Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57502 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 288(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57502 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 288(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Conrad was in danger. Had the sheriff been the target all along? Meant to be the third victim? If anyone had a reason to arrive at a murder scene, it was Conrad. Had the killer wanted the lawman to open that envelope and inhale that substance, whatever it was?
What if Conrad’s harm was meant to energize Jane’s investigation? Was she dealing with an adrenaline crime junkie?
If Jacob had worked with a partner, like his dad or Christopher, perhaps that partner simply sought Jane’s misery. Abigail certainly fit that bill.
One fact remained clear. Whoever had done this would pay!
“All right, let’s go,” Christopher said, jogging over. He’d removed his equipment.
Maybe he was involved. If so, this car ride might offer proof. Either way, she’d have access to a vehicle. Once Christopher unlocked the truck, they both jumped inside. Within seconds, they were winding along the roads. At first, they didn’t speak. She texted her friends, as well as Conrad’s family, letting everyone know what was going on, doing her best not to imagine her sweet Conrad dying alone in a cold, sterile hospital. Hot, fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. She also asked Beau about possible bugs at the cottage.
“He’ll be okay,” Christopher said, using his most comforting tone. He didn’t sound like a killer. “He strikes me as a fighter.”
She swallowed the barbed lump in her throat. “Did anyone say what poison was used?”
“No, but that doesn’t mean anything. The only poison we’ve ever dealt with is the one used on Ana Irons.”
Jimsonweed, with its irregularly toothed leaves and trumpet-like purple flowers, had taken the life of the young reporter.
Her phone beeped, and she glanced at the screen. Texts came in one after the other.
Beaudyguard: I’m on my way to Pinetum. I’ll be in the parking lot waiting for you. Doubtful on the bugs, but I’ll have the boys do a check.
Fionality: Oh, my sweet Jane. I know this is devastating, but I also know Conrad will recover. He’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Raymond and I are on our way.
Tiffinator: Stay strong! Conrad will live for you if nothing else!
Why Guy: I’m picking up Susan, and we’re heading to Pinetum. Conrad has overcome worse. This? It’s nothing! Right? Tell me it’s nothing, Jane, and mean it.
She wasn’t in a mental headspace to respond yet, so she moved on to the next message.
NewsKat: What can I do to help?
So she already knew what was going on. Probably thanks to her police scanner.
Jane: Please tell me you’ve heard something new about the killer. Anything.
NewsKat: Not yet, but I’m doing everything I can. I won’t let this rest, okay? Know that. We’ll stop this fiend one way or another.
Jane breathed deeper, feeling the warmth of support from an unexpected source. A friend, despite their past differences.
She closed her eyes and attempted to center. For the next however long, she had a captive audience. Christopher, a hero times two, possibly a co-killer, had interacted with all of her suspects. Despite her bombardment of emotions, she still had a case to solve. Right now, asking questions was the only thing she could do.
“To your knowledge,” she said, determined, “have Jacob and Abigail ever had a romantic relationship?”
Christopher cast a quick, confused glance her way. “You really think Abigail did this?”
“Just covering all my bases.” And yes, Jane did. The woman had a lot to lose if Conrad pinned the crimes on her. “So? Have they ever dated?”
Though his confusion intensified, Christopher said, “Maybe. They flirt with each other, and Maggie caught them kissing once, but anytime we’ve asked if they’re involved, they deny it. But I don’t think Abigail did this. She can be catty, sure, but she’s also thoughtful. When Maggie was sick, Abigail brought her Daisy’s chicken noodle soup.”
Sometimes the naivety of others astonished Jane. “That’s called a long con.” Abigail facilitated relationships for her future gain, not due to any sweetness in her heart. Had the socialite conspired with Jacob to bilk Mason of his money, then run away together? Had Abigail gotten greedy and decided to keep all the loot for herself? “What about you? Did you ever have a romantic relationship with Abigail?”
“No. I met her the same day I met Maggie. As you can guess, I only had eyes for my mechanic.”
“Has Maggie ever had a liaison with Jacob?”
“No. Gross. They’re related. Her mother is the mayor’s cousin.”
Jane’s eyes widened. Well, no wonder Jacob had smirked at her suggestion of a courtship. Still. This pointed to a deeper connection than originally supposed.
“There’s no way Maggie is the killer,” Christopher added. “I know that you two didn’t get off to the best start. I also know she can be abrasive at times. But that’s only because she has to be. Not many people take her seriously in her profession. Just trust me. She would never. Nor would Donnie. He might be weird, but he was too excited at the prospect of making a friend to harm someone.”