Page 128 of Taken Away

“What are you telling me?”

“Your sister was murdered.”

Nothing came through the speaker for several seconds.

Then—

“Oh my God.” Her voice barely rose above a whisper. “I thought she had a heart attack.”

“So did everyone else.”

“When was the funeral?” she asked quietly.

Burke frowned. “The funeral?”

“I couldn’t come. My boyfriend had surgery, and I couldn’t leave. I figured I’d call Aubrey in a few days.” She hesitated. “How is she?”

Burke thought of Aubrey at the Victorian, trying to hold herself together.

“Doing what she can.”

He made another note. “I need to ask where you were the night Mabel died.”

A small laugh escaped her, surprised rather than offended.

“An alibi?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Sheriff, it’s no secret there wasn’t much love lost between my sister and me.” She paused. “But really? You think I’d kill her?”

“I have to ask.”

“And you should.” No anger. No outrage. Just practicality. “You can mark me off your list.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I’ve been in Florida for months.” She gave him the town, the address, the neighborhood. “My boyfriend, Brad, and I have a place here.”

“Anyone able to verify that?”

She laughed. “Oh Lord, yes.”

“Phone records?”

“Absolutely.”

“Credit cards?”

“Help yourself.”

Scout raised an eyebrow. Anne hadn’t hesitated once.

Then she sighed. “Look, Sheriff.”

"My sister rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. So did Harold. No telling who might've held a grudge."

The statement didn’t sound bitter. Just honest.