Shadows from the Grave Read Online Free

greeted the cat with much nearly as much enthusiasm as Murphy was showing.
    “Hey, buddy, did you miss me? Yeah? Daddy missed you, too.” His words were muffled at certain points, which Annie figured meant he was getting nudged in the face by his happy cat. Sure enough, when Chase appeared at the foot of the stairs, Murphy was cradled in his arms and rubbing his face on Chase’s chin. “Aw, that’s a sweet boy. Yes, he is. Good—”. Chase stopped abruptly when he saw Annie standing at the top of the stairs, and even in the dim light from the hallway, she could see his cheeks turn red. She sent him a wicked grin.
    “Don’t stop on my account. I was enjoying the mutual love fest,” she said, laughing outright at the glare he sent her way. She started down the stairs. “You’re home early. I thought you weren’t going to make it until tomorrow.”
    “Yeah, I caught an earlier flight.” He watched as she stopped a few steps away. “I didn’t mean to wake you up.”
    Annie waved away his words. “I wasn’t sleeping that well, anyhow,” she said. “Have you had food?”
    Chase set Murphy down and straightened, stretching his back a little. “In Minneapolis. I grabbed something at the airport between flights.” He started toward the kitchen. “I could use something to drink, though. You want anything?” he called over his shoulder.
    “Maybe some water.” Annie trailed behind him. “Have you talked to your parents?”
    As he poured a glass of juice, Chase sighed. “Just briefly. They’re okay, all things considered. You know they didn’t have a great relationship with J.R.”
    Annie sipped the water Chase handed her and nodded. She was familiar with the Hudson family dynamics. “I know. That’s why I figure it’s probably going to hit your dad a little harder than people expect. When you have that kind of relationship with someone, it hurts in a different way when you lose it.” Chase met her gaze and held it for a moment before Annie looked away.
    “I know what you’re saying. I hope he’ll be okay. He has Mom, and they’re a pretty tough package. So how’s my boy been?” He leaned back against the counter, and when Murphy jumped up beside him, he sighed. Downing the juice quickly, he set the glass aside and scooped up the cat. Flipping Murphy upside down, he cradled him in one arm.
    “He’s been a little lonely, definitely missing Daddy,” Annie said with a soft smile, as Murphy twisted so that he could curl his paws around Chase’s arm in what passed for a cat hug. “But he’s been pretty good otherwise.”
    “And the tub? Was it to your liking?”
    Annie studied her fingernails and faked a nonchalant attitude. “Well, I might possibly be planning to call a plumber next week and see how much it would cost me to have one installed in the loft. I mean, it’s an okay tub, if you like bathtubs.” She sent Chase a grin that didn’t last long. “You look tired.”
    Chase nodded, his own smile full of regret. “I am. I don’t think I’ve gotten more than five hours’ sleep any night I’ve been away.”
    “Ooh, Counselor. Sounds like Vegas was fun, then.” She set her glass in the sink. “I’m sorry, Chase, I shouldn’t say that. Not given the circumstances.”
    “You’re fine,” he said. “That’s part of who we are—we can say anything to each other. And Vegas was… interesting. Lawyers, booze, casinos, and so forth. Mostly, though, Gordon and I hung out with the geeks and talked. Again, lawyers and booze. Good Lord, we can chatter on like gossipy old hens.”
    Annie snorted. “You said it, not me. Although I have to go on the record and state that you and Gordon are the two of the least geeky men I know.” Chase just grinned.
    “So anyhow, you probably want to get to bed.” She yawned. “I’ll grab a blanket and pillow and take the couch.” She turned to leave the kitchen.
    Chase, still carrying Murphy, followed right on her heels. “Oh, I don’t think so,”