Shadow of Vengeance Read Online Free Page A

Shadow of Vengeance
Book: Shadow of Vengeance Read Online Free
Author: Kristine Mason
Tags: Fiction, General, Suspense, Romance, Contemporary, Thrillers, Mystery & Detective, Private Investigators
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his fellow agents, his hefty salary, the bonuses and the benefits.  
    “Is this the start of your firing process?”
    Ian’s bark of laughter filled the office. “God, no. Why in the hell would I fire you? I can work you like a dog, and you never complain. I have no complaints.” He grew serious, then said, “You’ve been working cases back-to-back, and I don’t want you to burn out. I thought you could use a week to regroup. Paid, of course.”
    Most people would have jumped at the opportunity of paid time off. And while he appreciated Ian’s intentions, he didn’t want a break. He’d rather work. The assignments kept his mind busy, his thoughts focused.  
    “I appreciate the offer, but I’m good.”
    Ian eyed him, then nodded. “If you change your mind, just let me know. Meanwhile, I have an interesting cold case that needs solving.” He pulled a file from the drawer and set it on the desk.
    Owen liked cold cases, especially the older ones where modern day technology hadn’t quite been invented. They were like puzzles. He enjoyed sifting through old paperwork, crime scene photos, and evidence. Seeing what fit and what didn’t, then solving what no one else could.  
      A rap at the door caught his attention. As he turned, Rachel burst into the room. She came to an abrupt halt when she saw him, then looked to Ian.
    “Sorry, Ian. I don’t mean to interrupt, but I…” She looked away, stared out the window, then reached for the pencil tucked behind her ear.
    Something had Beaver upset. Not once, during the four years Rachel had worked for CORE, had Owen ever seen her at a loss for words. The woman always had something to say, and had an annoying habit of doing so over a mouthful of pencil.
    “I can come back,” Owen said, sensing Rachel might want a moment alone with Ian.
    “No, actually, I wouldn’t mind if you stayed. I might be able to use your help.”
    Interesting. Rachel never liked having him around, and rarely asked him for help with anything. Why, he didn’t know. All he knew was that whenever he walked into the room, she threw verbal jabs, snarky uppercuts, and sarcastic hooks. He didn’t care, and actually liked Rachel. Although a bit…mouthy, he couldn’t deny her capabilities as CORE’s computer forensics analyst, plus he admired her intelligence and her quick-working mind.  
    “I’d be glad to help,” he said, still dumbfounded that she’d willingly have him part of the conversation.  
    She moved to the leather office chair next to him, then sat. “Yeah, well, no one else is here yet, so I have no choice.”  
    So much for thinking she’d been interested in his expertise.  
    “What’s going on?” Ian asked her.
    “It’s my brother,” she began. “Late last night, he was found on the side of the road just outside of Bola, Michigan, beaten and unconscious.”
    “My God, Rachel,” Ian said, and leaned forward. “How’s his condition?”
    “He’s okay. I’ll know more when I see him.”
    Ian nodded. “Absolutely. Take all the time you need. It’s a long drive to Bola. If you want to use the jet, feel free.”
    She smiled and shook her head. “Thank you, but I’m going to drive. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone, and I don’t want to deal with a rental.”
    “Understood,” Ian said.  
    “I’m sorry about your brother,” Owen said, and meant it. He had three older sisters, and if anything bad had happened to them, he’d be devastated. And out for blood. While he doubted he’d ever have a family of his own, his parents, his sisters and their kids, meant everything to him. They accepted and loved him, faults and all. He knew Rachel had basically raised her brother, and couldn’t imagine how she must be feeling. “Do you have any idea who did this to him?”
    “The sheriff I spoke with doesn’t have any leads. That’s why I wanted you to stick around. I…ah.” She paused and glanced to the ceiling. Seconds later she looked at him. “I’d
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