Page 100 of Kiss Marry Kill
I didn’t say anything. The atmosphere felt so awkward, I was wishing I’d stayed in the car.
Mrs. Numi said brightly, “A little bird told me there’s another offer on the property.”
Dr. Johnson nodded. “Uh… yes.”
“I was certainly surprised to hear that,” Mrs. Numi said.
“You and me both.” He laughed stiffly. “I was shocked to get that phone call, I can tell you. I mean, first I couldn’t get any nibbles at all, and suddenly I have two offers?”
“That certainly is out of the blue, isn’t it?” Mrs. Numi murmured.
“Very.”
“As you well know, I’ve been trying to sell this property for you from the very beginning. Working day and night to get you exactly the buyer you needed.” She didn’t even blink an eye as she laid the guilt on thick. “So to have another broker swoop in with an offer was very surprising. Considering how hush-hush we’ve kept this property.”
Dr. Johnson seemed to wilt. “Yes, you’ve been a great help to me, Mrs. Numi. You’ve definitely held my hand through the entire process.”
“Indeed I have.”
I blurted, “Did you tell anyone about my offer?”
A flush swept Dr. Johnson’s face. “Well… er… not intentionally.”
Mrs. Numi arched one brow. “What does that mean?”
Dr. Johnson sighed. “This morning, I was working on a patient. We just happened to get on the subject of you, Dr. Thornton.”
“Me?”
He nodded. “Yes. She was saying how you’d subleased a space from her boss after your clinic burned down.”
Her boss?
My heart stuttered. Obviously, I’d only subleased one spot in town since the fire. That had to mean this person he was referring to wasLilly? River’s receptionist?
Dr. Johnson continued. “She said that she’d heard all sorts of horrible things about you, and until she’d met you, she’d believed them.” He gave an uneasy laugh.
I stared at him, not sure what to say.
“Well, anyway, she said that you weren’t that bad at all,” Dr. Johnson said gruffly.
“Thanks,” I mumbled, feeling uneasy.
“Who was this person, Reginald?” Mrs. Numi asked bluntly.
Dr. Johnson grimaced. “Oh, I’m not sure I should say.”
I asked breathlessly, “Is this patient’s name Lilly, by any chance?”
He blinked at me. “Why, yes.”
I turned to Mrs. Numi. “That… that’s River’s receptionist at his clinic.”
“Is it?” Mrs. Numi sounded startled. “What did you say to her, Reginald?”
He gritted his teeth. “I meant no harm.”
“I’m sure you didn’t,” Mrs. Numi said soothingly. “But what exactly did you tell her?”
