Liar's Key Read Online Free Page A

Esplanade, take up tai chi and help Lucy run her knitting shop.”
    Emma got to her feet. Lucy was Yank’s wife, a psychologist who’d been reluctant to move from their home in northern Virginia. She’d finally agreed to move north and was adapting to Boston life, moving into a Back Bay apartment and opening a knitting shop. She and Yank had no children, and he was convinced she would go back to psychology. Colin was, too, but Emma wasn’t. Lucy Yankowski was getting into yarns, needles, knitting patterns and classes.
    â€œOliver’s an expert in tai chi,” Emma said finally, with a slight smile.
    Yank scowled as he came around his desk. “Do we have a bored retired agent on our hands who’s trying to connect dots that don’t connect because he wants to feel relevant, or is Gordy Wheelock on to something?”
    â€œI can’t say for certain.”
    â€œI’m not asking for certainty. I’m asking for your gut take on what he’s up to.”
    Emma tended to be analytical and objective, gathering bits and pieces of information and evidence and letting them point her in the right direction. Gut takes were Colin’s strength, given his training, experience and natural instincts, and an asset in his work as an undercover agent.
    â€œGordy was deliberate and reasonably well prepared,” she said. “But he wasn’t in great shape, whether it was jet lag or what, I don’t know. I didn’t work with him during his last few months on the job. I’ll look into what he left unfinished.”
    Yank nodded. “Good. Gordy could have made up the rumors to get in here and try to pump you for information. Him, MI5, Oliver York and your family. Not my favorite combination.” He heaved another sigh. “I don’t need more Sharpe trouble, Emma. I really don’t.”
    â€œUnderstood.”
    She headed out of his office, shutting the door behind her. To get to her own office, she had to pass through an open-layout area of tables and cubicles where HIT team members could meet or work on their own. Sam Padgett, the newest member, had set up at a U-shaped table with his wireless keyboard, laptop, separate monitor, a stack of printed spreadsheets and notebooks and several Sharpies. He was a dark, ultrafit, good-looking Texan, full of contradictions and foiled stereotypes, an expert marksman, a whiz at numbers and a total wimp when it came to New England winters. He’d arrived in Boston last fall and Emma swore no one had ever been so happy to see the green grass of spring.
    He looked up at her. “Bad?”
    â€œNot great. A retired agent was just here. Gordon Wheelock. Did you see him?”
    â€œNope. I was in my office gathering up my gear so I could spread out here.”
    â€œAnd he didn’t see you?”
    Padgett shook his head. He had on a dark suit, a crisp white shirt and loosened red tie, but he always managed to look casual. “Why, you want me to tail him?”
    â€œMaybe,” Emma said, then explained the situation. “Think you can find out where he stayed last night? Knowing Gordy, it will be convenient and relatively inexpensive.”
    â€œI never use inexpensive and Boston in the same sentence. Convenient to here?”
    â€œHe mentioned penguins. Try near the aquarium. I’m concerned he’s working his own agenda and could infringe on something he shouldn’t.”
    â€œA freelancing retiree. Just what we need. I’ll go see the penguins. You off to Maine?”
    â€œI’m on my way out now. I’m supposed to have lunch tomorrow with my future mother-in-law.”
    â€œLobster rolls and wild blueberry pie?”
    â€œVery possibly. They’re not quintessential Maine foods for no reason.”
    â€œNo doubt. I’ve met your future mother-in-law. Nothing fazes her. You can tell.”
    Emma smiled, some of her tension easing after her visits with Gordy and Yank.