Random Acts of Murder: A Holly Anna Paladin Mystery, Book 1 (Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries) Read Online Free Page A

beast that he was. “How will you get home?”
    I stared at my windshield. He was right. Sally was in no position to cruise down the road right now. Apparently, the shooter had also pierced one of my tires with his bullets. I’d need to call a tow truck.
    I looked back at Chase. Part of his lip looked like it wanted to tug upward in a smile. He knew I was running out of options, which meant that I’d need to depend on him.
    I crossed my arms. “I’ll call a cab.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll give you a ride.” He flicked his hand toward his police cruiser, which was parked behind Sally.
    I considered my options and came up short. Sure, I could call a cab. I could call someone in my family. I really didn’t want to do either of those things, however. I knew my family. They’d worry. They’d call me naïve. They’d tell me to give up this job and do something more reliable and advantageous. You know, something more like what they did, a job where my name could make the papers or I could be named Woman of the Year.
    Chase was waiting for my response. I let out a very unladylike sigh. “I’m sure you have other things to do.”
    “We’ve done all we can do here.” He put his hand on my back. I mentally cursed the shivers that raced through me at his touch. My body just seemed to be working against me lately—in more than one way. “Come on. Let’s get you out of here.”
    Somehow, I found myself being led down those cement stairs again, over the cracked sidewalk, and into his police car. Chase climbed in a moment later, his form filling the space with more than his fair share. I guess that’s what happened when you were six foot five and built like a gladiator.
    Not that I’d noticed.
    I expected him to start the car, make some snide remarks about my name, and then pull away to begin his obligatory duty. Instead, he turned toward me. “That was probably more excitement than you’re used to. I’m glad you’re okay, Holly.”
    I sent some mental telepathy down to my cheeks, begging them not to redden. They did anyway. Again, everything about my body was revolting.
    I cleared my throat. “Thanks.”
    “Where to, ma’am?” He turned the keys in the ignition.
    I swallowed, anticipating how the rest of this conversation would play out. “Elwood St reet.”
    His head jerked toward me, his blue eyes widening. “Elwood St reet? Isn’t that where you grew up?”
    My cheeks reddened again. Why did that embarrass me? It shouldn’t. I should be proud of my heritage—even if I was still living at home at twenty-eight. “Yes, it is.”
    That grin began curling his lips again. “So you bought your parents’ place?”
    My eyes narrowed. I knew exactly what he was doing. He knew the truth; he just wanted to make me say it. “No. I live with my mom. There. Are you happy now? I said it, so now you can go ahead and gloat.”
    “Just your mom?” He glanced over before his steady gaze went back to the busy, slanted streets the neighborhood was known for.
    “My dad died two years ago.” My throat burned as I said the words. I still couldn’t believe he wasn’t here anymore, that he’d left me alone with . . . well, alone with the rest of my family.
    Chase’s grin disappeared. “I’m sorry to hear that. He was a nice man.” Sincerity stretched across his voice, softening my heart for a moment.
    “He was the best.”
    “What happened?”
    “Pancreatic cancer.” Tears still stung my eyes whenever I thought about it. I had so many plans for my dad and me, starting with him walking me down the aisle one day. Life really stunk sometimes. Thank goodness for the hope of heaven. “He fought it, long and hard. Tried every treatment out there. None of them did any good.”
    “How’s your family doing?”
    I shrugged. “We miss Dad. But otherwise, everyone is great. As always. My sister’s getting married. I think I told you my brother’s running for office. My mom’s involved with all of those boards