“She told you that?”
“I read between the lines.”
“I can’t find anything about her when I search, which would suggest she is using a different name.”
“You searched the internet for her?” Why hadn’t he thought of that?
“Cubby did, actually. He likes to know the background of people who come into Howling and stay.”
“And nothing came up on Lani Sullivan?” Noah said, intrigued.
“Not our Lani Sullivan.”
“Everyone leaves a footprint, right?”
“Exactly.” Katie nodded.
“I asked her if that was her real name, actually.”
“And she just came right out and said no it wasn’t,” Katie scoffed. “Seriously, Noah, if she’s been on the run for that long, she’s not just going to come clean because you want her to.”
“Right. Gotcha.”
“So clearly, if you’ve had these kinds of conversations, you’re interested in her.”
He choked on his fudge, the sugar hitting the back of his throat and making him cough. Katie waited patiently for him to stop.
“So?”
“So, what?”
“Interested?”
He shrugged. “I need to get back, they’re busy.”
“Sure you do, and it’s nothing to do with the questions I’m asking you.”
“All contestants in the potato race, please assemble at the end of the street!” Mr. Hope’s words reached every corner of town. He had the microphone and was directing things at the festival. He usually took control at these events. Once a teacher at the local school, he could project his voice better than anyone.
“Oooh, come on.” The serious Detective Katie McBride giggled and clapped her hands. “Cubby and I are going to win this. Go grab your partner, Noah, and I’ll see you at the start line.”
“I didn’t get a partner, so I’ll cheer you on and heckle the others,” Noah said.
“Lani’s free. Mrs. C’s there, go get her.”
“Will you let this Lani and me thing go, please?”
She walked away, flapping her arms like chicken wings and clucking. Shaking his head, Noah went back to the Howler. Mrs. C intercepted him.
“We have a break in the crowd. Lani’s free for you to partner in the potato and spoon race.” Her long eyelashes fluttered, and that outfit was really something.
“How the hell did you get those sequins on your eyelids? Better yet, aren’t they uncomfortable?”
“Never mind that.” She swatted him on the arm. “Move it, boy. Lani needs a reason to stay here, and I’m fixing to make you part of that.”
“What?” He stepped back.
“Move it. That Findlay boy is approaching, and he’s been sniffing around Lani all day.”
