Page 53 of D for Dead

As Amy watched Boaz follow Troy, her attention was drawn to the metal bookcase next to the door they disappeared through. Flanked between large silver A and Z bookends were the titles of her Zack Maguire series, all six novels sitting in pride of place centre shelf.

She stepped closer, and noted there were no other titles, just her books. On the shelf below sat two expensive looking picture frames. One held a shot of Troy and Nadine; the other was a picture of Amy and Nadine, taken at one of the launches.

‘Who is she?’

Heidi’s voice made Amy jump. She glanced carefully around the room before answering, keeping her voice down in case Nadine overheard.

‘She’s the lady from the bookstore, the fan.’

‘You mean crazy lady?’

‘Yeah.’

Heidi’s eyes widened. ‘We’re in crazy lady’s house?’

‘Keep your voice down. I don’t want her to know we’re here.’

‘If she’s home, I’d imagine she’s already heard us. Anyway, I’d like to meet her. Have a word with her about what she did at your signing, and to your car.’

‘We don’t know for sure she did anything to the car.’

‘Who the hell else could it have been?’

Amy hadn’t mentioned the photographs or the dead rat, or the fact she had been followed. Heidi was already upset about the murders. If she knew her friend was being specifically targeted it would only cause more worry. Amy had to trust the cops would keep her safe.

‘Drop it, Heidi. Troy is being nice helping Officer Boaz out. I think he’s embarrassed about what happened. I don’t want another scene.’

‘That still doesn’t excuse what she did.’

‘I don’t care. Please, drop it. I’m asking you nicely.’

Heidi gave her a measured look, shaking her head.

‘Okay, if I have to, but I’m not happy about it.’

‘Thank you.’

They waited patiently, but Boaz and Troy didn’t reappear. Fortunately, neither did Nadine. The patio doors had been open, but maybe she wasn’t home. Amy was sure if she was, she’d have made an appearance by now. Unless she was embarrassed about what happened at their last meeting. It was possible, though unlikely.

Beside Heidi, Huckleberry started to whine. He had been sitting patiently, a puddle of seawater forming around him on the floor.

‘I think he needs to pee,’ Heidi said, tightening her grip on the leash of the agitated dog. ‘I’d better take him outside.’

‘And leave me here alone?’

That sounded really lame, Amy.

‘You’ll be fine. Go find Barney Fife and tell him to hurry his ass up.’

‘How about I take Huckleberry outside and you go find him?’

‘Okay,’ Heidi agreed. ‘But if I run into crazy lady, don’t expect me to hold my tongue.’

Amy deliberated.

Grow some balls you idiot.

‘No, it’s fine. You take Huckleberry. I’ll go find Officer Boaz.’