The Season of Sin (Peace In The Storm Publishing Presents) Read Free Page A

He’s a criminal.”
    “He was a criminal. He’s paid for his mistakes.”
    “He could never pay enough in my opinion.” Jasmine straightened books on her bookshelf.
    “I wasn’t even seeing Bruce when he got in trouble anyway. You’re no one to judge, Aunt Jas. You never done nothing wrong?”
    “Yes but I never murdered anybody.”
    “And Bruce didn’t either.”
    “You know damn well he hated her enough to do it. Use your brain Dylan, that’s what it’s for.”
    Dylan held her waist and threw her chin into the air. “Bruce couldn’t have done it because he’s been out of town.”
    “You don’t talk to Bruce anymore or so you claim. How the hell would you know where he’s been?”
    “His father died and he went out of town to see his family. Rhonda told me.”
    “Oh yeah?” Jasmine bent over to straighten another shelf. “I still think he did it and that’s exactly what I’m gonna tell Detective Morris when she gets here.”
    “Oh no you’re not.  I don’t even want you in the room when she comes.”
    “Well tough it’s my house!”
    “Stop it you two!” Zoë Peron came from the living room.  “You two have been arguing all morning!  How can you act like this after what’s happened?”
    They glanced at the gorgeous black woman but muttered instead of spoke.
    Zoë stood between them.  “You’re family! You shouldn’t be fighting right now but consoling each other.  Detective Morris is going to be here any minute. You want her to see you two fighting like you got no common sense?”
    “Aunt Jas I wish everyone would stop blaming Bruce for everything. That’s all I ask.”
    “Well I’m sorry. Nothing you can tell me will ever convince me Bruce’s changed.”
    Zoë turned from one to the other. “Wait how did this get about Bruce?”
    “She thinks Bruce killed Mom.”
    “What?”
    “Now isn’t that the dumbest thing you ever heard, Zoë?”
    “But doesn’t it make sense too?” Jasmine pulled Zoë close. “We all know that Bruce hated Nadia and he’s a very violent man.”
    “That doesn’t make him a killer.”
    “He’s even said he wanted her dead! Why don’t you wake up?”
    “He didn’t mean it like that, Aunt Jas. Stop twisting things!”
    “You keep on with that smart mouth and that’s not the only thing I’ll be twisting.”
    “Hold it!  Hold it!” Zoë held Jasmine back. “Jas you got no cause to throw around accusations like that.”
    “I…”
    “Thank you!” Dylan snapped her fingers.
    “Come on, Zoë. You know Bruce could’ve done it.”
    “Leave me out of this. I’m not going to accuse an innocent man of murder.”
    “Innocent?” Jasmine guffawed.  “Bruce and innocent are two words that never belong in the same sentence.”
    Ding!  Dong!
    Jasmine gestured. “Would you please get that, Zoë?”
    She went to the door.
    “Aunt Jas please cool it.”
    “No. If I feel there is anything the police should know, I’m gonna tell them. This is about your mother and not Bruce McNamara.  Where the hell is your loyalty, Dylan?”
    “I was just gonna ask you the same thing.”
    “Hello, I’m Zoë Peron.”
    Steven’s mind went blank when he saw the gorgeous black lady at the door.
    Brianna held out her hand. “Hello. Uh, I’m Detective Morris.  This is…”
    Zoë took Brianna’s hand. “Yes I know who you are, Detective. Dylan’s told me all about you.”
    Her eyes landed on Steven. He tightened in a rigid stance. His mind void of any thought except how this woman looked naked.
    “You’re Detective Kemp right?” Zoë put her hand out.
    “Huh?”
    “Steven.” Brianna nudged him.
    “Oh yes. Uh I’m Detective Steven Kemp.” He shook her soft hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
    “You too.”
    His face ran hot.
    “How are you connected to Jasmine and Dylan again?”
    “Oh I’m Dylan’s best friend. You two sure look young to be detectives.”
    Brianna smiled.
    It wasn’t everyday Steven saw a woman that looked like this.