Page 19 of A Murderous Crow
“That part is easy. You tell them you showed him the house, you parted ways, and he told you to put in an offer. You do that today, and you do all the things you’re supposed to do, and then you call him. And then you call him again, and then you call himagain,and you do that for a few days, and then you drop it.”
“Why would I call him when I know he’s already dead?” I asked.
“Because youdon’tknow that. You do it to establish your alibi. You’re the last one to see him alive, but tonotdo those things now? It will point right at you later on down the line.”
I nodded slowly in understanding.
He held out my new phone. “Call him and leave a voicemail. Tell him you’re putting in the offer today, as promised. Put on that fake-ass accent of yours and lay it on thick, girl. I’m going to go make us some coffee.”
I blinked, long, slow, and stupid, and he winked at me and went out the door. I heard him thunder down the steps a moment later.
I called Hal Lindstrom and waited, and waited, and waited, through what felt like endless ringing until his voicemail picked up.
I held my breath, waited for the beep, and, acting as though my life depended on it – which itdid– I left a message.
“Hi, Mr. Lindstrom! It’s Savvy Savannah, and I just wanted to let you know I’ll be putting in that offer on 14 West Duffy later on today for you. You have a great day, now, Sugar! Bye-bye!”
I hit the red button with shaking fingers and felt like I was going to throw up. I was flying blind as a bat here, and I knew if I didn’t do it right, I was likely going to die, too, and then where would the Kittridge line be?
I dragged myself to my feet and thought to myself,I just want to go home.Instead, I squared my shoulders and took myself downstairs to face a monster in his kitchen and drink coffee like a civilized person when there clearly wasn’t a civilized bone in Corbett Prescott’s body.
Chapter Ten
Corvus…
Her muted steps fell on the stairway’s treads as I went through the motions in my kitchen, making us coffee. She looked thoughtful, troubled, and I liked the way the look wore on her beautiful face.
“How do you take your coffee?” I asked, and she stared at me, as though I’d spoken Alien translated into Greek in her direction.
“I just want to go home,” she said, and I nodded.
“Your car’s out back. Looks like you found your purse – sorry about no shoes, but I’m sure you have plenty others. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear the same pair twice.”
Her expression went from wide-eyed innocence and scared to absolutely mollified.
“What do youwantfrom me?” she demanded, and she slipped into one of the seats at my small dining table.
I smirked and asked once more, “Coffee?”
“You seriously expect me to drink anything you’d try to give me from now on afteryou drugged melast night?” she asked archly.
I grinned wolfishly and said, “I’d tell you to keep your panties on, but I know you don’t have any at the moment.”
I watched her blush furiously, and she stood up.
“Oh, relax!” I chided. “Sit down, have a cup of coffee, get it together, and then you can go.”
“I can go now,” she argued.
Letting my gaze turn molten, I snapped at her,“Sit down!”
She sat, abruptly, and swallowed hard, and her obedience pleased me. She was afraid – but still stared at me, resistance and impertinence in her deeply troubled blue eyes, and I fully admit I enjoyed having the upper hand.
“How do you take your coffee?” I demanded curtly.
“Two creams, two sugars, but you’re wasting your time. I’m not drinking that.”
I gave her a look of consternation, then turned back to the pot, pouring two mugs, opening the fridge, adding half and half to one, tossing in two spoonsful of sugar, before sliding it across the table at her.
