Page 64 of Sinister Secrets

She tips her head to the side in what I take as agreement.

“Was there anyone else she was close with?”

“Like who?”

“Like a friend? Coworker? A boyfriend, maybe?”

Her expression hardens, stone morphing into diamond, but without the shine. “No. There was no one.”

“Are you sure? No boyfriend?”

“Especially not a boyfriend.”

“How can you be sure?”

“Because I would have known if she was cheating on me.”

A hard blink could knock me over. Fortunately, she doesn’t, her eyes not leaving mine for a single instant as they laser into me with what is now pure hatred.

“What about Gordon Massey?” I ask.

“What about him?”

“They weren’t dating?”

Her laugh is loud and abrupt and startlingly genuine. “She hated Gordon. Couldn’t stand him.”

“Did she talk about him a lot?”

“No.”

“But they worked together, didn’t they?”

“Briefly. I mean, I think they did.” Suddenly she doesn’t look too sure. The anger in her face eases, replaced by sadness. “She told me that there was a special project they were collaborating on, but to be honest, I don’t know how much of it was true. Not anymore.”

“Did she mention anyone else who was working on this special project with them?” She looks over her shoulder again. “Is someone back there?” I ask.

“No.”

“No, no one’s back there, or no, she never mentioned anyone else.”

“Both. Listen, I’m sorry but I can’t help you.”

“I think that maybe you can.”

She shakes her head, her earlier resolve back. Her eyes slide to the side, again like she’s checking behind her. My palms grow damp. Either she’s not alone, or she has something hidden back there that she doesn’t want me to find, like a weapon. Maybe even the gun she shot Gordon with. Did she kill him and frame me for revenge?

I stick my arm out, stopping the door as she shuts it. “Nancy—”

“I don’t know why she did what she did. I’m just trying to move on with my life, okay? I suggest you do the same.”

Her tone oozes defeat. As she steps back, tears shine in her eyes. Then I’m standing on the step by myself.

Returning to my car, I feel more confused than ever. Had Gordon told his mom that Alicia was his girlfriend, or had she just assumed? I wish I could ask her. I even contemplate texting Sheriff Kingston the question. But right now, my instincts are telling me to keep my cards close to my chest, and since they’re still the only thing I have in this investigation, I decide to listen.

CHAPTER 37

For once, my brain is still. Of course, it only took moving half a ton of hay and bags of grain to do it, and the rest of me feels completely shattered, but it was worth it if only to silence my turbulent thoughts. Not knowing how long the reprieve will last, I decide to enjoy it while I can.