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The future sheriff shut off the engine, clasped Jane’s hand, and brought her knuckles to his mouth for a kiss. “What is going on inside that big, beautiful brain of yours?”
Jane tapped her temple. “Just pouring through what I’ve learned for each suspect and battling anxiety for your safety.” Since leaving his house, she’d kept alert, searching for anyone skulking in bushes or tailing them. He’d refused to wear a bulletproof vest.
“Agents have been on patrol in the area all day.”
That was something, at least. “Are you as confused by the evidence as I am? Nothing answers all our questions.”
“That’s how cases are sometimes.”
“Well, I don’t like it.”
His lips twisted as he fought a grin.
Stop focusing on his mouth. “Tom is the most likely shooter. He’s a liar and a blackmailer, and he had motive and opportunity. But why jeopardize his whole operation. Unless he panicked. If he killed Gunn, he has a lot to cover up.”
“Barrow is convinced Bennett did committed both crimes, but without a confession, the case is wobbly at best. Too many unknown variables, with too much room for interpretation. According to Raymond, the prosecutor in this county resists trying a case with only circumstantial evidence. Which is why Barrow has agreed to let you tour the house. He thinks you may see something we missed.”
“You can tell him it’s okay to be impressed with my investigative skills and deductive reasoning,” she teased, fluffing her hair. “Tell yourself while you’re at it.”
Conrad’s warm chuckle thrilled her to her toes. Right on cue, Barrow emerged from his vehicle and motioned for Conrad, and only Conrad, to join him.
“Give me a minute.” Her boyfriend kissed her cheek, released her hand and joined his buddy in the cold.
Remaining in the warmth of Jel, Jane withdrew her phone from her purse. Maybe she’d heard back from Ashley about the shooting. Oh! Texts from Fiona, Beau, Tiffany, June and yes, Ashley.
NewsKat: I’ll run a story as soon as Mr. Ryan gets me a quote.
Would he give one? A question for later. She checked the other messages, rather than respond. First, she needed to craft the perfect response.
Fionality: How is our special agent boy today? Did you decide his V-day present? Because I have an idea that requires zero prep!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jane: He’s better, and yes, yes, yes, please and thank you! Give me all the ideas!
Fionality: I haven’t gotten to see you enough lately, so I’m holding this idea hostage. Come over this evening and bring Tiff. We’ll teach her how to sew funny bunnies and chat.
Fiona and Jane love to knit toys on lazy summer afternoons and freezing winter nights, then donate each piece to nearby children’s charities.
Jane: I’ll be there with bells on. Not literally. And okay, okay, I’ll bring Tiff. She’s not terrible.
For some reason, the widow continued to grow on her.
Sighing, Jane checked the message from the cottage’s newest guest.
Tiffinator: I did rounds without being asked. I’m basically a superhero! Also, I miss Rolex. BRING HIM HOME!!!!
Jane: Uh, superheroes wear capes. Everyone knows that.
Jane: I refuse to admit Rolex misses you too.
Jane: Fine! Maybe I’ll bring him over and you can adore him before we visit Fiona. By the way, we’re visiting Fiona tonight.
As Tiffany sent her roughly a thousand different heart emojis, Jane turned her attention to Beau’s message.
Beaudyguard: I reached the bottom of the cesspool and discovered the first online mention of the Gentleman. A message from a terrified customer who’d just gotten a trim from Denise Allen.
Terrified, huh? Nothing Denise shared with Jane had been terrifying. What if the stylist shared more because she’d been tooting her own horn? For all Jane knew, Denise had dated “Joshie” to pilot his investigation, or even for grins and giggles, broke up with him when he got too close to the truth then let one of her minions take care of the problem. So… back to the hitman theory?
Jane: Could Denise be the Gentleman?
Beaudyguard: Honestly, I don’t think there is a mob boss in AH.
Now there was an idea. Let’s say her friend was right. His judgment was impeccable, his instincts spot on. So. If the Gentleman wasn’t real, who had made him up and why?
Denise? Gunn himself, to create evidence against his enemies? Tom Bennett, to garner a deal with authorities? A help them nail the top dog and let the little fish go free situation. What about Madeline Gunn, to save the man she once believed she loved?
A line to explore after the tour. Finally, Jane switched her focus to the message from her sister.
Juniverse: What are you doing next month?
In March? Why?
Jane: Same as always. Taking care of the Garden. You?
No response. Jane sighed. Her younger sister lived close to their mom. The two were very similar, in fact. Sweet but flighty and very high energy. The few times they were together, Jane remembered being exhausted by the flurry of activity.
