Red-Line: The Shift (Volume One) Read Online Free Page B

treating burns.” She finally unfroze and moved out of the way as the busboy returned with a mop and began cleaning the floor. “Or I’ll at least buy you something about avoiding klutzy women.”
    Ramsey had moved out of the way as well, and now they stood across from each other. “I prefer the book on home remedies,” he said.
    She was unsure how to interpret his answer. She didn’t have to wonder long, though, as Rachel walked up and broke the moment.
    “Oh, my! Everybody okay? Sarah, you’re lucky you didn’t fall on your face! Sir, how are you?” she asked with animated concern. “Wait a minute.” She stared at Ramsey in mock surprise. “You were in the bookstore this morning, weren’t you? I thought I recognized you. Sarah, remember?” Rachel grinned at her, while Sarah stared back as only a friend can when they want to strangle you.
    “Yes,” said Sarah, flustered. “Yes, I remember him, Rachel. Speaking of the bookstore, we really need to get back, or we’re going to be late. You ready?” she asked with warning in her eyes.
    “Yes, I’m ready. You ready? Said all your apologies?” She turned to Ramsey. “You really need to forgive her. She hasn’t been sleeping well.” She avoided Sarah’s look and continued to address him. “It’s no wonder she almost tripped and fell. You’re lucky she and the coffee both didn’t end up in your lap.”
    Ramsey smiled. “I think I could have endured it.”
    Sarah wanted to melt into the floor. “We really need to go. Sorry again about the coffee. Let’s go.” She took her friend by the arm, but Rachel wasn’t swayed easily.
    “This is Sarah, by the way,” she said, “and I’m Rachel.”
    “Ramsey. John Ramsey,” he replied. “I’ll stop by the bookstore later to pick up my book, Sarah.”
    Sarah looked back at him as she pulled Rachel away. “Your book?” she asked.
    “Yes, on home remedies? I believe you offered to buy it for me.” He watched her, waiting for her reaction.
    Sarah started to object, wanting to say she wasn’t serious, that he shouldn’t bother stopping by later, but she didn’t. She just looked back and found herself agreeing to it. “I’ll see what I can find for those burns,” she said as they walked out the door.
    Ramsey watched them leave. They crossed the street and headed toward the bookstore a few shops down. Something in him stirred. Something he didn’t expect. Silent warnings flared as unexpected emotions surfaced. He stood for a moment, staring, but then he turned and walked back to his table. Leaving the rest of his lunch uneaten, he gathered his things and left.
    And at the counter, unnoticed as he sat amid the others patrons and ate his lunch, a gray-bearded gentleman turned and watched him leave.

CHAPTER FOUR

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    RAMSEY HEADED BACK to his car, planning on returning to the bookstore around closing, giving him the opportunity to see Sarah again after work if things went according to plan. At the moment, though, he needed some time to sort things out. This assignment was dredging up some long-submerged memories he’d put aside and rarely recalled without absolute necessity. He sat in his car for a while, lost in thought until the ringing of the phone interrupted him.
    “Sherlock?” asked the voice on the other end when he answered.
    “Leroy. What’s up?” asked Ramsey.
    “I need to speak with you privately.”
    Ramsey sat up in his seat. “What’d you find out?”
    “Not on the phone. Meet me at the house, soon as you can.” And with that, Leroy disconnected the line. Ramsey sighed and looked down the street toward the bookstore and then at his watch. Making up his mind, he started the car and drove off.
    **
    RACHEL COULD NOT contain her excitement. “I knew it. He likes you! He’s coming by later. You have to be ready.” She signed back in to the register, apparently too distracted to even complain when the computer gave her another error message.
    “Ready for what?” asked Sarah