For Love of Livvy Read Online Free Page B

contained something else. Did you see who dropped the package off?” An intense gaze flicked over my features and settled on my eyes as I stared into his. I had a sudden urge to squirm, but held off.
    "Not at all, there was a knock at the door. By the time I got outside, the package was on the step. I looked in both directions, but saw nobody. Why?” Okay, you're scaring me now .
    "There was a note in the box attached to a black velvet bag of expensive loose gems. Any ideas on that?” His voice was calm and I admired his technique. He leaned back in the chair so not to invade my space. Relaxed, his hands lay folded on the counter. I knew that technique too, but I was unsure if he was aware of who I was and what I did.
    "You've stumped me with that one. What does the note say?"
    "Something that doesn't make sense."
    "What are the words? They are words, right?"
    "Yes, they are."
    "Well, don't just sit there, spill it. My crystal ball is broken, thanks.” Cripes, what was I supposed to do, guess? I wanted to reach into his throat and rip the words out. My anxiety mounted with each passing moment.
    He stiffened at the snappy response. I guess he still didn't like being addressed in a snippy manner. Oh well, too bad, I shouldn't have to drag the words out of his mouth. I had a vested interest in the damned box since it was addressed to my aunt, for gosh sakes.
    "Crested Inn.” Piercing eyes raked my face as he searched for a sign that I knew what the words meant.
    "Hmm, well I haven't a clue. I don't know who would leave that package for her either. It didn't have a postmark on it, huh? It would seem that this person doesn't realize she's dead."
    Baffled, I stared at him as he stared back. I tried to read the man, but he was good, very good and handsome as hell, I might add. Guarded was the word I'd have used to describe his attitude.
    He stood and waited for me to rise. We strolled to the door and as he stepped outside, I said, “Thanks officer. I'm sorry, I didn't get your name last night."
    "Marcus Richmond. If you think of anything, Miss Esposito, call me.” He handed me a card, then turned away but hesitated. Looking back, the corners of his mouth tipped up and he asked, “Was Lavinia a tough name to deal with as a kid?"
    Surprised, I stood in the doorway. “You have no idea, but it got better when my brother christened me Vinnie."
    "You don't really know the Colonel, do you?” His brows hiked a tad as he asked the question with a grin.
    "I never said I did.” My broad smile matched his.
    He nodded and left.
    Intrigued, I watched him drive off. Who could have sent jewels to Livvy? It was weird, too weird. A sense of mystery surrounded not only her death, but this strange occurrence was now piled on top of it. And what was Crested Inn all about?
    My inquisitive nature was on the move. I knew it would only be a matter of time before I became involved in the investigation on a different level than the police. That level usually got me into trouble.
    Richmond's Dodge Ram pickup truck stopped at the red light on the corner. Why had he made such a point to come by off duty? Those hazel green eyes missed nothing and though his attitude was easygoing, I'd guess he wasn't that easy with a real perpetrator. His nostrils tended to flare when he heard something he didn't like, though it was really the only outward sign of disfavor. At least they flared when I spoke to him in that unlikable manner. I smirked at the thought of it.
    Rugged good looks went with a body in great shape that stood a bit taller than me. The Rhode Island State Police take great pride in their appearance, so it was no surprise he was in good physical condition. With that lingering thought, I hustled past the gate at the end of the walk toward my car and drove to the paint store. The day was fading, and I was determined to be done with the project at hand.
    With another gallon of paint, I returned and hiked to the second floor to gaze in surprise at the