This debacle needed a solid witness and in stepped young Jeremy.
It was official. He was my favorite living relative. A pretty short list but he sat at the very top.
Hanna stared at me. She deserved a poke, so I gave her a verbal one. “I don’t expect an apology, but you’ll understand why I must say what I say next.” I hesitated for a second. Just to let the reality sink in. “Told ya so.”
If I played this right Hanna would be the one to fire the next shot and unravel the town’s biggest secrets surrounding my family.
This was going to be fun.
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Hanna
Aubrey would have been my last choice for a sidekick. When everything calmed down at the hospital, including me, Jeremy answered some police questions. Aubrey thanked Jeremy for his honesty. He responded by falling back to sleep.
Jeremy having protection was the only reason I could sneak out for a few minutes. I needed to speak with one woman, but I had to be quick. The advantage of surprise came with a ticking clock.
Aubrey had the same questions for the same woman, so she tagged along. I refused to give her a ride. Petty, but I still didn’t trust her. Being confined in a vehicle with her struck me as risky. She seemed to understand my wariness and drove behind me. Pulled into the driveway right after I did.
We now stood at Stella’s front door. Together. Waiting for someone to answer.
Aubrey glanced over at me. “I’m still waiting for asorry I misjudged you,Aubrey. Use your own words, but something like that. Go ahead.”
She hadn’t been Jeremy and Daniela’s attacker. I could concede that point, but that didn’t make Aubrey likable, trustworthy, or someone I wanted to hang out with. “You’re pushing it.”
“Not the first time I’ve heard that.”
I was about to suggest she let me handle this alone when the door opened. Isabel stood there, frowning. Isabel proved incapable of wearing any other expression in my presence.
“What do you two want?” Isabel’s frown deepened. “Why are you together?”
Excellent question there at the end. One I ignored. “May we come in?”
Isabel hesitated. She clearly wanted to say no.
Aubrey smiled. “Don’t be that way, cousin. Invite us in for tea and cookies.”
Maybe it was the look Aubrey shot her or the reference to family, but Isabel took a hesitant step to the side. We slid by her before she could slam the door shut on us again.
I walked until I got to the family room. Stella’s house. Homey and decorated with expensive furniture that gave off a comfy vibe. Light wood. Throw pillows and blankets. A stuffed unicorn and the pieces making up a tiny play ice cream shop littered the floor. The place wasn’t messy. It looked lived-in. Loved.
“Stella took Everly to the park,” Isabel said.
Good.That would make the visit easier.
Isabel’s gaze traveled over me as she talked. Judging me. “She owed her daughter some attention after being with you all evening.”
Not untrue. “She was helping me find my son.”
Isabel visibly tensed. She rubbed her hands together as she stood in front of the fireplace in a smart pencil skirt and sweater. The heavy scent of her perfume wrapped around me. Who dressed like that to hang around the house at ten in the morning?
I continued before Aubrey could jump in. “Stella had to help because you kidnapped Jeremy and set fire to the café.”
Isabel’s mouth dropped open. “That’s asinine. You need to leave.”
“Isabel’s right, Hanna. She couldn’t have kidnapped Jeremy.”
Isabel’s chin rose in haughty disdain. “Exactly.”
