Page 29 of Mine to Hold
“Rumor?” Lucy Ann’s voice lulled her to the present. “Are you okay?”
Rumor blinked. “Yeah. I’m fine.”
“What are you doing here?” Lucy Ann asked.
“I had to give a statement about what I saw at the motel.”
“Ah.” Lucy Ann gave her a weak smile. “The whole town is on edge about that. I’m so sorry that you’re being dragged into it. If you need any time off, just let me know.”
“That’s not necessary. Besides, I didn’t see anything useful.”
For Emmerson’s sake, she wished she had and that thought confused her because it would only complicate things for herself and she wanted no part of this investigation.
“How is Emmerson holding up?” Lucy Ann asked.
That was an odd question and she wasn’t sure how to answer. “He’s tired.”
“I’m sure he is.” Lucy Ann nodded. “He takes these kinds of things to heart, especially when he knows the victim.”
Rumor jerked her head. “He didn’t tell me that.”
Lucy Ann sighed. “I’m not surprised. It’s not like any of us have spent any time with Heather since high school. She has always run with a tough crowd. His mother picked her up twice before we all graduated and three more times after that. I’m pretty sure that Emmerson has slapped cuffs on her as well before she moved away. Heather had a troubled childhood. Her dad was a real loser and her mom wasn’t much better. Poor Heather barely stood a chance. But it wasn’t like Rebecca didn’t cut her break after break when she was a teenager. I’m sure Emmerson is taking it hard. As if he could have done something to prevent her death, when there was nothing at all. If Heather wouldn’t give up the drugs or the lifestyle, his hands were tied.”
Rumor actually understood that. Tony not only lived to do drugs, but the greed had gotten to him and he wanted the bigger piece of the pie.
“Thanks for telling me that. I understand a little better why this case has Emmerson so tied in knots.”
“There’s that and the fact that Emmerson is just one of the good guys. He’s kind, generous, and has the biggest heart. Hehates to see anyone hurting. Even the Heathers of the world. He tried to help her, just like he tried to help that ex of his, Edwina. She’s a real piece of work.” Lucy Ann leaned closer. “If you ever cross paths with that one, don’t believe half of what comes out of her mouth. She has her sights set on Emmerson again, and she’ll lie, cheat, and steal to get him.”
“I’m sure he’s smarter than that.”
“Oh, he is. But she doesn’t care who she hurts in the process.” Lucy Ann smiled. “And a little birdie told me that Emmerson is quite smitten with you.”
“Smitten?”
“Yeah. You know. Has a case of the hots for you.”
Rumor’s heart did a little tango in her chest. It was an unwelcome sensation. But worse, her lips curved into a smile.
“Glad to see the feeling’s reciprocated.”
“I said nothing of the sort.” She did her best to frown.
“You didn’t have to.” Lucy Ann winked. “Speak of the devil.” She took off up the stairs. “Emmerson, you look like shit. And you really need to shave.”
“Gee, thanks. It’s nice to see you too.” He paused to give Lucy Ann a peck on the cheek. “What are you doing here?”
“Heather had been in the café the day before the murder. Your mother wants a statement.”
Emmerson ran his fingers through his hair. “She didn’t mention that to me. Was Heather with anyone?”
“She came in alone. When three different people came to her table, but didn’t stay, I knew what was going down and asked her to leave. She gave me a hard time, but I told her I’d call the cops if she didn’t.”
“What did she do?” Emmerson asked.
“She paid her bill, cussed at me, and walked out the front door. I stood there and watched her get into a nice SUV with a man behind the wheel.” Lucy Ann held up her hand. “I didn’t geta plate. Not for lack of trying. And I didn’t recognize the man, nor did I get a good look. All I can tell you was that he had shoulder-length dark hair. I couldn’t even tell you his age.”
“Why didn’t you call me? Or one of my brothers?”
