Deadly Obsession: Deadly Series, #4

By Nancy Kay

She came to hide…. He came to heal….

But will Pine Bluffs be a safe haven or a trap?

 

Skilled Yoga instructor, well-educated, talented, and beautiful. Katy Kunzelman believes without question the yoga term Sukhino, which means - being centered in happiness and joy, free from suffering. But when Katy falls for a man's slick line her happiness and joy shatters, and she flees for her life. Darkly handsome, confident, and driven, rough-cut undercover agent Raife Samuels thrives in his chosen career. But when bullets take him down in the line of duty, he faces a long difficult recovery and walks away, fearing he may never measure up to the challenges of his job again. In search of peace and healing, Raife and Katy both end up in Pine Bluffs, ten years after their first encounter in the sleepy little town. Raife battles to regain his strength and Katy struggles to restore her self-esteem, but as the attraction between them reignites, Katy's haven is discovered and Raife yet again faces life-threatening danger as he races to save her life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nancy Kay
• Release date: Aug 31, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201592752

Nancy Kay

Nancy Kay resides near Lake Erie in Western Pennsylvania with her husband, a former member of the Marines and the Pennsylvania State Police Department who provides valuable insight for her stories. Nancy is a long time member of Romance Writers of America. Her stories are set in small towns and inland communities scattered along the shores of the Great Lakes. They focus on romance, intertwined with the love of hearth, home and family, yet sprinkled with suspense, danger and intrigue. Learn more about Nancy at www.nancykayauthor.com. check her out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Nancy-Kay-140764572706374/?ref=bookmarks and see what Nancy blogs about at: https://nancykayauthor.blogspot.com/

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Deadly Series

Book Four

Deadly Obsession

Nancy Kay

~ Copyright ~

Deadly Obsession, Deadly Series Book Four

© Nancy Kay, 2021

All Rights Reserved

Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events is coincidental.

This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. No part of this book can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher.

www.agedtoperfectionpublishing.com

Issued in the United States of America

Editor ~ Heather V. Weibel

Cover ~ Rae Monet

Book Format ~ KMD Web Designs

Contents

~ Copyright ~

~ Dedication ~

The Deadly Series continues

~ Chapter One ~

~ Chapter Two ~

~ Chapter Three ~

~ Chapter Four ~

~ Chapter Five ~

~ Chapter Six ~

~ Chapter Seven ~

~ Chapter Eight ~

~ Chapter Nine ~

~ Chapter Ten ~

~ Chapter Eleven ~

~ Chapter Twelve ~

~ Chapter Thirteen ~

~ Chapter Fourteen ~

~ Chapter Fifteen ~

~ Chapter Sixteen ~

~ Chapter Seventeen ~

~ Chapter Eighteen ~

~ Chapter Nineteen ~

~ Chapter Twenty ~

~ Chapter Twenty-one ~

~ About Nancy Kay ~

~ Dedication ~

Two things helped me create Deadly Obsession: The inspiration of a grounded, special yoga instructor, and the love and trust I placed in my daughter to help complete this work. Thank you, Deb, for your insight, knowledge, and understanding of yoga that guided me as I created Katy Kunzelman, and thank you Heather, for taking the time to learn my needs and help me refine my story.

The Deadly Series continues

Return to Pine Bluffs, Pennsylvania and get reacquainted with characters you met and loved in the first three Deadly Series books. Get to know and understand rough and ready Raife Samuels, first introduced in Deadly Reflection, and energetic, optimistic Katy, who first appeared in Deadly Revenge. Two characters who tugged at my subconscious until I had to bring them back. Different as night and day, Katy and Raife ventured down very different paths in life. Call it fate or just destiny when Raife and Katy’s paths cross once more in Pine Bluffs. Both have challenges to overcome, demons to face, and both have drastically changed since a long ago first encounter. Turn the pages and discover if life threatening danger awaits them, or their mismatched romance survives.

~ Chapter One ~

New Year’s Eve, Pine Bluffs, Pennsylvania

Sipping a chilled beer, Raife Samuels surveyed the room. Guests scattered throughout Nick and Cassi McGraw’s rustic home looked relaxed. Fire snapped and crackled in the old stone fireplace, enhancing the wood toned, open beamed space. Friends and family laughed, talked, ate and drank. Some in jeans and sweaters, others dressed to kill.

His gaze lingered on a curvy brunette. Dark green knit hugged a petite body and revealed a lot of leg. Lush brown hair framed her face. He wondered idly if those silky strands felt as soft as they looked. She threw back her head and laughed out loud. Raife grinned. The lady appeared to be having one hell of a good time. And by God, she was an eyeful.

A very young eyeful.

Jail bait, he muttered and shifted his attention away from temptation as his host approached.

Hey, Raife, glad you decided to join us.

Yeah, thanks for the invite, but to be honest, McGraw, I don’t belong here.

Bullshit. Why do you say that?

Raife gestured with his frosty mug. Half your guests are related, and the rest have known each other or are connected, one way or another, since the damn dinosaur age.

You’re wrong.

Brows lifted, Raife shifted and met Nick McGraw’s steady gaze.

My cousin T.J. is a state trooper, and my Uncle Tom was Pine Bluffs chief of police before he retired and I took over. Like you, law enforcement. Those are connections pal, and as close to being family as blood. Nick shook his head, sipped his beer. So don’t give me that shit about not belonging.

Raife grinned, lifted his drink in a mock toast. "I stand corrected, Chief."

Up yours, Samuels.

Raife laughed and contemplated his friend, one he’d known over ten years. Be honest, you’ve gotta miss city life. Damn, Nick, Pine Bluffs is one big-assed step down from Philly.

Nick slowly nodded. At first I wondered about that. Could I handle the adrenaline slow down? He glanced at his wife as she wove her way across the room toward them. Not any more. Pine Bluffs keeps me busy, and I’m happier than I’ve ever been. Professionally, and personally, he added. I made the right choice.

He turned as Nick’s attention shifted. With long-legged strides, Nick’s wife approached. Her eyes had always reminded him of dark chocolate and her curvy body still turned heads even after two kids.

There you are. Cassi McGraw grinned at her husband. It’s time to break out the champagne. So glad you joined us tonight, Raife, she added. Are you still in Ohio working for...ah, what’s the department?

Ohio Investigative Unit, and thanks for including me tonight. Raife gave her a sly wink. But let’s keep my employment low key.

Cassi returned his wink. Will do. But mingle, she urged. A good looking guy like you needs to spread himself around.

He swiped a hand through his shaggy mop of hair as Cassi hooked her arm through Nick’s and dragged her husband away. Her compliment was generous. He’d had a trim prior to the party, yet next to the other men in the room he looked like a thug. A cleaned up thug maybe, but nonetheless, his job didn’t go away because of a holiday. Oh, no, his job was to blend in with thugs and druggies.

He’d been with OIU a little over two years, and he loved the rush, the challenges he faced every damn day. His scruffy appearance allowed him to mingle with nasty characters undetected, and to date he’d helped lock up a number of them. Not as many as he’d liked, but enough.

He continued to sip as Cassi and Nick prepared for the big event. Once the countdown was over, he’d slip out and head back to the room he’d booked for the night. Last year he’d toasted the New Year with Fred. He’d been partnered with Fred Connors from the get-go, and they meshed well on the job.

But this year Fred was with his fiancé, a recent development. Shit, he didn’t begrudge Fred his new status. Judy was a classy woman. Pulling in tandem just wasn’t something Raife envisioned for himself. For the foreseeable future he was married to his job.

At first he’d declined when Nick had extended the invitation to his New Year’s Eve get together, but Nick had persisted. He got along with Nick and T.J. McGraw, Nick’s cousin. He’d worked with them in the past and had a hefty respect for them. So, he’d accepted the invite and checked into a room not far from Pine Bluffs. At present the prospect of enticing someone to share his room was dim. So, he’d finish his beer, slip away, and hit the sack.

Alone.

As he polished off his beer someone tapped his arm. He lowered his empty mug and glanced down. The curvy brunette he’d admired earlier peered up at him. Her eyes danced with excitement and maybe just a little too much bubbly.

Hi, I’m Katy. Cassi asked me to make sure you feel at home. She linked her arm through his, How can I accomplish that?

Sparkling wine bubbled through Katy Kunzelman’s system, but when she touched Raife Samuels arm and his gaze met hers Katy almost backed away. Her brain kind of fuzzed as dark eyes, deep, rich brown eyes that a girl could dive into and get lost, focused on her.

She’d been eyeing him since he strolled in the door. Not because he was handsome. Oh, no. His coal black hair bordered on shabby. His snug jeans, although neat and clean, were well worn and the plain navy sweater he wore draped on wide shoulders. The total picture would tempt a saint.

He didn’t have that clean shaven, neat look that Cassi’s Nick sported. Raife Samuels looked like he may very well be on the other side of the law, which of course was nonsense because then how could he be friends with Nick, and why would Cassi nudge her in his direction?

Katy first met Cassi the summer before she started college while visiting Pine Bluffs. She’d taken Cassi’s fitness classes, and the experience had influenced her long term goal. But for now, her short term goal was charming a smile out of Raife Samuels.

What he did for a living didn’t matter. Tonight, Katy just wanted to have fun, and the sexy, mysterious man presented a challenge she couldn’t resist. Life was just too damn short.

His gaze slid over her. The blatant appraisal made her glad she’d opted for the clingy, green knit dress that hit mid-thigh and strappy, high heels that showed off her legs. Well-toned legs, thank you very much.

His rigid, beard-roughened jaw made her wonder if Raife Samuels ever smiled. Yep, a definite challenge, one dangling in front of Katy as tempting as chocolate.

His arm tensed when she swayed, almost losing her grip. Are you okay?

She grinned up at him. I’m fine.

Uh huh, are you related to Cassi?

Oh, no, just a friend. I took fitness classes from her one summer.

So you live in Pine Bluffs?

No, I’m on school break and just visiting.

So where do you go to school, Katy?

West Chester, Pa. I graduate in May.

From high school?

Katy frowned. High School? Determined to set him straight, she shifted and pressed against his arm. I’m a student at West Chester University of Pennsylvania pursuing a degree in Health and Fitness.

His brows arched over those dark, dangerous eyes, and his gaze skimmed over her again. Oh, yeah? Well, Katy, you do look pretty damn healthy, and thanks for the offer. As for me, I’m fine, but I’m not staying long. Tell Cassi I appreciate her concern.

She shook her head. I lied.

His eyes narrowed.

Cassi did point me in your direction. That part’s true, but I’ve been scooping you out ever since you strolled in the door. Cassi’s request gave me a good excuse to come over and introduce myself. So, I repeat, what can I do to make you feel at home?

A dozen answers flooded Raife’s brain. Several bordered on illegal. She grinned up at him, and he sucked in a mind-clearing breath.

Damn.

Ah...Katy, thanks again for the offer but - - .

Hey, everyone, we’re ready to count down, Nick called out. Come grab a glass of bubbly, and then grab a warm body and get ready to welcome the New Year.

Her grip on his arm tightened. Are you ready to welcome the New Year, Raife Samuels?

The crowd around them counted down.

Happy New Year, shouted Nick, and the room erupted. The clamor of noise makers and joyous shouts filled the room.

What the hell, muttered Raife, and scooped in the woman clinging to his arm.

Her soft curves pressed against him, and damned if the girl didn’t taste like strawberries and champagne.

When they finally came up for air, she stared up at him with half-closed eyes. Wow, she exclaimed, and as silly-sounding horns tooted, and colorful streamers floated down around them, Raife pulled her in for another long, lingering taste.

As the noise subsided, old Guy Lombardo’s classic New Year’s Eve tune throbbed from speakers.

Raife wasn’t a geek on the dance floor. In high school he’d been renowned. He’d been known for some fancy moves off the dance floor, too, and as they swayed to the steady beat, he held sweet-tasting Katy close.

When he swung her out then back, tucking her in close, she tossed her head back and laughed. Katy, did you sneak a bit of champagne before the countdown?

She swayed, gazing up at him. Maybe a smidge, and for the record, I usually don’t come on to strange men. She shrugged. But you know Cassi and Nick, so technically you’re not a stranger.

At first he’d pegged her eyes as hazel. But they weren’t. No, they were gold, and as they moved with the music, he was trapped by their deep, mesmerizing, softness; their hint of secrets and promises.

When the music stopped, Raife scanned the room. Did you come with someone tonight?

Nope, I’m on my own. I’m staying with friends, and Cassi made me promise to have someone drive me to their place after the party. She slid her hand up and cupped his cheek. Don’t worry Dad, I’m responsible and believe in safety, she purred.

The music started again and she slid back into his arms, pressing against him. Her actions left little room for misinterpretation.

Twenty minutes into the new year they made their way to Raife’s car. Cold crisp air slapped his face when they stepped outside, and during the short drive to the motel through the frigid night his head cleared. By the time they reached their destination, Mistake, flashed in his mind as bright as the sign at Holiday Inn Express.

He slipped his car into park and turned to Katy as she unsnapped her seat belt. Ah, honey, I think we’d better - -

The older sedan he drove didn’t have much of a center console, and before he could react, Katy’s sweet-smelling, lush body was wedged between him and the steering wheel with her lips plastered to his. Her move fueled a predictable, instant response. Good intentions scattered and blurred. Jesus, the girl could kiss. When they came up for air, he firmly took hold of her shoulders and moved her out of the danger zone.

Katy, give me a second. Christ, lady. I’m not a teenager looking for a score in my ride.

The puzzled expression on her face reinforced Raife’s decision. He placed his arms on the steering wheel and, leaning forward, rested his forehead on them and closed his eyes. Beside him, she’d gone still and quiet.

After a long moment, he straightened. Keeping his gaze straight ahead, he spoke softly. Fasten your seatbelt, honey. I’m taking you back to Nick’s.

As he backed up and pulled onto the highway, the click of her belt fastening echoed in the silent car. Snow drifted down as they entered Pine Bluffs with thick, wet flakes splatting on the windshield. The rattle of the fan blowing heat accompanied the rhythmic click of the windshield wipers, but Katy remained silent until he drove up the McGraw’s winding driveway.

The rustic cabin was still well lit, and it appeared only a few cars had departed. There’s someone here who can drive you to where you’re staying, right? Nick swung into the spot he’d vacated earlier. He left the motor running and shifted into park. He needed to make sure she wasn’t getting behind the wheel of a car.

Head down, she nodded as she unsnapped her seat belt. Don’t worry, I can take care of myself.

A smile tugged at his lips. She was pissed. I have no doubt about that. However, he did have doubts about Katy’s real age. He reached across and tugged a strand of hair poking from beneath the knit cap she wore.

Her head snapped up. I’m not lying about my age. I’m a college student. You can check with Cassi and Nick. No smiles now, her expression was dead serious.

In order to spare her feminine ego, he came up with the perfect out, though his own ego would suffer.

He dropped his hand. It has nothing to do with your age, Katy. I think maybe I over indulged, he lied, knowing full well he’d only had one beer the whole damn night. My judgement was off. I apologize.

Oh, I never thought about... A slow, kind of sly smile crept across her face. Over imbibing can have serious consequences, huh? I understand. She leaned in and touched her lips to his. Good-night, Raife Samuels, she murmured and slipped out, closed the door, and walked away.

Raife waited until she’d entered the cabin before driving away, but the taste of champagne and strawberry kisses lingered.

~ Chapter Two ~

East Cleveland, Ohio 10 years later.

He shouldn’t be cold. July was hot, damn it, and even past sundown the temperature hovered near eighty degrees, but Raife Samuels shivered as pain, cold and sharp, pierced his chest like frozen spikes.

Son-of-a-bitch this hurts.

A split second after ambush had flashed in his mind, he’d shoved his partner aside, and pain took him down. Now it threatened to take him under.

Flashing lights - blue, red, white - swirled against a black night sky. A hand gripped his shoulder. Raife, holy christ partner, hang in there.

He swallowed acrid bile, fought to focus. His partner’s face floated above him. Fighting pain, he tried to lift his hand, to reach out. A scream lodged in his throat, echoed in his head, yet ragged moans were all he could manage.

Hold on. For god’s sake Samuels, don’t give up, Fred ordered.

No, buddy. It hurts too much. Let me go. Let me die. Then the pain will stop.

Blessed darkness brought relief, and the pain faded. Then bright lights ripped him from the dark haven, and movement brought burning agony back in spades. Faces hovered and floated. Not Fred, not this time, but strangers shouting, Thready rapid pulse, type and cross match, BP’s falling. We’re losing him!

Words jumbled together, bodies moved fast. They cut away his shirt, pealed it from his body.

No, dammit, not that shirt.

The shirt bore his favorite saying: ‘Some days you eat the bear, some days the bear eats you.’ And as pain receded, he floated blissfully down a long, dark tunnel. Today was one for the bear, he thought, and once more his world faded to black.

Time passed in a blur. Hours? Days? Raife never thought he’d welcome drugs, yet whatever dripped from the bag overhead sure as hell changed his mind.

Then one morning, faint sunlight seeped through the lowered shade and when he blinked, things in the stark green-walled room sharpened. He tried to lift his head and pain surged through him. His eyes slammed shut. Ah, shit, he croaked. The words burned his throat, and he coughed, which hurt like hell.

Hey, partner, it’s good to hear your voice.

Raife opened one eye.

Here, sounds like you could use some liquid lube. Fred Connors appeared beside his bed and held out a cup, guiding a straw to his mouth. Careful, they told me you could only handle a couple of sips. They’ll be hell to pay if you choke, and I’ll get blamed.

Turning his head without lifting, he parted his lips and sipped. His parched throat sucked up the trickle of liquid. He drew in short, shallow breaths, because, Christ, even the slightest movement brought searing pain. He gazed up at his partner, and his gut twisted.

He cleared his throat. You look like shit.

Fred blew out a long, suffering breath. Right back at you, Samuels. His partner usually had a quick, fun-filled grin, but today his half-assed smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Well, I see our patient has decided to come fully awake. A ruddy faced man in green scrubs paused in the doorway. How’s he doing? He addressed the question to Fred.

Hey, croaked Raife. I’m right here, fella.

Fred stepped aside as the doctor entered the room. Yeah, he’s awake, Dr. Briggs, and already bitchin’.

The doctor eyed the monitor above Raife’s bed. Hang in there. I’m going to check your incision. He carefully slipped the light cover down. Raife tried to angle to see his chest and sucked in his breath at the lightening surge of pain. Hold on. The doctor opened a drawer in the stand next to the bed and pulled out a long handled mirror. I’ll hold this so you can see without moving too much.

Holy mother of God, muttered Raife. An incision crisscrossed with stitches ran left to right across his chest.

The doctor nodded and tucked the mirror away. "I’d say God wasn’t ready for you, son. Two .25 caliber rounds bookended your heart. One exited through chest muscle, the other went deep and lodged near your spine. Had to dig that one out. Got up close and personal with your heart and your backbone," the doctor claimed with a wry smile.

Sickness curled in Raife’s gut. Shit, I can’t feel anything below my waist.

Take it easy. The doctor re-covered Raife’s wounds. We assume it’s temporary due to swelling.

Assume? What the hell do you mean, assume?

The doctor placed a hand on his shoulder. I’m 99% sure you’ll be fully functional again. But bear in mind, you’ve got a long road to recovery. I won’t sugar coat what lays ahead for you.

Fred stepped forward. He’s got what it takes, doc, and I’ll be there to kick his sorry ass if he falters.

Dr. Briggs nodded. Now let’s let the patient rest. He adjusted the drip. Once he’s strong enough he’ll be able to control the pain meds himself with a pump.

As the warmth surged through his veins, Raife drifted into welcome oblivion. But he couldn’t help but wonder about that friggin’ 1%?

Time wasn’t measured in hours, or even days. Sometimes when he surfaced there was light behind the window blind. Other times it was dark and a dim, soft glow bounced off the ceiling. A faint trace of antiseptic forever lingered in the air, and sometimes he detected the swish of movement when someone entered the room.

He began to recognize his caregivers by scent and touch, and looked forward to the gentle hands and flowery fragrance that trailed one particular nurse. For the first time since the nightmare began he grinned when nurse Sweet n’ Gentle, as he’d dubbed her, evoked a typical male reaction one morning as she checked his catheter.

Hey, sweet stuff, you just erased one hell of a big doubt in my head.

A smile curved her lips, and she replaced his covers. Glad I could help.

As she checked his vitals, for the first time the pain wasn’t needle sharp. She removed the bag hanging beside the bed and took his hand. Squeeze my fingers.

Her grip was firm and cool, and when he squeezed her smile widened. Good. How would you like to lose this IV drip and get a hand pump for your pain meds?

The freedom was uplifting. It almost became a game. How long could he hold out before the pain rolled in and he had to push that magic button? Another plateau was reached when they let him raise the head of his bed and try some real food, not the crappy soft shit they’d been offering.

Hey, look at you. Fred strolled through the door.

Raife studied the face of the man he’d worked with almost daily for the past ten years. The haunted, hollow-eyed look Fred Connors had sported earlier was gone. Yet the serious expression and new lines etched around his partner’s eyes signaled the mission gone bad they’d faced had taken a toll.

He lifted his coffee cup in a mock toast. Real coffee, he declared. Grab a seat, partner, and I’ll ring room service to bring another cup for ya’.

Fred dragged a chair close to the bed. I won’t say no. Christ, Samuels, it’s good to see you sitting up for a change. He dropped into the chair, heaved a heavy sigh. Fill me in on your progress, and then we need to talk.

After relaying the gradual improvement, including, with a sly wink, his male prowess surviving, he filled Fred in on his slow climb back.

So, when will they spring you?

Nobody is saying shit about when. Trust me, I’ve been bugging them.

And maybe that’s why you’re not getting answers. Quit bugging people, damn it.

Raife shrugged, wincing when he forgot to restrict moving. We’ll see. By the way, how’s your lovely lady?

Judy’s great.

The lines dug in around Fred’s eyes visibly softened when he said Judy’s name.

She stopped in once to visit, but you were out cold. She didn’t want to wake you. Her job is demanding, and she hasn’t had another chance to get back. She bugs me, though, every day to keep her updated. Fred rose, shoved his hands into his pockets, and paced to the window.

Raife studied his friend’s rigid back. Tell her I look forward to seeing her pretty face when time allows.

Swinging around, Fred flashed a brief grin. I’ll do that. He crossed and dropped back into the chair, getting eye level with Raife.

When he said nothing, Raife carefully sat his coffee cup aside. Now, what is it we need to talk about?

Judy and I want to get married. She’s thirty-seven, I’m pushing forty. We’re talking about starting a family sooner rather than later, so....

You want to make sure you’ll be there for your kids, Raife concluded.

See, we can still read one another’s minds, partner.

Raife dropped his gaze, plucking at the blanket covering his lower body. Maybe, but you didn’t read mine fast enough that night.

He looked up as Fred scrubbed his hands over his face and blew out a rough breath. Christ, if you hadn’t shoved me aside we might be sharing this damn hospital room. Or worse.

Stop it, Raife snapped. What happened had nothing to do with your skill or mine. Those bastards had made us and were lying in wait. I just got lucky.

Fred’s brow lifted. Lucky? Hell, Raife, taking two slugs at close range isn’t lucky.

No, but in retrospect, lucky was being less than three miles from the trauma center. You took down the bastard that shot me, pulled it together, and got help there in record time. So stash the guilt and be damn happy we’re both alive and at least one scumbag, gutter dweller is dead.

Fred laughed out loud. Scumbag gutter dweller?

Raife heaved a deep sigh. Fred, I think both our lives are about to change. Tell me what you’ve been choking on from the minute you got here.

I can’t go back on the streets. I’ve been offered a position inside, and I’m taking the offer.

Good. Pour me some water, would ya? These drugs take away every drop of spit I have.

Once he drank his fill, he met Fred’s steady gaze. You’ll always be my friend, my partner. I could never erase ten year old bonds. I applaud your decision, and not for a damn second would I ever feel deserted or let down, so get that out of your head right now. Fred started to speak and Raife held up his hand. I can still get in your head, Connors. So zip it until you hear what I have to say.

Now my spit’s gone, complained Fred. Give me that. He refilled Raife’s cup and glugged down almost half. "Okay, let’s hear your plan."

I’ve been with OIU over ten years. Most of which I’ve spent living in crappy apartments and moving around to keep my cover undetected. I drive shit for wheels, and that hurts more than crappy living quarters. The up side of this sad scenario is I got paid well and, aside from putting food in my mouth, most of my money went into savings and investments.

Grinning, Fred eased back in his chair and stretched out long legs. You sure as hell didn’t spend it on a snappy wardrobe.

"Hell no, which reminds me, now I have to go on line and find a shirt to replace the one those clumsy ER jerks cut to shreds.