Building Blocks of Murder by Vanessa Gray Bartal Page A

uncharacteristically deep for a minute?”
    Lacy smiled. He sounded so much like Tosh when he was about to tell her something “pastorly.” “Go ahead,” she urged.
    “There’s a lot of truth to the statement that you’re not ready to be with anyone until you’re ready to be alone. I sort of picked up on the fact that you’re hurting. I don’t think you’re going to be able to move on until you heal what’s happening inside of you.”
    “I don’t disagree, Keegan,” Lacy said, shifting toward him. “But how do you heal when you’re hurting so much?”
    Keegan rested his arm on her shoulder. “The age old question. But I think you’re asking the wrong brother. Tosh is the one with all the answers.”
    Was it her imagination, or was his tone bitter? The sound of scrambling feet on gravel distracted her, causing them to turn and look behind them.
    “Oh, geez,” Jason said. He was in full uniform, one hand fisted on his hip, his flashlight held aloft. “I get a call about people on a roof, and I don’t know why I’m surprised to find you here,” he said, addressing Lacy. “From now on, any time I get a crazy call, I’m going to assume it’s you.” He shined the beam in Keegan’s face. “Who’s he?”
    His abrupt tone wasn’t Lacy’s imagination, and it wasn’t lost on Keegan who gave Jason the same infuriating smile that Tosh used whenever the two happened to meet. “I’m Keegan,” he replied, clearly enjoying himself. “Who are you?”
    “I’m the guy who’s giving you exactly two minutes to get out of here,” Jason said.
    “Jason,” Lacy tried to explain, but he interrupted by shining his flashlight in her face.
    “Save the excuses, Lacy. I usually find teenagers up here making out. Imagine my delight to find you and him.” The light bounced back to Keegan’s face.
    “But, Jason, you don’t understand,” Lacy said.
    “And I don’t want to,” Jason added. “My fuse is this short tonight, Red.” He held up two fingers pinched close together for emphasis. “Please don’t make me do or say anything I regret. And may I remind you that this is the second time I’ve found you breaking and entering? Just grab your stuff and go.” The light bounced back to inspect Keegan. “You from New York ?”
    “ Chicago ,” Keegan replied, sounding totally unfazed as he loaded up his basket.
    “Keegan is Tosh’s brother,” Lacy explained. She hoped her tone let Jason know that their discussion wasn’t over. He had plenty enough reason to be in a bad mood, but he didn’t have to take it out on her and Keegan, especially when she owned the building in question.
    “Figures,” Jason said. “Just so I’m better prepared next time, exactly how many of you remain in Chicago ?”
    “Three brothers and two sisters, but some of those are married. And, really, not all of them are Lacy’s type.” Keegan finished packing and hefted the basket over his shoulder, giving Jason an impish smile. “This has been an informative meeting, Officer.”
    Jason didn’t return his smile. Instead, he looked at Lacy and rolled his eyes. “Just get out and don’t come back.” He waved his flashlight, indicating that they should proceed in front of him.
    Lacy swept by him without glancing at him. Tomorrow, when his terrible day was over and he was feeling better, she was really going to let him have it over his imperious attitude. She comforted herself by imagining the remorseful expression on his face when she informed him he had thrown her out of her own building. He held his flashlight for them, lighting the way as they walked down the rickety wooden stairs. Though she would never admit it, Lacy was glad for the light. She wondered if Keegan had thought that far in advance or if, like Tosh, his intentions were sometimes better than his plans.
    “Thank you for the escort, Officer,” Keegan said, offering Jason a small salute. Jason didn’t reply and his sober expression didn’t change. Lacy