Page 24 of Down and Dirty

Chapter 10

Keaton followed me home and insisted on walking me inside. Normally I’d have fussed but not after finding two dead bodies and knowing there was a killer on the loose. It was one thing to see ghosts and communicate with the dearly departed, but it was a whole new level to witness the human remains.

It was dark, disturbing, and unshakeable.

Keaton walked me into my house and did his cop thing by pretending he was thirsty in an attempt to get a look around and make sure things weren’t lurking in dark corners.

His tired eyes were red. He looked as though once his head hit a pillow, he’d be down for the count.

I handed him a bottled water as we sat at my kitchen table.

“You look like you’re ready to fall over,” I said.

His lip twitched. “I haven’t slept in over twenty-four hours.”

“Where are you staying?” I asked, knowing there were several hours left for him to get some shut-eye, assuming he could drive that far without getting into an accident.

“By the airport,” he said.

“I was afraid you were going to say that. Get your drink and follow me.” I rose and left the kitchen. When he didn’t follow, I turned to find him staring at the flower he’d given me, which I’d put in my favorite vase. The flowers the doctor had given me were still lying on the counter in their wrapping.

I crossed the room and took his hand, pulling him from the kitchen. “It’s still dark out. That should help you fall asleep.”

I led him up the stairs and showed him around. My bedroom, the hall bathroom, and the other two rooms, only one of which had a bed made. I pushed the door open. “I don’t want you driving and getting into a wreck. You can crash here.”

“You sure you don’t mind?” he asked, although I could read the relief on his face.

“Not at all. It’s the least I can do since you let me sleep earlier.”

He touched my arm as I begin to walk out, stopping me in my tracks. “I’ll be out of your hair in the morning.”

I turned in his hold and cupped his cheek, my gaze searching his “Thank you for helping me find Mary.”

He nodded, and I stepped out of his reach. If I’d kissed him, I wouldn’t be leaving and he’d be even more tired. I couldn’t have that on my conscience, not when I owed him for helping me.

“Sweet dreams, Detective.”

“Thanks, Faith,” he answered, holding my gaze and remaining unmoving as I slowly closed the door.

****

I managed to get a few more hours of sleep before my alarm went off. I had four clients scheduled for today. All I really wanted to do was find out if Jimbo had been apprised of Mary’s cause of death and the dead reporter’s too.

I’d found five of Keaton’s missing seven. Would he leave when I found the rest?

“Letting a man that you hardly know stay in your home isn’t smart, Faith,” Veronica said as I slowly sipped my coffee, waiting on my client to show.

“Where’s Jared?” I asked. The two normally appeared at the same time.

“I left him trying to figure out how to get into your boyfriend’s room.”

“Trying?”

“Oh, yes.” Her eyes sparkled. “The last time your sister Nina came to stay, she laid down a salt barrier to keep the kid out, and it’s still in place.”

“Why is Jared so hostile sometimes? Did he not get hugged enough as a kid?” I asked.

She shrugged. “You’d have to ask him. I can feel the energetic anger rising in him. His actions are bordering on homicidal.”

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