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"One of her favorite genres. She likes to escape into other worlds."
I smiled somewhat bitterly. "Well, that's probably the truest thing I've heard all day."
Brenda looked confused by my words. "Sorry?"
"Never mind. I'll make sure she gets the book. You said you live nearby. Were you home yesterday when my mother was shot?"
"No. I work at a hair salon a few miles from here. That's how your mom and I met. She's one of my clients."
"And she never told you about her daughters?"
Brenda shook her head. "Daughters? There's someone else besides you?"
"I have a sister, too."
"She never mentioned having children. Or maybe I just wasn't paying attention. Sometimes, I drift away when people are talking. I cut hair all day long. I hear a lot of stories."
Brenda seemed a little flaky and also somewhat defensive.
"Do you know if she was having trouble with anyone—a friend, a boyfriend, a coworker?" I asked.
"Like someone who would shoot her? I thought it was just a drive-by."
"No. The police are looking for someone who might have had something against her."
Brenda thought for a moment. "Laura mentioned that she'd had an unpleasant conversation with Tom's ex, Renee. Laura and Tom had gone out a few times, and Renee showed up at her door one day and told her they were getting back together, and Laura needed to leave him alone. Tom told her it wasn't true, but Laura didn't want to get involved in their drama, so she ended things."
"The police need to know about this woman," I said. "She sounds volatile."
"I don't think Renee is dangerous," Brenda said. "Maybe I shouldn't have even mentioned it. I don't want to get into the middle of any drama, either. You can tell the police about Renee if you want but leave me out of it. I better go."
Brenda practically ran away from the house. My gaze turned to Kade.
"Let's talk about it inside," he said.
I opened the door, happy to see the locks were still intact. I grabbed the bag of cookies and brought it inside while Kade put the pizza in the kitchen and then went back to bring in the rest of the items on the porch.
The cookies looked so deliciously chocolate, I undid the ribbon and grabbed one to eat as I opened the note inside the bag.Hope you feel better soon. Love, Candice, Mitch, and the girls.
I set the paper aside, then opened the book that Brenda had given me. There was a note written on the first page:Thinking of you, Laura. Can't wait to argue about this love triangle at our next meeting. Brenda.
As Kade set the rest of the items on the counter, he said, "Did she write something interesting in the book?"
"No. Just good wishes and see you soon."
"There are some other notes with these goodies," he said.
"I'll read them after pizza."
"You mean after your cookie appetizer?" he asked with a hint of a smile.
"Yes. The chocolate cookies are heaven. They were apparently made by someone named Candice."
"Candice lives two doors down with her husband and two kids."
I tilted my head as I gave him a thoughtful look. "You recognized Brenda, and you know who Candice is. Who else haven't you told me about?"
"Candice and Brenda came here for a book club meeting one night. I met them in passing. I don't know anything else about them." He frowned. "I'm not holding back on you, Brynn."
