Page 40 of Last Witch Attempt
We all knew exactly what she was thinking about. “Don’t make things weird, okay? I don’t need another thing to worry about.” I made a funny face for Calvin’s benefit, then returned him to his playpen. “Do you have any books on arachnids?”
“I seriously doubt it,” Thistle said. “You should call Scout. They had a bunch there a few weeks ago. I guarantee she knows how to get rid of them.”
“Yeah. I just thought maybe she wouldn’t want to spend time in town right now.”
“Because you’re worried Steve will find out you’re not the most powerful witch in the area?”
“It’s not a competition. Scout is dealing with a lot. I don’t want to make things worse for her.”
“You should let her make the decision on that. She’ll want to help.”
“She likes killing things.”
“There’s that too,” Thistle said on a laugh. “I wouldn’t shut her out. She’s a big girl, and she knows what she’s doing. She can make her own decisions.”
“I guess.” I started for the door.
“Where are you going?” Thistle called to my back.
“I still have a job. I need to get some things done for this week’s edition. There’s nothing I can do until I get an updatefrom Landon on the cause of death for our victims. I might as well get ahead at The Whistler.”
“You’re such a little trooper,” Thistle teased.
I was lost in thought as I exited the store, and I almost ran into a woman walking toward me from the opposite direction. I managed to step around her without falling off the curb, but had to grab the back of a bench to maintain my balance. “Sorry about that,” I offered, doing a double take when I found myself face to face with Cam Riddle. “Oh, hey. I didn’t realize you were in town.”
“Steve wants us to track the movements of the victims from last night.” Cam gave me a cool once over. “We need to put together a timeline. Then he wants me to present it to Landon.” She let loose the annoying giggle she reserved for whenever she mentioned my husband. “I’m looking forward to seeing him.”
Most women would be slyer doing what Cam was. She wanted me to think she had a crush on Landon. It felt like a distraction. “I’m sure he’s looking forward to seeing you too,” I lied. “Have you managed to track anything down regarding their movements?”
“Oh, um, I’m not sure I’m supposed to share that information with you.” Cam looked appropriately apologetic. “You understand. I’m here on official business and you’re not official.”
“Actually, Steve has me working with you guys on this one.” I chose my words carefully. Cam was not aware of the supernatural squad Steve had in the works. “He thought I might be able to offer some unique insight on the town.”
“Right.” Cam was dubious. “That’s after he cleared you for the warden’s death even though the evidence still pointed at you.”
That was a lie. Sure, it might’ve been suspicious that the man who had been stalking me ended up dead weeks beforeat the house we just happened to be vandalizing. There was no evidence pointing to me as the killer, however. “I guess you’ll have to take it up with Steve.”
“I have.” Cam’s expression was dark. “He doesn’t seem to want to hear what I have to say on the matter.”
“Maybe take it up with my husband.” I offered her a bright smile.
“Yes, because that wouldn’t be an exercise in futility.” She didn’t smile in return. “I think I’ll just have to keep digging even though the case has been officially closed.”
“However you want to spend your free time.” I moved away from her. “I have to get to the newspaper office. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”
“You can count on it.”
I felt her eyes on my back as I walked away. I fought the urge to glance over my shoulder. If she believed she was making me nervous, she would double her efforts. As far as she was concerned, I didn’t have a care in the world. I wanted to keep it that way.
10
TEN
Iknew how to get a weekly edition of The Whistler out, to the point my mind could wander and I could still get everything done. I made sure to send Mrs. Little a copy of the previous ad and then, when my stomach started growling and I was running out of work, I got a message from Landon. He wanted me to meet him at the diner for lunch.
Perfect. I was ready to take the investigation to the next level.
Landon and Chief Terry were at our usual table. Unfortunately, Steve and Spencer were with them.
