Broken Inside: Jacob Schmidt Short Reads

By Kevin Hopson

Jacob has handled infidelity cases before. However, when a woman approaches him with suspicions of her husband, Jacob has to determine whether it's a case of paranoia or something more.

Jacob Schmidt Short Reads are standalone stories (roughly 2,000 to 5,000 words in length) based on the main character from Kevin Hopson's crime fiction series. Each story involves a new case and can be read in as little as ten to twenty minutes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kevin Hopson
• Release date: Dec 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393732594

Book preview

BROKEN INSIDE

CHAPTER ONE

H e might be having an affair, Mindy said. She tucked a strand of auburn hair behind her ear, fidgeting in the chair across from Jacob.

Why do you think that? Jacob asked.

Mindy shrugged. Nothing else makes sense. Plus, I used to be able to access his cell phone. We both had the same four-digit password. Sometimes I’d go on there and install a new app for him. But he must have changed the number. I can’t get in now, which makes me think he’s hiding something.

Jacob took a sip of his coffee, the surrounding chatter of the café helping to keep their conversation discreet.

You said he’s more distant now, Jacob said. Mindy nodded. Could it be his job? Is he stressed out?

Mindy’s eyes wandered the café before settling on Jacob again. She shook her head. I don’t think so. He’s always been good at telling me things, especially when it relates to work. Or, at least, he used to be good at telling me things.

Have you tried talking to him?

Sure. I ask him how he’s doing all of the time, probably to the point where I sound like a broken record, but he insists everything is fine. Mindy paused. But something’s off. He’s curt with me. Not cruel, but it’s as if he doesn’t want to talk.

"I know this is personal, but are the two of