Page 149 of Kiss Marry Kill
The front yard was neat but the lawn brown from the winter weather. I walked up to the porch and knocked on the door. I was tense, not knowing what I’d find inside. When the door opened, Polly stood there, looking pale.
“Sheriff,” she said softly.
“Hey, Polly.” I kept my voice even. “Mind if I come in?”
She let out a shaky breath. “I knew you were coming.”
“Did you?”
She nodded and stepped aside. “I could feel a dark energy hovering all day long.”
I wasn’t sure if she was referring to me as that dark energy or not, but I was hugely relieved to see Kobe and Janelle sitting on the couch, looking unharmed. They were drinking bright blue drinks in martini glasses and laughing.
Thank goodness.
“Hey, Sheriff.” Kobe smiled when he saw me. “Don’t worry, this is a virgin drink. I’m off the sauce.”
Janelle sipped her drink and then said, “It’s not bad, actually. I don’t even miss the booze.”
Polly closed the door and faced me. Her face was tense and her hands crossed in front of her. “Would you like a drink, Sheriff?”
“No, thank you, Polly.” I kept a cautious eye on her. “I’m here on business.”
She studied me, and then she said, “I see.”
“What’s this about?” Kobe asked. “Did you catch the killer?”
“Uh… I’m working on it.”
Polly turned and started to walk toward the kitchen.
“Polly,” I said forcefully. “I’d appreciate it if you’d stay in here.”
She stopped, and her shoe squeaked on the floor. With her back still to me, she said, “Why?”
“I think you know why.”
Her shoulders slumped. “Oh, God.”
Janelle set her drink down, frowning. “Is something wrong?”
Polly winced. “I hope you can remember I was mostly a good friend to you, Janelle.”
Janelle blinked in confusion. “What?”
Kobe set his drink down too, obviously picking up on the sudden tension in the room. “What’s going on, Sheriff?”
“I need Polly to come to the station with me.” I met Polly’s glittery gaze. “I have some questions for her.”
A tear streaked down Polly’s cheek. “I’m not a bad person.”
“I’m not here to judge you,” I said.
“Why would you be a bad person?” Janelle stood. “What are you talking about, Polly?”
Polly’s face flinched. “I’m afraid I’m not who you think I am, Janelle. I’m afraid Archie wasn’t either.”
Kobe got to his feet but didn’t speak.
