Stonechild and Rouleau Mysteries 5-Book Bundle. Brenda Chapman

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СКАЧАТЬ where she’d tossed it on the passenger seat. She checked the incoming call. It was Shannon trying to reach her again. She pressed talk and held the phone to her ear.

      “Shannon? Everything okay?”

      “You’re harder to reach than the Pope. I’ve left messages for two days already.”

      “Sorry. I’ve been on a case. What’s up?”

      “Jordan came by again. I told him you wouldn’t be coming home. That you took a job out of town and wanted him to forget about you. That it was over.”

      “And?”

      “Your plan worked. He moved back in with his wife. I hope that’s really what you wanted.”

      “It is.” She shut a door in her mind.

      “I honestly thought he’d hold out for you.”

      “You’re a romantic.”

      “Yeah. He didn’t say anything after I told him you’d gone for good. Just stood there for a minute, then nodded and walked away.”

      “It’s for the best, Shan.”

      “I guess. It’s just sometimes … you never let anyone in. Not really.” A pause. “Any news on finding your cousin?”

      “I’m close, I think. It’s just a matter of time.”

      “I hope you come home soon, Kala. We miss you like crazy.”

      “I miss you too. How’s Taiku?”

      “He’s moping around but eating.”

      “I’ll try to call again soon.”

      “Don’t forget about us. We aren’t going anywhere.”

      Kala closed her eyes. “I promise I’ll call. You know I always keep my word.”

      “I know.”

      Kala snapped her phone shut and stared straight ahead. Or at least I try to.

      Susan answered the door and led Kala into the living room. They sat at opposite ends of the couch.

      “You’ve missed Clinton again. He had some errands to run.”

      “It’s you I’ve come to see,” said Kala. “You’re looking better.” Susan’s colour had returned. Her eyes were clear amber. Kala felt the warmth of her smile.

      “I am better. So, how can I help you, Detective?”

      “You’ve heard about Benny Goldstone’s murder?”

      “On the news, yes. It’s just awful. I didn’t know him particularly well, but it’s a horrible tragedy nonetheless.”

      “I understand Max brought him to dinners and social events with the family.”

      “Yes, but he was so quiet that I can’t say I knew him except to say hello and talk about the weather. He really was just a colleague of Max’s. I’m planning to go over to Geraldine’s later today. They must be reeling.” Her elegant ruby-ringed hand pushed back a lock of hair from her forehead.

      “Do you have any idea why he would have been killed?”

      “I think it must be work-related. Both Tom and Benny were working on the same file, weren’t they?” Her hand settled on her chest just above her heart. “My god, I hope Max isn’t in danger.”

      “We’ll be keeping a watch if this is work- related. Tom and Benny also had something else in common.”

      “They did? And what would that be?” Susan turned her tawny eyes on Kala, her eyebrows were raised, her expression perplexed but cautious.

      “They were both having affairs.”

      Susan was the first to look away. “This is a serious accusation to make against two people who cannot defend themselves.”

      “Most people would have asked who with, but you already knew, isn’t that right?”

      “I just said that I don’t know Benny Goldstone. I can’t pretend to know who he’s sleeping with.”

      “But you must have figured out that he and Max are more than just colleagues.”

      “I wasn’t certain, but I had a feeling.”

      “And Tom Underwood. How long had it been going on?”

      Her eyes flickered like candles. “I don’t know what you mean.”

      “I think you do.”

      Susan stood abruptly and walked toward the window. She cradled her arms across her chest. Kala waited. It was almost a minute before Susan spoke without turning.

      “I loved Tom from the moment I laid eyes on him. We were made for each other, but Pauline got to him first. Laurel was an infatuation. Neither was his soul mate.” She walked back to the couch and looked down at Kala. “We were lovers, yes. It began six months ago when Clinton was at the base. We had plans to move away together. Tom was going to get a divorce … or not. It didn’t matter to either of us. I was going to separate from Clinton in the new year, and no, Clinton didn’t know. As you may also have guessed, he is controlling. We worried about his reaction.”

      “I’m not here to judge you, Mrs. Halliday. I’m only seeking the truth. How can you be sure that Clinton didn’t know?”

      “I don’t know how he could have. He was always away and we were extremely discreet. I told nobody and neither did Tom.”

      “But you’ve wondered.”

      “Yes,” she whispered. “The car running out of gas. Clinton said he was driving home from Trenton when it happened, but I just couldn’t be sure.”

      “I’ve asked before. Has your husband ever been violent? Do you have reason to fear what he might do to you if he found out?”

      “He likes to control. I suppose you might call it violence. I really don’t know what he’s capable of doing. Why would he hurt Benny though? Me and Tom yes, but why Benny? It makes no sense.”

      “No reason that we know of … yet. I have the same question if the murders are work-related. Why were you also targeted? I have no doubt you could have died out there alone in the woods with night coming on.”

      Susan shuddered. “There’s a part of me that wishes it had happened.”

      Kala stood. “Is there someone you could stay with until this is over?”

      “We’re out tonight at a dance at the Hunt Club and then Clinton is returning to the base in Trenton by lunchtime. I’ll be fine.”

      “You still have my cellphone number. Call me any time, day or night. You can also call 911 if you feel threatened. Keep your phone with you at all СКАЧАТЬ