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“Adriana?”
At Francesca’s voice, she released her breath and tried to act as normal as possible. “Hi. Where’ve you been? Why aren’t you answering my calls?”
“Sorry. It’s been a crazy day. What—what’s going on?”
That little hitch worried her. Was Francesca’s response cooler than usual? Maybe. Or was she imagining it? Sure she’d called Jonah, but she’d immediately requested Francesca. That should’ve made it okay.
However, she’d done similar things a decade ago whenever she could—and that made her self-conscious about it now. “I wanted to tell you that Dean Wheeler came by.”
“What did you say?”
“Dean Wheeler. That guy you mentioned? The brother-in-law of the man you think might’ve murdered that woman?”
“I know who you’re talking about. I just can’t believe he showed up at your house.”
“It was weird. He knocked at my door about—” she glanced at the clock “—an hour ago.”
Fortunately, the information she had to impart directed all attention away from the fact that she’d called Jonah, just as she’d known it would. She felt both relieved and guilty about that. She hadn’t talked to Jonah for more than a few seconds, but at least there shouldn’t be a backlash for making the attempt.
“What did he want?” Francesca asked.
“He had your pictures, the ones you carry around in your purse.”
“What was he doing with those?”
“He said he was trying to return them. That he’d already been to your place. I have them here now, but I don’t know why he didn’t leave them on your doorstep.”
“Neither do I. Except…he seems very interested in my friends and neighbors.”
“I have to admit his visit was kind of unsettling. Even after I promised to give you the pictures he didn’t leave. He went around the house, into the backyard and peeked in the downstairs windows. He nearly scared Levi to death. The poor kid was just waking up from his nap when he saw a strange man staring at him from outside.”
“Did Dean try to get in? Attempt to harm you or the boys in any way?”
“No. When he realized he’d frightened us, he ran away, and he hasn’t been back since. I’ve kept a close eye on the yard, just in case.”
“When’s Stan getting home?”
Francesca’s subdued response actually made Adriana feel more frightened than she’d been before calling. She’d already convinced herself that Dean was simply an unusual but well-meaning person. “Any minute. Why?”
“I’ll feel more comfortable if you’re not alone. Keep the house locked up, and if Dean comes back, call the police.”
Adriana watched Tyler wield the television remote, looking for a program he and his brother could agree on. “But you don’t really think he’s dangerous, do you?”
“He might be. Don’t take any chances.”
“I won’t.”
Someone spoke in the background, most likely Jonah. The voice was muffled, suggesting Francesca had covered the mouthpiece. “How’d Dean get there?” she asked when she was back. “Did someone drive him?”
“Not that I could see. There was no car. He claims he took a bus.”
“All the way from Prescott?”
“He acted as if no price was too high. Like he really wanted to do you this favor.”
“He could’ve called me about it. Or mailed them to me.”
“I think he wants contact. I’m telling you…it was as though he felt you two were in some sort of relationship. A close friendship, at least.”
