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"When were you planning to share the inheritance info?” Conrad teased, proving he was reading her messages, too. “Seconds have passed, yet you’ve remained silent.”
“Funny man.” But Jane did recall that she hadn’t divulged what she’d uncovered of Hannah and Mason’s kids, so she corrected the mistake and added, “What if Mason blamed his ex for a strained relationship with his sons? Eliminating me as well as Hannah was his only way of ensuring he never got caught?” She reserved the right to change her mind about the kids when she learned who inherited the Treasure Room—wills could be changed, and sibling rivalry could be deadly. And dang it, she tried not to pout because her friends were getting all the juicy details while she was forced to recover.
“It’s possible,” Conrad repeated, but he didn’t sound convinced. “If so, I’ll find out. I’m interviewing Mr. Thorton tomorrow morning.”
“That’s good. We can tag team him. You get him tomorrow, I get him the next day.”
The love of her life pinched the bridge of his nose and heaved a sigh. “I guess I’m hiring you as a consultant now?”
“I thought that was an understood fact, considering we’re exchanging information. I’m even giving you a friends and family discount. Two murders for the price of three.” Oh! New Team Truth text!
Fionality: Well, this is getting interesting. No wonder Abigail Waynes-Kirkland is dating that old coot, Mason.
What! Another bombshell! Jane jolted upright, startling Cheddar. The abrupt movement compounded the ache in her head, and she winced. When a wave of dizziness struck, she took a moment to breathe with Conrad’s help.
“Focus on your surroundings,” he instructed.
She did, eyeing the powdered cornflower color on the walls. This adorable craftsman bungalow had seen better days when they’d first toured it with the realtor. Since moving in, Conrad had made the place shine. Even the once scratched and scuffed hardwood floors gleamed. She constantly marveled at how well the furniture from his condo in Atlanta meshed with his new life in Aurelian Hills. But what struck her fancy most was the three-tiered cat tree, framed within the large bay window overlooking the front yard. All so Rolex could watch the birds and squirrels.
But she wasn’t going to moon over Conrad’s thoughtfulness right now. Back to the case.
For years, posters on the Headliner had regaled the town with stories of Abigail’s on and off again relationship with her ex-husband. How did he feel about her new man? Angry enough to seek revenge with a frame-job?
Conrad massaged the back of Jane’s neck and assisted her into maneuvering into a more comfortable position at his side. “Show me the snapshots you took of the crowd outside the Treasure Room,” he said, setting his laptop aside.
He knew her so well. She exited from the Team Truth text chain and opened her photos app, enlarging the one of Abigail giving her the bird. “Look at her.” Disgust dripped from Jane’s tone. “Have you ever seen a smugger, more serial killerish face? And why was she getting her nails done at just the right time, anyway?”
“I’ll ask her when I formally interview her.”
“Good. Ask her about her ex-husband, too. He acted as her grave digging sidekick, so, he’s obviously the worst.” Hey! Who was that? Jane zeroed in on a section of the photo behind her nemesis. Was that…Mayor Thacker? Her eyes widened. It was! She didn’t recall seeing him, but there he stood, glaring at Jane’s camera while partially shielded by another spectator.
“Now there’s someone with a grudge,” she said, pointing the mayor out to Conrad.
He swiped the phone for a closer look.
Jane had helped put Mayor Thacker’s wife behind bars for attempted murder, kidnapping and several other charges.
“None of my deputies spoke with him,” Conrad said.
“So he fled the scene.” Suspicious!
“I’ll add him to my list.”
As would Jane. And, since she’d promised not to go anywhere on her own…
She fired off a quick text to Beau.
If you’re not on duty tomorrow, I’d like to hire your bodyguard services for super cheap. Not free! I won’t take advantage. But almost free. To sweeten the pot, I’ll admit we’re speaking with my ex-boyfriend first.
Beaudyguard: Sorry. Conrad already procured my services for the week. He needs my help with the case.
Jane braced to confront her love. “I adore you, Conrad Hotness Ryan, but when did you sneak Beau out from under me?”
“I spoke to him at the hospital before I got to see you.” The most adorable, sweet half-smile bloomed. “I like him. He’s a good man and friend. I’m asking him to be a groomsman.”
“Oh, no!” The words burst from her before she could stop them.
“What?” he demanded, concerned. “Are you hurt?”
