Page 85 of The Mystery Writer

“Theo, I have good news!” Veronica was excited. “I’m delighted to be able to offer you representation. We’d like to fly you to New York to sign the contracts.”

“New York?” Theo inhaled.

“Yes. Why don’t you grab a couple of things and you can fly out with me tonight.”

Theo suddenly felt joy crash. She couldn’t leave Lawrence. The police would never allow that, but if she told Day Delos and Associates she was a suspect in three murders… “I’m afraid I can’t leave tonight.”

“Whyever not?”

“I…I need to think about it before I sign anything…talk to Gus.”

“Theo, do you know how many writers, some of them already bestsellers, would give anything to be represented by Day Delos and Associates?”

“I do…and I am so honored, Ronnie. But I need to settle some things first. Please, can I just have a couple of days?”

“This is not… It will be hard to explain to the partners.” Veronica’s voice was a little sharp. “Are you sure you want to do this, Theo?”

“I’m sorry, Ronnie, I really am. But I just can’t sign anything right now.”

“Very well, I shall see what I can do. But I really would advise you to make your decision quickly. I’ll be in touch, Theo.”

Theo listened to the dial tone for a while.

Mac climbed back into the pickup. “Everything okay?”

Theo nodded. Her old dreams seemed trivial at the moment. And as keenly as she felt the disappointment, this was not important right now. She smiled determinedly. “So do you think the police will have finished tossing your place by now?”

“Not according to Detective Mendes. He’s going to text me when they’re finished.”

“He knows where we are?”

“Yes. I didn’t want him to think we’d all skipped town. It might have got ugly if he’d sent squad cars to the Ponderosa.”

Theo flinched. “I can imagine. What do we do now?”

“Well”—Mac glanced at his watch—“hopefully, the media and Murdoch’s acolytes will be watching my place and Gus’s, so this might be a good time to grab a coffee downtown.”

CHAPTER 27

They killed Mary Cowell. She obviously got too close to the truth. What the fuck is going on in Lawrence?

Flagman

Just after she spilled the beans on Theodosia Benton.

WKWWK

Lostboy

Theodosia Benton might be innocent. She might just have got sucked into this thing. We need to stay focused on finding the Minotaur.

Wayward Son

What? Have they got to you Wayward Son? Why are you defending the woman who killed Primus?

WKWWK

Patriot Warrior

---