Dixon's Duty Read Online Free

James.”
    He covertly studied the man from afar. Cute doesn’t begin to describe him. More like hot, sexy stud. Dix shook his head to clear it. “We’re working a case. He’s potentially a person of interest until we can rule him out. Quit stirring the pot, Walters.”
    A wide grin split her face. “Man, are you flustered! You’ve gone from my nickname to my given name and now my last name. Confused about something, Detective? Because your face is turning red and I see a bead of sweat on your temple.”
    Confusion was an understatement. Dix wasn’t sure what he was feeling, besides embarrassed. “You suck. We should go. Mac can come back and interview these people tomorrow.”
    She reached out and clasped his hand. “Take it easy, Dix. So what if the guy trips your trigger? He’s not really a person of interest. More likely an innocent bystander. But you’re not sure if he’s gay? Talk to him.”
    His heart leapt into his throat at the idea. “And say what? I know I saw you kissing the waitress earlier today, but I was wondering if you might be gay?”
    Abby smiled. “Um, maybe not quite that direct. You could bring up the case, let him know the victim’s been identified. But you still need to ask if anyone saw her here last night.”
    “Which is exactly what I came here to do.” He nodded, unsure why he suddenly felt like a school kid. He’d sensed something was up with the owner today. Could he have been projecting his own feelings into the situation? Mac had teased him about the beer deliveryman, and it had only taken Dix mere moments to acknowledge that guy hadn’t been his type. He hadn’t let his mind dwell on the owner. Of course not. I was focused on my case.
    And now he was focused on Bryan’s ass as he reached up to retrieve a bottle from above the bar.
    When the man turned around, he spotted Dix, then took a moment to take in Abby. Setting the bottle on the bar, he approached their table. “Good evening, Detective Dixon.”
    “Mr Scott,” Dix said politely. “This is Abby. Abby, Bryan Scott. He’s the owner of this establishment.”
    “A pleasure.” Bryan shook her hand.
    “Thank you. Your restaurant is simply charming, Mr Scott. Our food was excellent and my drink was divine.”
    “So happy to hear it. May I bring you another?”
    “Nope, one’s my limit. And Dix is on duty, I’m sure you recall.”
    “Dix?” He glanced at them questioningly.
    Dix waved him off. “You’ll be happy to hear we identified our crime victim, so I have a much nicer photograph to show your employees.” He pulled the picture of Donna from his jacket pocket and held it out.
    “Better,” Bryan agreed. “A very attractive woman. I’m sorry, I still don’t recall seeing her in here last night. You’re welcome to ask my staff.”
    “I’m afraid I’ll have to do that. We appreciate your cooperation.”
    Bryan appeared thoughtful. “You have a very understanding wife, Detective. Most women wouldn’t like their husbands mixing business with pleasure.”
    Abby laughed. “I’m not like most women, Mr Scott. And I’m not his wife.”
    Dix smiled at her. “Dr Walters is Chief Medical Examiner for the KCPD.”
    Bryan blinked. “Dr Walters? Oh, this is an honour. I’ve read about you in the papers.”
    “Don’t believe everything you read,” Dix teased.
    She wagged a finger at him. “And don’t believe everything he tells you, either. He’s an ornery one. But he’s a dear, even if he doesn’t go for the female persuasion. Which basically means he and I sometimes go after the same guys.” She winked at Bryan.
    Dix wished he could disappear through a hole in the floor.
    “Is that so?” Bryan’s dark eyes flashed surprise for a second, before returning to something closer to indifference. Except he seemed amused. Very amused .
    His smirk didn’t ease Dix’s discomfort.
    The waitress returned with their check. Dix tried to focus because he needed to start questioning people about seeing