The Silent Boy (Emma McPherson Book 1) by A.J. Flynn (early reader books .txt) 📗

He was a tall and handsome man, about six foot two. His body was athletic and his face, while not perfect, radiated an inner confidence that made him pleasant to behold.

Liam took her in his arms and knocked the door shut behind him. He kissed her and held her close for a long time, then she leaned up on her tippy-toes and whispered in his ear. “I can’t be long.”

He gave her a warm hug and a passionate kiss. “Of course you can. Sit down and rest while I set everything up. There’s a crime show on Flix in five minutes.”

“I’ll check it out,” she said, as she hung her jacket in the hallway and watched Liam walk toward the small kitchen. That was something she never got sick of—watching Liam.

Once he had disappeared from sight, Emma mad her way into the living room and took a seat in her favorite chair. It was a victorian slipper chair. It was a little small for a woman her size, but something about the way it was constructed made it hug the small of her back to perfection. There among the furniture, with Liam in the kitchen, she felt so content that it was as if the outside world had completely disappeared.

She was kicked back, relaxing, and enjoying the solid creature comforts of home, when Liam entered carrying a small tray.

“I thought we might eat in here so you can watch the show,” he said as he passed her a napkin and placed the tray upon her knees.

“Thank you. I’d rather not move any more than I have to. Even watching the show sounds like more trouble than it’s worth.”

She lifted her fork and poked at the pasta dish. There were peppers and chicken in it, so she decided to try a bite. It was good.

“Would you like your coffee now or later?” Liam said.

“Now, please, if it’s ready. Aren’t you going to eat?”

“Duh. My tray is resting in the kitchen, but you go ahead while your food’s hot. I’ll only be a minute.”

She began to eat. Besides the pasta, there was a salad, and hot butter rolls. Everything was delicious. Even with something simple, like this dinner, Liam somehow managed to make it feel special.

“This is amazing,” she called out, only to be answered by a chuckle.

“Don’t talk while you’re chewing. And besides, I have my reasons for cooking for you. I found a house that’s perfect for us. Of course, it could use a little fixing up, but I’m sure I can handle it in my spare time.”

She smiled to herself, but delayed her answer until she’d had her coffee and settled in with her tray.

“Fattening me up for the kill, huh?”

“But this is such a nice house. It’s sort of English-looking in style, with triple-paned windows and all that. Of course, there’s a lot of cleaning that needs to be done, but they’ve deducted it off the price.”

Emma sighed. “You must think I’m wicked. You think I’ll just let you do all the work yourself?”

“Stop grumbling. I know you’ll help me when the time comes. You must be under an awful amount of stress right now, though, what with that boy’s murder hanging over your head.”

“Murders happen all the time.”

“But why would anybody want to kill a little boy?”

“We’re not sure yet,” she replied, chewing steadily.

“Do you think it was planned? I mean, do you think somebody lured him out of his house in order to kill him?”

“I don’t think so.” Her answers were terse. Liam knew she hated discussing her work whenever they were together. Crime was her job, and she excelled at it, but as far as she was concerned it was a ragged dirty business, and it would be best if it never touched their time together.

“Was he molested?” he asked with hesitation.

“No.”

“Then why—?”

“Could have been accidental.”

“How could a murder be accidental?”

“Sometimes it happens. Do you have any more of this alfredo stuff?”

Shrugging with resignation, Liam grabbed her plate and went to the kitchen. Evidently he would have to get his news about the murder from the internet or television. He returned with another plate of food, and began talking about the house for sale.

“It’s a few doors down from where James’ brother lives. You know James, the guy that takes my place at the office. It has a lake view and four bedrooms. That would give us two guest rooms, and a room for an office or library, or whatever you want really. It isn’t new, but they tell me it’s well built. It has a full basement, as well.”

“Sounds good, babe,” Emma answered between bites. “What’s the price?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Lake front property is usually expensive, but if you can take a day off on the weekend, we could take a trip to look at it.”

“We’ll see. I can’t promise anything.”

“I know,” he agreed.

She set the tray aside and smiled the smile of a happy, well-fed woman. “If you’ll please step over here, I’ll give you your gratuity for the meal, then I’ve got to get going.”

Liam took her into his arms. “I wish you didn’t have to leave so soon, but I know you have to. If I knew it would do me any good I might complain.” He held her close and kissed her tenderly.

Emma peeked up at him through her lashes. “Once we’re married, and the taxpayers come through with a bigger budget to hire more cops, I’ll be around a lot more, and you’ll begin to regret ever having such a thought.”

He nuzzled his scruff against her cheek. “I’m sure I’ll be long dead when that day finally comes.”

She kissed him again and sighed. They stood to their feet and walked hand in hand to the hallway. She grabbed her coat and he kissed her again.

“I’ll call you tomorrow, and try not to do any more house hunting.”

“Only if it’s a good deal.”

“Alright, but try to keep it down.”

“Okay, babe. Be