INK: Fine Lines (Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

Eli sounds desperate. His tone tells me he really wants to go himself, but he knows it’s best that he doesn’t.
    “No problem.” He slides Eli a knowing smile. “What’s her name?”
    “Shay,” Eli answers, walking back toward the detective.
    “Shay Baynes?” Simmons asks.
    “Yeah, you know her?” Eli stops mid-step.
    “I’ve met her; she’s on-again, off-again with one of my buddies. I’ll check it out.” Simmons and his partner drive away.

Chapter Four
The Other Scene of the Crime
    Aiden
    A loud banging startles me awake. I open my eyes to see the empty spot in the bed.  She probably locked herself out again.  I smile, heading for the door.
    I’m surprised to find two uniformed police officers standing outside instead of Shay. I hold my hands up in mock surrender. “Mark, I swear it wasn’t me, I just got back.”
    “Hey Aiden,” Mark smiles, leaning in to give me a one-armed man-hug. “I’m not looking for you. I’m here to check on Shay.”
    “Did Eli send you?” That fucker probably sent him here to crash my party.
    “Yeah,” Mark answers.
    “He is such an asshole.” I shake my head in disbelief. He’s gotten craftier over the years. I’m going to have to remember that.
    “No man, it’s not like that. We’re working a crime scene down the street. Walker asked me to come down and check on her.” Mark says, looking around the room past me. “Is she here?”
    “Crime scene?” I’m more curious than concerned. “What happened?”
    “It’s pretty heinous; an old couple was tortured and drained in their garage.” Mark visibly cringes as he motions towards Gary and Alice’s house.
    “Gary and Alice? Jesus, sounds brutal.” I let them in and call for Shay with a hint of alarm in my voice. No answer. I go back to the bedroom and pull a shirt over my head and slip into my boots. I check the bathroom and the spare bedroom, calling for her.
    “Where is she?” Simmons asks, following me around the house.
    “She’s probably in her studio outside in the garage.” I brush by them on the way out the door.
    Both cops look at each other with concern at the mention of the garage. They follow behind me.

Chapter Five
Can I Show You My Etchings?
    Shay
    Aiden bursts in the door, causing me to jump. A noticeable rush of relief washes over him when he sees me. He walks over and wraps his arms around me. “You’re okay.” He sighs heavily into my ear.
    “Yeah, I’m fine. What’s up with the cops?” I wriggle out of his hold, concern in my voice. “Oh hey Mark, how’ve you been?” I speak directly to the cop I recognize as Aiden’s friend. We’ve met before, unfortunately.
    They aren’t responding. They’re looking around the room, and then at each other, clearly unnerved. Most people are a little shocked when they first see this comic.
    “I…I’m okay, thanks.” Mark is stunned. “We’ll be right back.” He exchanges a knowing look with the other cop. Mark backs out of my studio, still studying the panels.
    “That was weird; what’s going on? Did you do something?” I eye Aiden suspiciously.
    Aiden presses his lip into a thin line. “You are always assuming the worst about me –” He’s cut off by the other officer walking back into the studio.
    “Hey, Officer Simmons wants to talk to you for minute.” He nods toward Aiden.
    “Sure, no problem.” Aiden gives me a quizzical look.
    I shrug. The other cop stays inside with me. He is notably uncomfortable. I fill the awkward silence. “Do you like comics?”
    “Some. I like Superman, Spiderman, stuff like that.” He rocks back and forth on his heels and glances back at the door.
    “So, what’s going on? Did Aiden do something?” I’ve always wondered if Aiden is running from the law, and that’s why he never sticks around for very long. They’ve finally caught up with him. Of course I know that can’t be what it is. Aiden knows everyone in this town and could never hide out anywhere.
    I can hear Aiden