“She must’ve realized he was cheating on her.” His comment makes sense and yet, I can’t imagine putting up with infidelity.
“I wonder why she didn’t divorce him. I would’ve in a heartbeat.”
“L’amore.” Agatha sighs and at the thought of falling in love, I cringe.
“After I ask around on campus, we’ll meet up again.”
“Wait.” Sam sends us all a file. “Check this out.”
I click on the image and it’s Jeff with an arm around a young woman. “Who is she?”
“Arianna Patel, a coed he dated. She left school without any warning and her social presence disappeared sometime last Christmas.”
“Holy shit. You don’t think he killed her, too?”Perhaps, I need to be more careful.
“No, not yet. There’s no obituaries or missing persons reports. It could be nothing. Listen, I got to go. When I find her address, I’ll text it to you. Let us know how you make out at the college.”
“Same time tomorrow?”
Everyone agrees and I end the meeting.
After, I code my program until the horizon turns pink and I fall asleep on my keyboard. I dream of running from building to building for hours, searching for my exam scheduled to take place any minute.
When I wake, I scold my subconscious. “Thank you, Captain Obvious. I know I’m stressed. You don’t need to make it worse.”
The Middlebury Inn has no rigid coffee rules so I drink two cups, dress, and drive to the college.
My investigation starts at the registrar’s office. “Hi. I’m Danni and I’m thinking of transferring. I apologize for not making an appointment but is anyone available to show me around?”
The brunette swivels, we recognize each other, and my face heats. Oh hell, no. She was with Cole’s oldest brother, the day of my ungraceful exit from Jeff’s house.
Her eyes widen and she shares a secret smile with me before turning to a student. “Can you help Miss…?”
“Adams.” I mouth thank you.At least one person in this town is on my side.
“Sure, I’d love to.” A younger woman hops up from behind her desk.
Outside, my boisterous companion swirls in her black, shearling coat. “Hi, I’m Georgina. What would you like to see first? The dorms?”
“No, no. I’m planning on living off campus.” I glance down at the map she provided me. “Do you think I could meet Dr. Stacy Kincaid?”
Her face darkens. “Oh, you didn’t hear?”
“No.”I wish I didn’t have to lie but it’s for a greater good.
“We’ll take my car.” Brows furrowed, the girl unzips the outside pocket of her Gucci bag, and points a key fob at a Mercedes.
I follow her to the chirping vehicle and slide into the plush white leather.
“She passed.” Georgina presses the auto start button and waits for my reaction.
“No way.” My jaw drops in feigned surprise. “Was she sick?”
“No, it was an accident but I just heard they’re doing an autopsy.” She backs out of her spot and cruises down College Street.
“Did you hear why?” Listening intently, I glance out my window so she can’t see my interest.
“We’re not supposed to talk about it but most of the students think her husband pushed her down the stairs. He teaches here, too.” She drives past familiar gray structures covered in ivy skeletons.
