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)
“Well, thank you.” She snuggled into his chest, drawing in his delicious spicy scent.
“You’ve been safe today?”
“Oh, yes,” she said, pulling away to peer up at him. “And you?”
“I have.”
“Good.” As everything she wanted to say bubbled to the surface, she adjusted his tie and combed her fingers through his hair, determined to remain professional while spewing facts. “I won’t take up too much of your time, you’re busy, I get it, but I’m going undercover as an author because guess what, Christopher my ex has a girlfriend, and she’s a writer who is friends with Abigail Waynes-Kirkland who is also a writer and who probably hated Hannah as much as she hates me, because she’s marrying Mason, Hannah’s ex, so perhaps Maggie could be innocent and all the guilt falls on Abigail, who walked from the store to the salon and could’ve made an extra stop along the way, or maybe the two women worked together and even Mason helped, but also maybe not.” Jane paused to draw in a deep breath. “What have you learned?”
His amber eyes glittered with amusement. “Abigail’s alibi checks out. Mostly. At the time of death, she was at the grocery store, as you said. And she did walk to the nail salon. No, I haven’t found her journey on the camera footage yet. But that doesn’t mean she is or isn’t involved.” He gave Jane’s chin a gentle stroke. “I’ll explore the partnership angle in more depth.”
“So you already know about Maggie Johnson,” Jane said, a little bummed she hadn’t gotten to break the news.
“Yes. Abigail Waynes-Kirkland mentioned Ms. Johnson.”
Jane snapped her fingers. “She mentioned her friend just like that?” Had thrown her good buddy under the bus to get the spotlight off herself? Interesting.
“She seemed confident Ms. Johnson will back everything she said.”
Ah-ha! “Proof they’re partners.”
“Or that they didn’t do it. Abigail might risk her life for profit, but risk profit for revenge?”
Oh, man. Oh, yeah. That was an excellent point. “Probably not, but she would absolutely risk profit for revenge if it meant more profit in the long run. Think of the book and movie deals this case will get.” Gah! Movie deals. Jane imagined a gorgeous new actor getting his big break by playing the part of the smoldering Sheriff Conrad Ryan. But who to play Jane? Zooey Deschanel? “See, this is the reason I need to go undercover as a writer. If anyone is going to tell this story, it’s me! Undercover is drama. I am drama and drama sells.”
“But is it really undercover if you plan to write a book anyway?”
How well he knew her. “Shh. Don’t ruin this for me.” She pressed a finger to his lips. “Now, since I’m an official author, I’m picking up on details you’ve so obviously missed. Of course Abigail wants you to speak with Maggie. The two have probably crafted rock solid backstories for their real-life selves.”
“I’ll know more about their relationship after I interview Ms. Johnson.”
Then they’d move on to another suspect. “Did Mason Thorton have an alibi?”
“He did, but I still need to verify it. On a same but different note, I cleared the mayor of doing the deed. Unlike Miss Waynes-Kirkland, he’s on camera at the time of death.”
“Which is?”
He closed his eyes for a moment, bracing. “Right around the time you texted that you both were and were not breaking into the building.”
Oh, wow. If Jane hadn’t experienced so many mishaps on the way to the tearoom, she might have arrived before the murder. She could’ve helped Hannah. Or died alongside her. “Well, I’m not crossing the mayor off my list. He could’ve hired a hitman and hung around to enjoy the aftermath.”
“A hitman isn’t interested in playing a game, only doing a job.”
“A hitman would absolutely be interested in playing a game if he’s an expert at covering his tracks. He’d do whatever proved necessary to ensure all blame pointed at book club members so no one would ever suspect the mayor.”
“I love your brain.” Conrad kissed her temple.
She loved his everything. “Have you learned anything surprising about Hannah herself?”
“Like what? What are you hinting at?”
“I’m not sure.” What had Ashley Katz discovered? “I think I’ll head home, cook dinner and contemplate my story, which will help me solve the case.” And she’d pet Rolex to remind him that Mommy loved him best. “Come to the Garden after work, and we’ll eat there.”
“I’m so glad you’re mine. Now go ponder your best seller.”
They shared a smile, and she sauntered out of his office.
On the drive home with Beau, her friend was unusually quiet. Jane let him gather his thoughts while she drafted a mental to-do list. Cook, think, write. Make an appointment with Golden Gears Auto Shop. The family hearse could use a tune-up. Score a meeting with the mayor.