Random Acts of Murder: A Holly Anna Paladin Mystery, Book 1 (Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries) by Christy Barritt Page B
Authors: Christy Barritt
Ads: Link
squealed.
“Of course we did! We couldn’t wait to surprise you,” my mom said. “But did you know how hard it was to keep this quiet?”
“Especially for me,” Jamie quipped.
In the middle of all the congratulations, a new voice piped in. “Good job, Ms. Paladin.”
I looked over and sa w Rex Harrison standing there. The man stood at about six feet tall. He had close-cropped black hair and a smile that could make a nun want to give up her vows.
Charisma. There was no doubt the man had it. When he spoke, people listened.
He was a former cop who’d given up his job in order to run for office. Many in the community called him the People’s Choice. He’d vowed to keep the area safe and had taken a stand against the drug problem rampant in the area by starting a mentoring program. He’d been spurred on by the fact that his brother had been a drug addict.
If my brother were running against anyone else, he’d win. But Rex would give him a run for his money.
My mom nudged me until I broke away from my thoughts. “Thank you.”
“I have to admit, your record for selflessly volunteering in our community is impressive, even if you are the competition’s sister.”
“I appreciate that,” I offered.
My brother cast a disparaging glance at Rex before pulling me back. “We want to take you to lunch to celebrate, so don’t go anywhere, okay?”
I nodded. “Got it.”
I reached into my purse to grab my lipstick and freshen up when my fingers encountered a piece of paper. Curiously, I pulled it out and opened the neatly folded square. I didn’t remember seeing this in there before.
“I know who you are,” it read.
My blood went cold as I glanced around the room. Whoever had left this had been close enough to touch me.
That thought was anything but comforting.
CHAPTER 16
As my family and friends whisked me to my favorite Japanese steak house for lunch, one realization had remained in my mind: whoever was behind the murders knew me. I didn’t mean he’d seen me—that much was clear. It went deeper than that. This person had recognized me at that first crime scene.
My blood froze every time I thought about it. It could be someone I talked to on a regular basis who was behind these crimes. There was no other reason for them to identify me. The thought wasn’t comforting.
By the time all of that was over, I had to head back home to get ready for the big fund-raising gala for my brother tonight. Brian was going with me. Or I was going with him. I wasn’t sure.
I didn’t want to wear just any little black dress, so I’d opted for a little green number instead. The rest of my family had already gone , and I was waiting for Brian to pick me up when I noticed the door to my father’s detached garage/woodshop was open.
I hurried toward it and started to shut it when I paused. The scent of sawdust and varnish lingered in the room, even two years after the death of my father. Inhaling the odor took me back in time.
Even though everyone thought I was a girly girl, I used to love sitting out here and watching my dad work. He’d been a locksmith by trade, but in his free time he liked to make birdhouses and shelves and wooden toys. He’d always make extras of things and give them to families in the church. Once in a while, he’d let me help with sanding or picking out a design.
I missed those days. I missed the security and unconditional love I felt when I was with my dad. I’d give anything to have him here now .
Closing my eyes, I could picture him working out here. I envisioned me sitting on the stool not too far away, talking about my day. I could hear me asking his advice. He’d keep working, casting me glances every now and then as he spouted his wisdom about life.
My smile felt bittersweet. I went to close the door when something inside caught my eye. I stepped inside and let the fading sunlight fill the room.
What I saw made me catch my breath.
There were four yellow
“Of course we did! We couldn’t wait to surprise you,” my mom said. “But did you know how hard it was to keep this quiet?”
“Especially for me,” Jamie quipped.
In the middle of all the congratulations, a new voice piped in. “Good job, Ms. Paladin.”
I looked over and sa w Rex Harrison standing there. The man stood at about six feet tall. He had close-cropped black hair and a smile that could make a nun want to give up her vows.
Charisma. There was no doubt the man had it. When he spoke, people listened.
He was a former cop who’d given up his job in order to run for office. Many in the community called him the People’s Choice. He’d vowed to keep the area safe and had taken a stand against the drug problem rampant in the area by starting a mentoring program. He’d been spurred on by the fact that his brother had been a drug addict.
If my brother were running against anyone else, he’d win. But Rex would give him a run for his money.
My mom nudged me until I broke away from my thoughts. “Thank you.”
“I have to admit, your record for selflessly volunteering in our community is impressive, even if you are the competition’s sister.”
“I appreciate that,” I offered.
My brother cast a disparaging glance at Rex before pulling me back. “We want to take you to lunch to celebrate, so don’t go anywhere, okay?”
I nodded. “Got it.”
I reached into my purse to grab my lipstick and freshen up when my fingers encountered a piece of paper. Curiously, I pulled it out and opened the neatly folded square. I didn’t remember seeing this in there before.
“I know who you are,” it read.
My blood went cold as I glanced around the room. Whoever had left this had been close enough to touch me.
That thought was anything but comforting.
CHAPTER 16
As my family and friends whisked me to my favorite Japanese steak house for lunch, one realization had remained in my mind: whoever was behind the murders knew me. I didn’t mean he’d seen me—that much was clear. It went deeper than that. This person had recognized me at that first crime scene.
My blood froze every time I thought about it. It could be someone I talked to on a regular basis who was behind these crimes. There was no other reason for them to identify me. The thought wasn’t comforting.
By the time all of that was over, I had to head back home to get ready for the big fund-raising gala for my brother tonight. Brian was going with me. Or I was going with him. I wasn’t sure.
I didn’t want to wear just any little black dress, so I’d opted for a little green number instead. The rest of my family had already gone , and I was waiting for Brian to pick me up when I noticed the door to my father’s detached garage/woodshop was open.
I hurried toward it and started to shut it when I paused. The scent of sawdust and varnish lingered in the room, even two years after the death of my father. Inhaling the odor took me back in time.
Even though everyone thought I was a girly girl, I used to love sitting out here and watching my dad work. He’d been a locksmith by trade, but in his free time he liked to make birdhouses and shelves and wooden toys. He’d always make extras of things and give them to families in the church. Once in a while, he’d let me help with sanding or picking out a design.
I missed those days. I missed the security and unconditional love I felt when I was with my dad. I’d give anything to have him here now .
Closing my eyes, I could picture him working out here. I envisioned me sitting on the stool not too far away, talking about my day. I could hear me asking his advice. He’d keep working, casting me glances every now and then as he spouted his wisdom about life.
My smile felt bittersweet. I went to close the door when something inside caught my eye. I stepped inside and let the fading sunlight fill the room.
What I saw made me catch my breath.
There were four yellow
Similar Books
