My stomach twists.
I pull out my phone to see a text from Liam.
“THE POLICE AREON THEIR WAY. SO AM I.”
The bathroom dooropens and Serena steps out, she’s wiping her palms on the legs of her jeans.
“Sydney is dead,” I say as I hit the recording icon on my phone. I could lie, but right now, my goal is to buy time until the police arrive.
Serena stops in her tracks as her eyes open wider. “She is? That’s a shame. She had such a bright future ahead of her, just like all the rest…Diana and Marty.”
“Why not kill Julie?”
“Because she’s your sister.”
“You saved her because of me?”
Serena shakes her head. “She almost died. Her living threw off the police. Why kill one and not the other? I’m good at games too.”
“You knew about their game?”
“Everyone knew. They were too obvious. There wasn’t one married woman in Blue Gil who mourned the passing of Martha Thompson.”
“Maggie,” I said, speaking of Marty’s mother.
Serena shrugs as she walks back onto the balcony. “Come. I want to know more about your thoughts on Craig’s murder. Your notes were fascinating.”
“How did you read my notes?” I know the answer. She took my notebook the night I was attacked. That is why it wasn’t with my things.
Serena doesn’t answer, only continues to speak. “You had some fascinating theories. I didn’t realize Craig drowned.” She lifts her cheeks and curls her lips in a devious smile. “I wonder what he was thinking as he lost the ability to breathe. Truly, a person’s final thoughts are very telling.”
I take the seat opposite her. “You said murder. You believe he was murdered?” I lean forward. “Did you kill him?”
I know she didn’t.
Serena sits taller and inhales. “I can’t say I never thought about it, but someone beat me to it. I think Sheriff Manes knows, but he’s good at keeping secrets.” She nods toward my tea. “Drink up. This is delicious tea.”
“I’ve been drug and alcohol free for seven months. I don’t think I want to ingest whatever you put in my drink.”
“You’re being silly.” She lifts her glass by the rim and hands it to me. “Take mine. I’ll drink yours.”
Apprehensively, I reach for her glass as she takes mine and drinks.
“Did you figure out who did it? Who killed Craig?” Serena asks.
I shake my head, looking down into Serena’s tea, certain I won’t drink a drop. Instead, I set it on the table and finish my lemonade.
“You never pressed charges againstKeith. Why?”
My gaze goes to hers. “I don’t think he did it. I don’t think he’d hurt me.”
“Yes, you two were getting very…should I sayclose?”
I don’t respond.
“You see, I stopped by your cabin the night before…”
My attack.
