Page 5 of No Time for Doubt
“Guidance?”he echoed.He wanted to roll his eyes.She couldn’t seriously be telling him she was a fortune teller.
“Yes.”Still steady.“Guidance is what I offer.That’s all.”
“Except you’re not a friend if she pays you.”Why did so many people fall for this kind of scam?“Do you guarantee your advice?Or do you make vague promises about the future, stringing her along for more money?”
Her jaw set.He’d hit a nerve.Good.He dared her to argue.“I’m listening if you’ve got a better explanation.”
“I wish you were listening.”The tension faded and she cocked her head.“I’ve offered you the best explanation I can.It’s your choice to believe me or not.”
“I choose not.”What did she think she could suck him into her gimmick?“I need your contact information.Then you need to leave.”
“Does that mean I’m a suspect or I’ve been cleared?”
“The home address on your ID was current?”
“Yes.”
“Phone number?Cell phone?Any aliases?”
He snapped out each question, and her replies came back at him just as sharply.It was a wonder they weren’t both bleeding from the exchange.
“Leave my crime scene.Someone will call if you become a suspect.”
“Gee, I can’t wait.”
He was done with the snark.He was done with her stonewalling.Except, she’d cooperated.Somehow that only pissed him off more.“Do you have any idea where Nell might be?”
She shook her head and, irritated, he jerked his thumb toward the door.He didn’t want to spend another minute in her presence.
“Detective Laurier, could I please have your card?”
“In case the elves tell you where to find, Nell?”Her dark eyes blazed, the only indication he was getting to her.“You know what, Ms.Norris, if you are a psychic, you can find my information through your special sources.”
He watched her take a careful, measured breath.“Fair enough, detective.Good luck with your case.”
As soon as she started down the stairs, Cade shouted over the railing, instructing the officers to make sure she cleared the house.Then he returned to the bedroom to look around.
But all he could see was Norris.The last thing he needed was someone nosing around, making things harder.
He shook it off.Psychics came out of the woodwork at the oddest times.Usually on big, flashy cases.But the Peredas had money, so hangers-on like Norris or other charlatans would show up quickly.Especially a con-artist with hooks already in the wife.
Damn it.
Focusing on what was real, he poked through the closet and dresser.He studied the bathroom.Nothing was out of place or missing.Nothing up here implied that the wife packed up in a hurry.
So, what the hell had happened here and where was Nell Pereda?
