AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I was attacked from behind,” she clarified. “I spotted Hannah slumped in her chair and rushed over to check on her. Right after I discovered she was dead, someone hit me. But Conrad, I saw Lucy Chang across the room.”
Her fiancé’s tension returned and redoubled as each word spilled from Jane, and she didn’t have to wonder why. Her attacker might be the murderer. Had they gotten a good enough look at Jane to clock her identity? If they hadn’t, they would certainly hear her name come up during the investigation. She could become a target.
“She refused a ride to Pinetum,” Christopher piped up as he gathered his tools, ramping up Conrad’s unease. “However, an ambulance is en route and due to arrive any minute.”
“I’m fine,” she repeated. After directing a dirty look at her ex, she reached over to link her fingers with Conrad’s and give him a comforting squeeze. “Truly. I’d prefer to search for Hannah’s cat and break the news about his or her mom.”
“I love you,” he said, dropping a gentle kiss on her brow, “but you’re going to Pinetum. No arguments. For my peace of mind and the good of the investigation, let them run their tests.”
Gah! The investigation. Her kryptonite, and he knew it.
He wasn’t done giving her the hard sell. “I’ve got to stay until I secure the scene, but I promise I’ll assign someone to find and care for the cat until you’re well enough to break the news.”
“Fine.” Jane’s thoughts zoomed in a million different directions wondering who could have done this. Maybe, with a little medical care, she could begin piecing puzzle pieces together.
“I’ve already spoken with Beau, but I’ll send Fiona your way. They’ll stay with you until I arrive,” he promised. “I’ll be there as soon as I finish here. I’ll ensure your hearse gets home.”
“And then we’ll work the case together,” she replied with a nod. “Deal.”
He looked as though he wished to protest, but he didn’t make the mistake of doing it.
Maybe because she added, “You know my batting average and could use the win as the new sheriff.” Two could play hardball.
“Good to see your sass isn’t bruised.” He gently but firmly helped her to her feet, then handed over her fallen purse. Her legs proved surprisingly steady, all things considered.
Conrad gave her another kiss before reluctantly passing her to Christopher. As the fireman led her out of the secret room, the love of her life issued orders to his deputies. Decisive. Organized. A leader. Her heart swelled once more.
“Your fiancé is intense,” Christopher muttered as they entered the public portion of the shop. One deputy snapped photos while another carried in forensic equipment.
“Isn’t he?” she agreed with a little smile. It was a trait she hadn’t expected to admire in a significant other. A trait Christopher had never exhibited. In fact, it was his easy, laid-back charm that initially drew her to accept his friendship, and later, a request for a date.
After the first romantic outing, they’d officially become a couple. She’d thought they were rock solid. So often they’d gotten lost in conversations revolving around everything and nothing. But after only two months together, he’d called her emotionally unavailable and dumped her.
The curse had used the situation to its advantage, encouraging her to build stronger, taller walls around her emotions. Then Conrad had come along with his adorable determination, and all those walls tumbled down.
“Did you know avocados are considered a fruit, not a vegetable?” Christopher announced.“They’re a single-seeded berry, if you can believe it.”
“I didn’t, but I do now.” He’d always spouted random facts when they were dating. Nervous, excited, bored, it hadn’t mattered. They just slipped out of his mouth.
“You’re happy?” he asked next, pushing aside yellow crime scene tape and helping her step outside, seeming genuinely curious and hopeful. “Well, besides this.” He motioned to the Treasure Room with a tilt of his head.
“I am,” she replied. A not insignificant crowd gathered on the sidewalk, attempting to peer through the windows. Either the firetruck lights had drawn attention or word had spread via the Headliner. Or both. The small town gossip train never missed a stop. What would the chatterboxes think of seeing her with her ex while engaged to the sheriff?
“And you?” Jane asked, hoping to show she didn’t wish him any ill. Christopher had made the right decision, cutting her loose.
“I am, too.” He removed his helmet and rubbed his temple with the back of his hand. Sunlight washed over him, highlighting the coppers and caramels in his chestnut-colored hair.
He unveiled a more subdued version of the teasing glance she’d once sighed over. “Did you know?—”
“Jane, Jane! What did you see?” a familiar voice called from across the street.
An ambulance with flashing lights pulled into the lot, saving her from having to form a reply. It passed Conrad’s haphazardly parked SUV, named Jel. Oh, wow. He’d been so concerned, so intent on reaching her, he’d left his precious vulnerable to theft. Yes, he was totally worth taking on the curse.
Near to the curb waited the fire truck, its lights still flashing. Firefighters controlled traffic and directed any new spectators to stay back. Was the killer among them? Anyone who killed a woman sipping tea was probably the type of person who’d hang around the crime scene to witness the aftermath.
Jane scanned the faces, memorizing as many details as possible. Only a handful of people she didn’t recognize stood in the gathering. Ashley Katz, a reporter at the Headliner who happened to be one of Jane’s favorite nemeses, waved emphatically, trying to get her attention. Had the curious woman listened to the police scanner, as she’d done in the past, or had she created a story to boost newspaper sales?
“What did you see?” Ashely repeated.
