The Christine Murders Read Online Free

or drinks from some of the men she met at work. Who knew what could develop for her? She didn’t know what Gary would do. Maybe he could find some other sucker to pay for his endless stream of movies while he continued to search for himself.
    She passed by an all-night deli in the theatre district, a place she often visited on her way home for a sandwich or salad. Tonight, looking at the roasting turkeys and prime ribs turning on the spits in the window, she decided to buy some sliced meat and a sandwich to take home with her.
    The deli was crowded; most of the shows were just getting out now, and Kelley took a number and waited her turn in line. She purchased more food than she had planned to, and found that her package was larger and more unwieldy than it usually was. With the sizable purse she always carried as well, she could see she wasn’t going to have an easy time during the rest of her walk home.
    As she reached the door, a tall and attractive man came from behind her. Smiling, he pulled the door open with a flourish. “After you, my dear. You look as if you could use a little help.”
    Kelley was immediately aware of the delightful scent he wore and how well he was dressed. And he had the most gorgeous blue eyes. “Thank you,” she said. “I think I over-bought. I should not come in here when I’m this hungry.”
    He laughed. “Yes, I agree.” Kelley saw him looking at her uniform jacket. “Just getting off work are you? Here, let me help you carry that package to your car.” He was slightly taller than Kelley, and spoke with a delightful British accent.
    “Yes, I am – oh, thank you,” she stammered. “But, I don’t have a car, you see I live only a few blocks from here, near Van Ness, if you know where that is. I walk home from work.”
    He appeared concerned. “Yes, indeed, I do know where Van Ness is. Well, in that case, would you allow me to give you a ride home? It is quite late, and quite dark farther along here. I’m afraid you’re going to have trouble balancing all this, and I would hate to think of anything happening to you.” He smiled again, such a beautiful smile. Then he pointed to a gorgeous BMW parked next to the curb just a few feet away. “Please, I’m parked right here. I would feel better. I don’t like to think of you walking all alone at this hour.”
    Kelley was very aware of the scent of his cologne again. What was it? Something expensive, no doubt. He reminded her of the men she met at the hotel. She had never accepted a ride from any stranger before, but she was so tired tonight. And she was carrying a very heavy package. And, just maybe, this guy was somebody worth knowing. If she were indeed planning to go it alone soon, she would need to meet men. Men with class and the money that went with it. She didn’t intend to stay alone forever.
    She made up her mind quickly. “All right. I’d love a ride home tonight. And it isn’t very far. Just go straight up Geary and cross Van Ness.”
    He had opened the car door and was helping Kelley into the front seat. Then he arranged her package on the floor near her feet. “Just show me along the way, Christine,” he said. “I didn’t know you’d be here tonight. What a coincidence!”
    He closed the door and came around to the driver’s side, got in, and started the car, while Kelley regarded him strangely. This was just great. Already she was off to a bad start; this guy thought she was someone else.
    She spoke up, although uncertainly. “My name isn’t Christine. It’s Kelley. Kelley Grant. Were you here waiting for someone else?”
    He looked over at her, a confused expression on his face now. Who was this woman? “Yes, my dear, I’ve been waiting for someone, for years.” He looked at her more closely. Oh, dear! No, indeed, he had made a mistake, she was not his Christine. So the question was, what was he to do with her now?
    Kelley, frightened by the odd look in his eyes, made a movement to open the door,