Possession Read Free Page B

old house was awe. Someone had taken the time, trouble, and money to keep it looking almost as it must have appeared when it had first been built. Right down to the gingerbread scrollwork and handcarved wooden balustrades and porch railings. Overall it was a bright, sunny yellow with warm brownish trim. A profusion of sunflowers overflowed in the flowerbeds. A white rocking chair with a red-checked cushion moved lazily at the end of the porch. The place look appealing and inviting. As friendly and inviting as a step back in time.
    “How old is this Laurent woman?”
    Kiel flipped open the folder. “Doesn’t say.”
    “I got five bucks that says she could be our grandma.”
    “I’m not taking that bet, Sam. Why else would she need an escort back to the station? She can’t drive. Probably doesn’t even own a car.”
    They pulled into the gravel driveway. At that instant they were faced with what was left of the garage. “It’s a greenhouse,” Kiel stated the obvious.
    “Yeah. Probably uses it to grow the herbs she needs to concoct her potions and stuff.”
    Kiel snickered.
    They got out of the car and followed the brick walkway to the porch. Taking the short steps to the front door, Sam raised his hand to knock on the door. But before he could complete the gesture, the door opened. Both men did a mental and physical step back.
    The woman was covered so completely, only her face was visible. Oh, but what a face. It was the face of a world-class model. Young, with perfect angles and not a blemish to be seen. Lightly arched brows were the color of caramels. She was wearing a shapeless shift in a bluish - gray color. A scarf in similar shades was tied over her head, hiding the rest of her hair. But that face, those ripe lips…and those eyes.
    Kiel was the first to speak. “Hello. I’m Detective Stark. Will you please let Miss Laurent know my partner and I are here?”
    The lovely woman stared at him as a frown slowly darkened the perfect face. Kiel realized with a start that she wore a pale gloss over her full lips. Otherwise her face was bare of makeup. More amazing were her eyes. They were hazel in color, except for the outer edges which were brown. Very unusual. Very arresting.
    “Who?” she repeated.
    Kiel paused. Was she asking who they were? Or who they had come to get? He decided to try again. Reaching inside his jacket, he produced his bifold and flipped it open to show her his ID and badge. “We’re Detectives Stark and Reese. We’re from the Aaron Street Station. Our captain sent us over to take Miss Laurent over to a crime scene. Will you let her know we’re here?”
    “Who are you ?”
    His mouth felt dry. It was a feeling he wasn’t accustomed to. Even spookier was the definitely perplexed expression growing more pronounced on the woman’s countenance. He started to comment on it when Sam came up behind him.
    “Would you tell your mother we’re here?”
    The woman’s gaze shifted immediately over to Sam. Quietly she replied, “The name is pronounced ‘Leh- rahnt ’. And my mother died twenty years ago.” Her mouth drew into a thin line. “I’m J Laurent. I’m the person Captain Redd phoned to ask for help.”
    “You live here alone?” Sam asked.
    Her gaze shifted from Sam back to Kiel, and the perplexed look increased. “Who are you?” she repeated.
    “I’m Detec—”
    “I know what you’re saying,” she abruptly cut in. “Maybe I’m not making myself clear. Maybe I should be asking what are you?”
    Sam glanced at his partner to see the man grow pale. It shocked him. “Miss Laurent, is there a problem?”
    Instead of answering, she stuck a hand out in Kiel’s direction, fingers spread. “Let me touch you,” she ordered. Demanded.
    At that moment both men understood the truth.
    J Laurent was blind.
    Steeling himself, Kiel walked toward her and held out a hand. Sam held his breath as the woman’s fingers came in contact with his partner’s.
    A stream of warmth flowed