Chilled by Death Read Free Page B

key lock and heading inside to the morgue. When you worked with the dead, she liked to think she’d learned to appreciate life a little bit.
    “Enjoy your lunch?” Mark asked as he did wheelies on his computer chair when she walked through the lab. Some martial arts schedule was up on his monitor like that was allowed. And likely why he had it up there. He was quite a pro himself and taught on the side.
    “Yeah,” she said, grinning at his antics. He was the same age as her but acted a dozen years younger. Then, so did her brother. Maybe that’s why she got on so well with him and Stevie, although she preferred him more as a friend than a co-worker as he didn’t necessarily have the same work ethic, preferring to skip out early to meet the guys for the next adventure in progress. Still, he was good people and that counted. “I had lunch with George.”
    “Really?” He grabbed the desk to stop his wild ride. He stared up at her, shoving his long hair back off his face. “And?”
    She raised an eyebrow at him. So he did know. She had wondered. Chances were good both men she worked with – or rather overgrown boys – would be going on this week-long fun adventure. She paused, considering that. How much of a real break would it be if she went with guys she worked with?
    Not by a stretch could she use that as an excuse to get out of this trip. No, she was going…if there were a few last minute qualms, well, that was to be expected. Besides, both men loved these trips and were huge board fanatics. They were also search and rescue volunteers. They deserved their fun on the slopes like anyone else.
    “He wants me to go on the next ski trip to the cabin,” she tossed over her shoulder as she carried on down the hallway to her office. “You know…go back and face my memories. A great idea in theory, but…”
    “Wait, he did?”
    “Yes.” She grinned as she heard his footsteps. She’d known he wouldn’t be able to leave it alone.
    “Well,” Mark popped his head around the corner, “what did you say?”
    She waited a beat, then looked up at him, still smiling. “I said yes.”
    *
    George walked quickly away from his sister. He needed to get as far away as soon as he could before she changed her mind. He half expected his phone to go off as she called to do just that.
    He walked with purpose. The sooner he could escape the crowd, the faster he could call his buddy. Royce owed him a beer for this one. George had hoped Stacy could be persuaded to come with them. But Royce had bet she wasn’t even close.
    George didn’t understand what had happened between those two. Yet somehow the relationship had gone from the two of them being friendly with lots of teasing and joking to a cold silence. It was uncomfortable being in the same room with them. That was the only thing that bothered him about the two of them being together on this trip. Everyone was coming for a holiday – not to partake in a cold war.
    He gave the street a quick look then dashed across to the small park on the other side. He walked to the park bench and called his best friend.
    “Royce, you need to find a way to make peace with Stacy before this week happens. I don’t want the week ruined with you two fighting.”
    “What are you talking about?” Royce joked. “It’s not like Stacy is going to go. Besides, should that miracle happen, you’ll see, there’s nothing wrong between us.”
    “Bullshit. You’ve been pushing for this as much as I have, and God knows Stacy needs to get back out there, but there needs to be peace between the two of you before we go.”
    “I promise. If she actually says yes, then I will make a point of speaking with her.”
    The mocking note in Royce’s voice brought a savage grin to George’s face. He was so going to enjoy the next few moments.
    “Then you’d better get ready to face that because…” he paused for dramatic effect, savoring the moment and his victory, “Stacy said yes!”
    *
    “She