Flames Of Deceit Read Online Free Page B

things get that far. She had to convince Jake she was telling the truth. Goading him about leaving the scene of the fire wasn’t the way. Sibling rivalry aside, normally she was nice to people she met. Why this instant need to protect her deepest thoughts from Jake?
    “Local units with ladder trucks took over the scene.” Jake turned on the ignition. “There are still hot spots where the clock tower collapsed, but the building isn’t a total loss.”
    “What about the courtroom on the second floor?” Regretting the words the second they left her mouth, she held her breath and waited. Had she revealed what had drawn her to the building? Jake Stone was smart. He already suspected she was up to something by her presence in the courthouse. Now, he could guess…
    “With all that wood paneling and benches, I doubt there’s much left to save if the fire got that far.”
    She hit the back of his seat with a bunched fist. “I need a lift to my car.”
    Meeting her glare in the rearview mirror, he said. “You aren’t going anywhere without me until I get answers.”
    “You can’t hold me. You aren’t a police officer. I want to go home.” She shoved against the back of his seat with pent up frustration. “My bladder is about to explode. I didn’t expect my errand to take this long.”
    “I could drop you by the police station.” Jake checked for on-coming traffic, and made a left turn. “Or you can go with me and answer questions.”
    “Could we stop for food? I’m starved.”
    “Fine, but don’t try to get away,”
    Mia rolled her eyes. “It’s a little late for threats? I’m in your truck.”
    “Why were you really in the courthouse?”
    Chewing on the inside of her lip, Mia looked out the side window and watched lights flash past. “I told you, I was trying to find evidence to clear my brother.”
    Jake met her glance in the rearview mirror.
    Her face burned with heat. Did she have to explain everything? Why couldn’t he just accept her word? “I already told you.”
    “You must really love your brother.”
    Was she crazy to trust this man? A firefighter and a local, he was probably a fan of the ex-model’s? Maybe they had gone to school together. “It would help a lot if you’d let me pick up my car.”
    Silence except for the whining of truck tires on the asphalt surface.
    Okay, she was in this too deep to expect to escape without complications, but how much should she tell him? He had connections with the police. Was that why he wasn’t worried about turning her in? Could she be in the clutches of a mad man? Maybe he thought no one would miss her. “Where are we going? How do I know I can trust you?”
    He glanced at her in the mirror. “Trust is running a little thin right now, wouldn’t you say, Ms. Clark?”
    Before she could act on the urge to jump out the door of the moving vehicle, he pulled the truck into a parking lot and stopped in front of an all night restaurant.
    “We’re here.”
    She scrambled out the rear door, unsure whether to dash for the restroom or freedom. Her stomach growled, making the decision. So she followed Jake to the door.
    Their steps echoed in the empty restaurant as they walked toward the restrooms. Two employees leaned against the front counter, watching them. Jake nodded to the women, and urged Mia forward with his hand to her waist.
    His firm touch on her lower back burned her skin and made her aware of his every move. Chills skated down her spine in contrast to the warmth of his touch. Heat pooled in her cheeks. In another time, another place, she would enjoy her reaction to his masterful touch. If only…
    Jake stopped in front of the door marked Women. “Are you going to be here when I come out?”
    Had he sensed her urge to run? Or did he think she was guilty and running was what guilty suspects did? Eyes glaring, she tossed her hair over her shoulder and forced steel into her voice. “Don’t you think I would have run by now if I’d planned