Dark Paradise Read Online Free Page B

some gray hairs on my head. I’ll look as stately as you soon enough, if I’m not careful.”
    He runs his fingers through his silver hair. “I’ve seen a lot of untimely deaths in my life, and it’s never easy or kind on the living.”
    My head drops as I sigh. “No, it’s not.”
    â€œAll things considered, you handled a difficult situation like a professional.”
    Joy rushes through me. I squeeze my hands together and hold in my squeal. It won’t do to act like a dippy-brained teenager after getting such a high compliment from my hero. The sheriff doesn’t know it, but he’s the closest thing I have to a father figure. I’ve idolized him ever since I was a little tot, hanging onto Mama’s skirt and trying not to cry as she was carted off to jail. He teases me to make me feel normal. And I tease him back to feel strong. He’ll never admit it to me, but he likes my spunk. I overheard him tell Bessie so.
    Keep it cool, Mala. “I hope you’ll remember you said that when I apply for deputy next year and not all the silly things I’ve done since you’ve known me, Sheriff.”
    He gives me a weary smile. “I don’t think that will be a problem. Ah, Bessie’s coming. I’ll let the two of you take point.”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    When the chief detective reaches me, I wrap my arm around her waist. “Hey, Bessie, konmen to yê ?”
    â€œ Çé bon, mèsi, ” Detective Bessie Caine says, squeezing me so tight that I almost trip. When she loosens her grip enough for me to step aside, I see her solemn expression, but I also detect a bit of a twinkle in her dark eyes. She’s always been nice to me. Hell, to be honest, she raised me. At least once a week, when Mama got too drunk to drive home, Bessie dragged her out of the bar and dropped her off at the house. She even stayed a bit to make sure I had something to eat since Mama tended to forget that a growing girl needed food.
    Bessie sighs. “So, tell me what happened.”
    I shrug and pull from the safety of her arms. “Pretty much what I told Ms. Dixie. I found the girl—Lainey Prince—floating in the bayou…”
    Bessie places her hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “You didn’t mention a name when you called, Malaise. How do you know her?”
    â€œI don’t. Georgie recognized her. Speaking of, maybe we can move a little faster ’cause he’s all alone and kind of freaked about the gators.”
    Sheriff Keyes chuckles from behind. “Oh, is he?”
    Instant regret stabs a hole in my chest. I didn’t realize he’d be able to overhear our conversation. Why did I open my big mouth? Not wanting to make George look bad, I say, “George secured the crime scene, and he’s protecting it from gators. I also saw tracks this morning for Mamalama. She’s the biggest razorback we’ve got in these parts. It’s lucky I found Lainey before that old boar came for water and smelled her, or the boar might’ve eaten her.”
    Sheriff Keyes points the flashlight directly at my face. “That’s a gory thought.”
    Blinking, I shrug and pick up my pace. “I like to watch mob movies. Pigs eat anything. I’ve heard the best way to dispose of a body is to throw it in a pigpen. Not that I’ve been researching body disposal for a specific reason or anything.” Oh God, Mala shut up.
    Bessie’s shoulders twitch, her version of a knee-slapping guffaw.
    I blush and duck my head, wishing I could rewind the last few minutes. Great. I protected George’s reputation by making myself look like a blithering idiot.
    The report of a gunshot fills the air and, with it, a shout.
    â€œGeorgie!” I yell, and lurch forward. I never should’ve left him alone.

Chapter 3
Landry
    Speak of the Devil
    D rum beats and guitar riffs blast my eardrums as I shuffle through my iPod in