Alvania Scarborough - Free Book Online Page B

Besides, there was very little evidence to point to unlawful entry.” He shrugged.
    Kalesia had no trouble getting his meaning. “You mean you doubt the cops would believe anything had occurred.”
    “As I said, the perp left very little evidence. Don’t take it so personally.”
    “Don’t take it personally? It’s not your life being threatened!”
    “Neither is yours. Yet.” He stood, stretched, then walked toward the doorway.
    “Gee, thanks for the words of encouragement, Mr. Steele. I feel much better,” she said tartly. Oddly enough, the headache was gone.
    Gabriel grinned over his shoulder. “You’re welcome.”
    Struck by the sight of his smile, Kalesia forgot to follow right away.
    * * * * *
    “I have another favor to ask.” Gabriel took a sip of coffee that nearly scalded his mouth. He set the mug down on the kitchen counter. He really needed to cut back on the stuff.
    “Before this is through, you’re gonna owe me big-time, Gabe. I don’t usually go around making inquiries for a crime that hasn’t even been officially reported.”
    “Quit complaining. It’s your own damn fault.” Gabriel felt a flash of amusement as the other man’s sigh came through loud and clear on the phone.
    “Yeah, so you’ve already told me. Sending her your way seemed like such a good idea at the time. But you’re the one who needs a little chaos in your life, not me.”
    “Tough.” Gabriel had no sympathy. “Turn up anything on the break-in?”
    Harley became all business. “Not even her next door neighbor, Mrs. Carstairs , saw anything. And I can guarantee that old lady doesn’t miss the smallest detail. Sharp. Are you sure it happened? That Ms. Brannigan didn’t imagine it?”
    “She says it happened and I believe her.” Damned if he knew why but he did. “That’s why I brought her back with me. Even if her vision was nothing more than a dream, she’s safer here than at her house. At least until I can discover what the guy was after.”
    “So what’s the favor?”
    “I need you to see what you can dig up on four homicides.” There was a long silence at the other end of the phone.
    “More visions?” Harley sounded resigned.
    “More visions.” Gabriel tried another sip of coffee. “I doubt they’re connected to Kalesia’s vision of her death but I don’t want to take any chances.” Gabriel rattled off all the details he had, which, when you came down to it, didn’t amount to much.
    “That all you got?”
    Gabriel heard the swinging door to the kitchen open. Kalesia came to a stop beside him and tapped him on the shoulder. “That’s it. I’ll let you know if I find out more.” She hit him again, harder this time. Gabriel turned his head and glared.
    “Tell him they should have reports on the murders,” she hissed.
    He ignored her. “Okay, I appreciate it, Tom.” Gabriel hung up.
    “Well? What did he have to say? And why didn’t you tell him that an officer took a report each time?”
    He shrugged. “Tom said he’ll look into the matter. And he heard you.”
    “He had to say more than that.”
    “He said no one went near your house last night or today,” he told her, knowing his short answers were frustrating her.
    “And?” Kalesia planted her fists on her hips. Gabriel hid a smile. Here, in the stark white of his kitchen, dressed in a bright yellow shirt and matching jeans, she looked like an infuriated butterfly. Gabriel discovered an unsuspected partiality toward butterflies. She began tapping her toe on the white tile of the floor.
    “He said he’d get back to me when he had something.”
    “Listen here, Gabriel Steele, I have a right to…” She trailed off as a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
    “Who would have thought you had a sense of humor,” she grumbled.
    Certainly not him, Gabriel thought as he felt a small shaft of sunlight enter his soul. He bathed in the sensation as he stared down into her eyes. The woman who had entered his life against