Instead, he gave Moynihan a dark look. “Why did you say Evelyn Morgan was dead?”
“At first, we thought she wasn’t going to pull through. Then we decided that if someone wanted her dead, we’d let them think they’d succeeded.”
“We were wanted for murder,” Jake accused.
“Questioning.”
Jake hardened his stare.
“And we still didn’t know you weren’t involved–until she woke up and told us about the guy who came to her hotel room and demanded information about an international terrorist plot she’d never heard of.”
“International terrorist plot?” Rachel kept her gaze on Evelyn, but her mind zinged to Jake.It wasn’t that, was it?
Apparently she doesn’t want to tell the real story.
“Why were we at the top of the suspect list?” Rachel asked the detective.
“Because you both had appointments with her for just before she was attacked.”
“Call me a sentimental old matchmaker,” Evelyn broke in. “But I met Rachel Gregory when she did a Tarot card reading for me. Then I was at Jake Harper’s restaurant and met him, and I thought they’d be perfect for each other. I was horrified when I found out I’d gotten the two of you in trouble.”
Jake stared at her, and their eyes met. She was lying, but the expression on her face told him that she wanted him to keep the confidence.
Don’t complicate the story,Rachel silently added, and he knew that starting to explain the real facts would only get them into deep trouble.
“I do so apologize,” Evelyn said.
“No harm done,” Rachel answered quickly.“While Jake and I were on the run from the police, we got to know each other pretty well. I guess your instincts about us were right.”
“Since you were innocent, why did you run?” Moynihan asked Jake.
“Because I’ve seen too many people railroaded into jail,” he answered. “It’s easier to prove your innocence if you’re free.”
Evelyn ignored the exchange as she looked from Rachel to Jake and back again, then smiled. “You found out what you have in common?”
“Yes,” Rachel answered.
“I’m so glad.”
She looks like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth,Jake silently observed.
But she’s a tough-as-nails old broad.
Jake turned to Moynihan again. “We’re officially cleared of any charges?”
“Yes.”
“Then I think we’ll be going.”
“Wait. I want to talk to you,” the woman on the bed called out.
“You probably should rest now,” Jake answered, using that as an excuse to put distance between them. When he turned and left, Rachel followed him out of the room.
You don’t want to ask her some questions? Like why did she start the fire at the clinic?Rachel asked when they were on their way back to the elevator.
I want to get as far away from her as I can.
Maybe she knows the Badger’s real name. It’s likely she was working for him out of D.C. when she torched the building.
