Page 29 of Torrent’s Treasure

“Oh, it’s too long of one to go into right now. But I’m curious why you’re checking on us. I told you Calliope would be out with the flu. The school is full of it. It’s just the flu,” Cecilia stated smoothly.

Torrent watched Judith shift in the chair and look anywhere but at Cecilia. His wife had turned the tables on her, and Judith hadn’t been prepared for that. What was her game?

“Where are my manners? I’ve been really thirsty since having the flu. How about you and I go in the kitchen and get a drink?” Cecilia offered.

Torrent didn’t imagine the light in Judith’s eyes. For some reason, she wanted Cecilia alone.

“Oh, that sounds good,” Judith eagerly agreed, standing and going to pick up her purse. When her hand went under the table, Monster growled. Judith jumped back.

“You don’t need your purse. We’re not going to charge you for a drink from the kitchen. Now if the bar was open, you might need to pay. Would you like iced tea, a soda, or water?” Cecilia asked, leading Judith out of the room. Monster didn’t growl again, but he followed Cecilia and Judith into the kitchen.

Torrent started to get up and go to the computer room.

“We’re good. I installed the app on my phone. Here, you listen while we look through her purse,” Gunner said quietly, handing the phone and his EarPods to Torrent.

Torrent slid the EarPod in and watched the screen. Judith was standing by the table. Monster had posted up between her and where Cecilia was pouring iced tea into two glasses.

“Cecilia, you can’t be comfortable here. Why don’t you and Calliope come home? I can bring you food and things. You’ve had a lot of upheaval with your parents’ death. I’m not sure you’re thinking clearly,” Judith insinuated.

Cecilia handed her a glass then leaned against the counter, sipping hers. He was glad she wasn’t putting herself close to Judith. Something was definitely rotten, and they needed to get to the bottom of it.

“I am comfortable here. Everyone has helped out. Why would I not be thinking clearly?” Cecilia countered.

“Well, I mean, umm, your parents died, and you moved here,” Judith fumbled.

“I’m an emergency room nurse, so I’m used to dealing with a lot at one time. We really don’t know each other well. I appreciate the offer, but why did you come here?” Cecilia demanded.

“To help you,” Judith snapped, her tone hardening.

Torrent wished he could see Judith’s face closer, but if he zoomed in on her face, Cecilia wouldn’t be in view.

“What made you think I’d be here?” Cecilia asked.

“Calliope told Linny you were staying here,” Judith lied.

“Oh, they are good friends,” Cecilia responded smoothly. His wife was a smart one, not letting Judith know that they knew she was lying.

“Yes, and I would feel better seeing Calliope in person to check how she’s doing,” Judith insisted, standing up from the table and taking a step toward Cecilia. A low growl stopped her.

“I so appreciate you coming by to check on us. I’ll let Calliope know that Linny was worried and had you check on her. She’s sleeping and I don’t want to wake her. Rest is such a huge part of recuperating from the flu. Let me show you out,” Cecilia concluded, motioning toward the door.

Judith stared at her for a minute, then walked out of the room. Gunner had finished going through her stuff and had placed it back on the floor. Torrent pulled the EarPod out and laid Gunner’s phone face down on the table.

“I really wish I could tell Linny that I’d seen Calliope with my own eyes and she was doing better,” Judith whined as she and Cecilia walked back to the table.

“You know, Judith, you caring so much about Calliope’s well-being is so sweet. We’re so lucky to have you and Linny looking out for us,” Cecilia said, stopping to stand by Torrent.

“I’ll walk you out, gorgeous, and you can tell me how a woman like you doesn’t have a man, right now. I mean, that is just a crime,” Mav interjected, taking Judith’s arm after she picked up her purse. Mav led her out of the room.

Torrent stood up and held his arms out. Cecilia went into them, her arms wrapping around him.

“She’s up to something,” Cecilia muttered against his chest.

“She is, but you did fantastic,” Torrent reassured her, holding her in his arms, wishing he knew what was going on. He wanted to keep them safe, but they didn’t have all the pieces yet. Hopefully, Gunner would find something.

“Good job, darlin’. Now we need to figure out what is going on,” Dragon added warmly.

“Give me twenty-four hours. There’s a couple leads that I need to run down. I’d like to keep Calliope’s phone to go over some more, if that’s okay?” Gunner asked.