Breaking the Nexus (Mythrian Realm) Read Free

statements have been logged and contact information taken.”
    “Officer, it’s so terrible! That poor young man was killed by that horrid little bitch! I saw it all!” Persistent as well as yappy, Sha concluded. Fool hadn’t taken the hint when the man had ignored her. Miss Squealer looked to be in her late fifties at least, her face beginning to show lines and her hair more than half gray, the skin tight dress she wore ridiculous on her pudgy body. Hopefully he was as intelligent as she suspected because there was no way in hell that woman witnessed anything.
    “It’s Detective, ma’am. And you saw everything?” His eyes narrowed, skepticism clear in his tone. “What did you say your name was?”
    “Why, my name is Agnes Blanchard, Detective .” She simpered at him, leaning forward to give a better view down her dress. Sha wasn’t sure if her rolling stomach was from her headache or disgust at the blatant attempts at flirting.
    “You saw everything Ms. Blanchard?”
    “Well…that is…I didn’t witness the murder exactly.”
    “I see. And yet you’re positive she committed the crime?”
    Agnes turned bright red. “Well she’s covered in blood! Why else would she have his blood all over her if she wasn’t the murderer? And—and look at the way she’s dressed! I bet she’s a vagrant.” She nodded once, as if she’d just laid out an ironclad case.  
    Entertained by the spectacle despite the grave accusations, Sha wondered why her clothes made a difference. She wore a simple pair of black pants with a charcoal, sleeveless tunic decorated with a knotwork pattern in navy blue. Her pair of knee high black leather boots bore a similar knot pattern. Given the garish red dress Miss Squealer wore, Sha guessed the woman took exception to the dark colors.
    “I appreciate your input, ma’am. If you could please follow Officer Kent, he’ll take your statement for the record and then you can go home. I’m sure this has been a trying morning for you.” He waved over a young officer whose expression said he’d be happier to face a pit of vipers than talk to the obnoxious woman.
    Agnes pouted. “Oh but can’t you take it, Detective?”
    Did this woman have no shame? There was a dead body not even twenty feet away from her, but she was hell bent on flirting with the investigator. Granted, Sha may have wanted to flirt, but there was a line of propriety you shouldn’t cross. She would have waited until she’d left the crime scene at the very least; a woman should have standards.
    “I’m sorry ma’am. It’s procedure and I need to question actual witnesses to the crime. You’ve been very helpful and the department thanks you for your cooperation. If you’ll excuse me…”
      The detective started toward Sha, stopping to address the mountain who’d maintained his grip on her arm the entire time. “Sir, I appreciate your help restraining the woman, but I don’t think she’s going anywhere with all these cops around. Please see one of the uniforms and give your statement.”  
    She had to admire the deft way he dismissed people, she thought as she gave one last glare to the mountain. This whole situation was a mess and her mind worked to find a plausible explanation she could tell the detective. At least she had some idea of what would happen after reading a few stories that detailed police procedure. Who knew real cops could be so sexy? He crouched down to meet her eyes, his black slacks pulling to accentuate his well-defined legs. Ogle later, she scolded herself.
    “Ma’am, I’m Detective Connor Flynn of the Denver Police. Do you need medical attention?”
    “Uh, no, I’m okay.”
    “Good. In that case, I’ll need to read you your rights. It’s just a formality at this point, but you do have blood all over your clothes without any visible wounds on your body.” While he recited the list of everything to which she was entitled, Sha wondered if they applied to someone of a different realm.