Had I said that out loud? I’ve lost all my sense, apparently.
“I’ve never seen your sister around.”
He bobs his head. “She used to be here a lot, but she had Zoey almost a year ago. I have to visit her now.”
It’s so strange how unaware I’ve been about what happens around me. I’ve never seen a woman come or go from his place in all the years he’s lived here. Was I that unneighborly? He must think I’m such a witch.
He scoots his chair back from the table, creating a noise as it glides across the gray wood floors. It does the trick of bringing me back to why I’m here.
“I have some information to share with you.” He doesn’t say a word, allowing me to lead the conversation, and I appreciate his thoughtfulness. “I have a source.”
His teeth run across his bottom lip, drawing my attention to his mouth. “Anonymous?”
“Huh?” I gnash my teeth together, eyes rising to meet his. “Yes?”
I swear if I don’t pull myself together around this man, I’m going to have to move.
“All right. First, let’s discuss what happened at Gloria’s.”
The blood drains from my face and goose bumps rise on my arms.
Here it goes. An interrogation by Nick West. I knew it was coming, but now that the questions are here, I’m freezing up.
“How did you know about that box? And why did you insinuate that Ollie was there?”
I force a phony laugh, trying to downplay what he’s saying.
“I only meant in spirit. It was stupid because I wasn’t sure what words of comfort to give.” I make a show of schooling my face toappear sad, aiming for compassion. Pity is better than Nick running roughshod right through my white lies.
“I can’t recall your exact words, but you told Gloria he was there. You even pointed.”
“I was nervous, Nick. When I’m uncomfortable, I have a habit of saying things incorrectly.”
He takes a deep breath, and for a moment, I think it worked and he’s going to drop it. “But the box...”
Nick is a pit bull, and I’m rethinking this entire night. But running isn’t fair to Jenna.
I’m internally cursing myself for caring too much about the dead and not being prepared for this. I should’ve worked out what I was going to say when this time came, but here we are, and I’m as clueless as ever.
Keep it simple.
“Corinne... the woman who was with me,” I say, waiting for him to give me some indication he remembers her.
“The pretty brunette?”
I roll my tongue, instantly annoyed thatthat’show he remembers her.
“Alyssa?” Nick’s voice pulls me from my train of thought. “Where did you just go?”
This man sees too much, and it’s disarming.
“Did I say something that bothered you?” He chews on his cheek, and I have to wonder if it’s to prevent himself from smiling.
Is he onto my feelings? That would be a major problem. I’m sending signals I have no business sending.
“No. Of course not,” I say, offering a smile to sell the lie.
“Okay, so if it’s not that...”
