Missing (The Cass Lehman Series Book 3) Read Online Free Page A

car. Besides, he’s got a nose like a bloodhound. I don’t want him smelling what we’ve been up to.’
    ‘That’s gross.’
    ‘I love your smell.’
    ‘It’s you who smells.’
    He pushed her gently off his arm and flexed his hand, gasping as pins and needles spread through his useless digits.
    Ten minutes later he was on the front porch with a travel mug full of coffee, sensation returned to all his limbs. A breeze teased his damp hair. The sky was the palest blue, without a cloud in sight. Once the morning chill passed it would be a warm day. Just perfect for traipsing around a public dump .
    Dave pulled up a couple of minutes later and Ed climbed in.
    ‘Where’s mine?’ Dave said, eyeing the travel mug.
    ‘You don’t drink instant.’
    Dave pulled a face. ‘Swill. I know a place on the way that does a perfect espresso.’
    ‘Of course you do.’ Ed studied his partner. His dark hair was nailed into place with product — gel or wax, whatever — and he was wearing an impeccable dove-grey suit and white shirt. Silver cufflinks peeked out from under his jacket sleeves and his tie was a candy-stripe affair of lavender and blue. A picture of Dave knee-deep in rubbish popped into Ed’s head and he suppressed a smile.
    Settling back against the car’s upholstery, he took a gulp of coffee and screwed up his face. He shoved his mug into acup holder in the console. Dave had a point. He’d wait for an espresso.
    It would take them at least forty-five minutes to get to the dump even though traffic was still light and they were heading against the flow.
    ‘Ever been to this dump?’ Dave asked.
    ‘Yeah, when I was a kid. My dad used to load up the trailer every now and then and we’d do a run. I thought it was exciting. You?’
    Dave shook his head. ‘My old man used to hoard everything. He’s probably still got the first TV he ever owned stashed in one of his sheds.’
    Ed was surprised. It was unusual for Dave to talk about his family. They’d been partners for nearly eight months and Ed still felt like he was only just scratching at the shiny veneer that Dave showed the world. Dave’s background was blue collar and Ed knew he’d grown up around Adelaide’s north-western suburbs. A state-school education and humble beginnings. It wasn’t something Dave liked people to know. His flashy suits, fast cars and trophy girlfriends were all about showing the world how far he’d come. Ed decided to stick his foot in the chink in Dave’s armour.
    ‘Your dad’s still fit and healthy?’
    ‘Yeah, him and Mum. They’re only in their early sixties.’
    ‘Had you young, eh?’
    ‘Mum was twenty-two.’
    ‘Seen them lately?’

    ‘Nope. You see your parents much?’
    ‘Mine died in a car accident years ago. You’re lucky to have both of yours.’
    ‘Yeah, lucky me.’ His tone told Ed the subject was closed.
    Ed stared out the window at the passing scenery. It wasn’t very appealing; clusters of businesses, used-car lots, fast-food outlets and shops. Trees were few and far between. McLaren Vale would be nicer with rolling hills of vines and farmland. He closed his eyes.

    ‘Wakey, wakey. We’re nearly there.’
    Ed sat up and blinked against the bright sunlight streaming through the windscreen. ‘Sorry, didn’t mean to fall asleep. Cass got in late last night.’
    ‘And here I was thinking it was because she’d kept you up all night.’
    ‘You have a filthy mind.’
    ‘I just say what everyone else is thinking.’ Dave grinned.
    ‘If everyone thought like you, no one would ever get any work done.’
    ‘I get the job done.’
    ‘Yes, you do, amazing but true. Weren’t we stopping for coffee on the way?’
    ‘We did. I didn’t have the heart to wake you so I got you a takeaway. It’s probably stone cold by now.’ He nodded at the cup in the console.

    ‘Thanks.’ Ed grabbed it and sipped at the tepid contents. Even at this temperature, it was better than instant.
    Five minutes later they