Page 12 of Broken
“We hope so too.” After a pause, her mom asked, “Have you seen Leslie yet?”
“No, but that reminds me, I need to send her a text.” Jacqueline pulled out her phone and shot one off to her sister. “Hey, Les, can I swing by later today and say hey?”
No dots appeared, so she slid the phone back into her handbag.
“Naomi said she’s gone through some kind of change,” Jacqueline continued. “I have no idea what that means, but I’m excited to see her.”
Her mom grew silent, and Jacqueline glanced over. Worry lines around her eyes were etched deep and her mom was pursing her lips. A dead giveaway that she wasn’t going to say anything about her other daughter. Not wanting to get into it, she asked her mom about work… and the conversation resumed.
A few minutes later, they drove into the parking lot. As she was pulling out her clubs, her dad said hello to another golfer.
“Ted, good to see you,” her dad said. “You remember, my wife, Gail, and this is our daughter, Jacqueline. Ted works for me.”
Ted had a medium build with light brown hair and graying sideburns. He looked like a normal guy, but, then again, so did serial killers.
Stop being paranoid. He’s not him.
After a quick hello, Jacqueline grabbed her bag and started walking toward the driving range.
Her mom caught up with her, the electric golf caddy by her side. “Your dad thought you two would hit it off,” her mom whispered. “Ted’s a nice guy.”
Ted might be nice but he wasnother type. “How old is he?” Jacqueline whispered.
“I don’t know. Forties, maybe fifty.”
A shiver flitted through her.Same as the Campus Killer.
Tamping down the anxiety, Jacqueline forced a chuckle. “I’m home for three days and Dad’s trying to fix me up?”
All she wanted to do was play a round of golf with her mom and dad. Was that too much to ask?
Looks that way.
They warmed up at the range, then her dad left to check in at the clubhouse. While they waited, Ted asked about her job.
“I’m with the FBI,” she replied.
“Your dad said you’re in California.”
“I’m there, on assignment, with a task force.”
If Jacqueline had been interested, she might have smiled a little more, maybe suggested they pair off and play teams, so she could get to know him.
Mac’s tall, ripped body popped into her thoughts and she swallowed down a moan. Her pulse kicked up at the image of his rock-hard body on hers. Wasn’t the first time she thought about him since moving west. Wouldn’t be the last.
She checked the time. It was just after eleven Friday morning.
She’d planned on getting to Asylum by nine, latest. Though she didn’t want to appear overly eager, she didn’t want him to think she wasn’t showing.
Her dad returned to the group. “We’re all set. Let’s play teams.”
And there it was.
Dammit, Dad. Why are you doing this to me?
Jacqueline narrowed her gaze at her father. His sheepish smile diffused the frustration. She might not see them again during her visit, so she wanted to make the most of it.
“I’ll golf with Mom for the first nine, then you for the second,” she said. “I haven’t seen you guys in months. I’m sure Ted won’t mind.”
