Page 131 of Cold, Cold Bones
“How so?”
“It was very short. And she didn’t wish me a happy Valentine’s day. Both those things were out of character for Katy. At least, for the old Katy.”
There was a moment of silence before J.S. spoke again.
“This type of indirect, orchestrated vengeance isn’t common, but I have seen it. His acts are almost theatrical in nature. Does that pattern tell you anything about who this bastard might be?”
“Some ‘innocent accused’ who resented my testimony?” I offered, hooking air quotes with my sarcasm. “Some next of kin who disagreed with my findings? Some waiter who thought my tip was stingy? Who the hell knows? It’s America in the age of rage.”
J.S. ignored my outburst. “Now that this individual has your attention, he probably intends to raise the stakes.”
That night we learned just how high those stakes would go.
29
While Ryan caught up on his backlog of emails, I did a Google search using the key phrasessunflower,pendant, andTú eres mi sol. I learned that the locket could be purchased from many online vendors, including Amazon.
Deflated, I added the descriptorsCharlotteandjewelry. Was given links to two stores. Both were located on Wilkinson Boulevard.
I dialed the first, Hermosa. Got a recording saying the number had been disconnected.
I tried Mis Joyas. A heavily accented voice answered, sounding like decades of unfiltered Camels.
“Mis joyas.Si no lo tenemos, no lo necesitas.”
“Buenos noches,” I said. “Me alegro de que todavía estés abierto.”
Unimpressed with my Spanish, the voice switched to English. “Cariña, this shop always open. What I can do for you?”
“I have an odd request.”
“Like I said, we don’t have it, you don’t need it.”
“I’m not looking for jewelry. I need information about a possible sale.”
I heard a deep inhalation followed by an expulsion of breath. Pictured a stream of smoke rising from corduroy lips.
Several beats passed. I was expecting a hang up when the voice spoke again.
“You a cop? I don’t talk to cops.”
“No. My name is Dr. Brennan.” I left it at that. No need to mention the ME or the morgue.
“Doctor, eh?”
“Yes.”
“So, this not about taxes?” Wary.
“Definitely not.”
“Yolanda González here. My son owns thejoyería. If my arthritis is good, I work the register.”
“I’m curious about a locket shaped like a sunflower. Inside are the wordsTú eres mi sol.”
“Your accent not bad. For a gringo.”
“Thank you, Yolanda. The locket?”
