Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57502 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 288(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57502 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 288(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Interrogating suspects really was easier than the average citizen might think.
“I’m writing a series featuring a plucky heroine who fixes cars by day and solves crime by night. Very high concept.” Maggie grabbed a piece of paper and a pen, then wrote something down. “You should come to my house tomorrow evening at seven. I’m hosting a special book club meeting to honor Hannah.”
Jane almost shouted, “Yes!” Somehow, she managed to smile politely and say, “I will do everything in my power to clear my schedule.” But, um. Surely Abigail had mentioned her absolute loathing for Jane at some point. And then there was Christopher. Yet, Maggie had offered the invitation so easily. Did the gals want her to attend to further the game?
Maggie leaned over to hand Jane the paper. Ah. An address.
“You and Hannah were close?” Conrad asked, taking control of the conversation.
“Once. Then her ex-husband showed up during a meeting, and they fought about their kids. That’s when he met my friend Abigail. The two started dating. Hannah held grudges, and she never fully forgave me for refusing to get involved and kicking Abigail from the group. And no, I don’t think Abigail or Mason killed Hannah. They’re good people.”
Other than having great taste in speakers and terrible taste in friends, Maggie might be innocent. Emphasis on might!
Jane rearranged her suspect list. In the number one spot remained Abigail, however, where she would stay until proven innocent. Mason was second, the mayor’s son third, the mayor fourth, and Maggie now fifth. She might have jealousy issues, considering she hadn’t fought harder to invite Jane to speak at a writer’s meeting.
If Holden ever got around to finding Lucy, things would be easier. Jane could learn the identity of her attacker.
“—but I know nothing more than that,” Maggie said, and Jane realized she’d lost track of the dialogue. Oops.
“Why weren’t you at the grocery store with Abigail before the writer’s meeting?” Jane asked.
Surprise flickered inside Maggie’s eyes. Because Jane knew such a detail? “I was running late. Lost track of time while working on an Audi.”
Hmm. Plausible. But honest?
“Please call me if you think of anything that could help us find Ms. Thorton’s killer,” Conrad said, handing over his card. “No detail is too small.”
He stood, and Jane did the same. They headed outside without saying a word. Rather than crossing to the parking lot, he drew her along the sidewalk.
“We can talk about what we learned later,” he said, wrapping an arm around Jane’s waist to draw her closer. He’d grown dead serious. “Right now, I need you to listen to me. All right? I clocked the mayor twice this morning. He’s following us, and I’m going to catch him in the act. Beau’s office is two streets down. I know he’s there. Text him and tell him to go outside and wait for you. As soon as you’re in his orbit, I’ll backtrack to apprehend the mayor.”
The seriousness of his tone sent Jane’s heart into overdrive, but she obeyed without protest or hesitation, sliding her phone from her purse to send the message.
While Conrad steered her, she typed, 911! Being followed. Get outside. I’m coming to you.
Send.
“You’ll be safe?” she rasped.
“Always.”
Beau responded as they turned the second corner, with a straight shot to the Peach State Security Building at the other end.
Beaudyguard: Which direction are you dimint reinvent
Uh…? Had he texted while on the move? Jane squinted, searching for him. “He’s there!”
“Go straight to him. I love you, and I’ll be back soon.” Conrad backtracked swiftly, disappearing around the corner they’d just cleared.
Fighting the urge to follow him, she picked up the pace, eager to reach Beau. Had he seen her too? He stood there, looking left and right—aaah! Someone grabbed hold of Jane’s wrist and yanked her into an alley. She pulled back her elbow, ready to throw a punch.
“It’s me, it’s me,” the offender rushed out.
“Lucy?” Jane gasped, lowering her arm. Her body acted before her mind gave permission, and she hugged her former friend. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
“I’m glad you’re okay, too.” Lucy hugged her back, relief heavy in her voice.
The last time Jane had seen this woman, she’d opened her mouth as if preparing to scream. “You tried to warn me, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” Easing away, Lucy launched into a swift pace in front of her. Gone were the pencil skirt and heels. Her dark hair no longer fell in an elegant cascade, but was anchored in a haphazard ponytail. But kindness still dominated her brown eyes. The same kindness she’d displayed in school.
Sitting alone in the cafeteria? Don’t worry, Lucy would plop right beside you. Your friends ditch you in the parking lot as a joke? No need to fret. Lucy always gave you a ride home.
“I wish I’d alerted you sooner.” Lucy kicked a rock on the uneven asphalt. “I didn’t think…hoped…”