That made no sense. “So, what? You think she fell for Clay and then killed him because she was broke? That he promised her money or something like that?”
Scott shrugged. “It’s possible?”
“Not June. I’ve known her my whole life, and if something’s going on with her, she’d tell me. She’s been trying to talk to me for a couple of days.”
Scott’s lips pressed into a firm line. “You’re not going to her place.”
“No, I’m meeting her at Valerie’s, and I actually need to get going if I’m going to arrive early. I’ll be home in a couple of hours.”
His smile would appear charming to most. “You’re not going by yourself.”
She planted her feet. “You are not invited to the baby shower.”
“I’m aware of that. However, I am driving you. I’ll remain outside in the car.” He glanced at his watch. “Believe me, I have plenty of work to do. One of my associates just screwed up a deposition.”
Millie looked at the still messy kitchen.
“I’ll clean up,” Brigid called from the other room. “As soon as I’m finished conducting this internet search.”
Scott’s phone buzzed and he read the screen, a dark smile crossing his face. “Rupert Skinner is in custody in Charleston.”
“Good.” Millie finally breathed easier. He deserved to pay for his sins.
They’d enjoyed a luncheon of chicken casserole made by Millie’s great-aunt, who now napped. She had wanted to attend the baby shower, but Millie had insisted she take it easy because the woman had yawned wildly several times. “All right,” Millie said. “I will be back.” Then she jogged outside and climbed into Scott’s SUV, not having the energy to argue with him.
She held the baby present on her lap as they drove the twenty minutes to Valerie’s cabin. The nurse owned a couple of acres along the river and had made good use of them by building a greenhouse nestled in the cottonwood trees.
Millie stepped out of the vehicle, holding the brightly wrapped green present. “Are you sure you’re okay sitting in your car?”
“I’m positive,” Scott said, leaning over to grab a notebook. “I think it’s better you don’t hear me rip this guy a new one before we move on to other cases.” Even though Scott hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before, his eyes shone with alertness and his shoulders remained wide and open.
“Try to stay out of trouble. I’ll bring you a cupcake.” She shut the door and walked toward the quaint home, noting June’s battered old black truck already parked by the side of the garage. The truck had been in her family for years; Millie knew how much she had enjoyed her new SUV. How unfortunate that the vehicle had been repossessed. Why hadn’t June called her to ask for a loan?
Shrugging, she walked up to the door, knocked, and went inside without waiting for a response. “Valerie?” she called out.
“She’s not here yet,” Verna said, bustling from the kitchen and wiping off her hands. For her baby shower, she wore a pretty light pink sheath that showed off her baby bump. “She had an early shift and chauffeured my kids around town earlier. Now she had to run to town to get more champagne.” She frowned. “Not that I get to enjoy the champagne.”
“That’s what happens when you get knocked up,” Millie said, grinning.
The place had been decorated in green, yellow, and white streamers with purple balloons. A gift table had been set up near the modern white stone fireplace, and she carried her gift over. “Just how much champagne do you think we need?” she asked, noting three bottles already nestled at the end of the table.
“I don’t know.” Verna laughed. “I’ll end up driving everybody home.” Her thick hair framed her pale face.
“Are you feeling up to this?” Millie asked.
Verna pressed a hand to her side. “I am. Just having some Braxton-Hicks today, I think. This kid really wants out.”
Millie looked around. Valerie had been very generous with the decorations, brightening the room with color. “Do you think you’re carrying a boy or a girl?”
“I really don’t know.” Verna tugged on a streamer. “Valerie has been bugging me to find out. I wish she’d get her own life. I worry about her.”
“So do I,” Millie said quietly. It seemed that Valerie lived on the fringes of her sister’s life and never acted as the heroine in her own story. Soft music played through the speakers as the river babbled outside. “Where’s June?” Millie asked.
“She went with Valerie,” Verna said, rubbing her belly. “Why?”
“June wanted to talk to me for some reason.”
Verna’s phone must have buzzed because she lifted it to her ear. “Hey there, Alex. No way, are you kidding? That’s good news. That would be sweet of you. Thanks. We’ll meet you there.” She looked up, her eyes sparkling.
