Toil and Trouble: (A Geeks and Things Cozy Mystery Short Story) (Geeks and Things Cozy Mysteries Book 0) Read Online Free Page B

“Aren’t they like family?”
    “They aren’t the same. I just wanted a place to belong. They know I tried to pledge Sigma last year and they gave me a pity pledge. I wanted back in and Tasha said no. I just got angry and I pushed her. She hit her head. I didn’t mean to hurt her.”
    “And why did you tie her up to the fence?”
    “I didn’t know what else to do. I panicked and figured people wouldn’t notice.”
    “And the symbol carved into her chest?”
    “I thought it would make people think it was just part of the maze. I swear I didn’t mean to hurt her. Please tell me she’s going to be OK.” Tears streamed down her cheeks and her hands shook.
    “You didn’t mean to hurt her and yet you didn’t call for help. You left her here, bleeding and unconscious.”
    Jocelyn slumped to the ground, her chest heaving with loud sobs. Officer Larkin bent down and gently slid handcuffs around her wrists. He helped her up and took off his windbreaker, hanging it over her wrists to hide the cuffs. She continued to sob as they led her away. Melody watched and, as soon as they were out of sight, turned and threw her arms around Kalina’s neck.
    “Thank you.”
    “We didn’t do anything.”
    “You did everything. You found her and got her help. You two figured out who went after her.”
    Kalina returned the hug, unsure what else to say. She hadn’t intended to get wrapped in the mystery and she definitely didn’t want the recognition. She just hoped Jocelyn could get the help she needed and that Tasha would pull through. She looked over at AJ who stood with his nose buried in his phone.
    “Hey, kiddo, what are you doing?”
    “Deleting her number. I don’t want anything else to do with her.”
    Melody released Kalina and pulled AJ into a bear hug and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks. You were really brave drawing her out like that.”
    AJ blushed bright pink and grinned ear to ear. “I was just trying to help. I’m sorry it ended so crazily.”
    Melody dried her eyes and brushed a few strands of hair from her face. “I’m going to tell the rest of the girls the good news.”
    Her red hair disappeared from view and Kalina pulled her nephew into a tight embrace that lasted longer than AJ was probably comfortable with. But she didn’t care. He was safe. They were both safe. “You scared me. Don’t ever do something like that again.”
    “I promise. I think I just want to go home if that’s OK with you.”
    “You bet, kiddo.” She ruffled his hair and they walked, arm in arm, back to the car.
    No doubt Jillian would ask how the trip went but Kalina was confident they’d have enough time to get their story straight. It hadn’t been the trip they’d been planning for but it would definitely be a memorable one.

 
    Also By This Author
     
    Geeks and Things Cozy Mysteries
    Pains and Penalties
     
    Stand Alone Titles
    Unplanned
    Archangel Rising: Volume 1