“Not really. I know the police may still think of you that way, but I don’t.”
Julee grinned. “You’re allowing your emotions to cloud your logic, Charlotte. What if we were in on it together? Or maybe it was everyone at the party. Ever think of that?”
“No, that’s one thought that hadn’t crossed my mind. Besides,” I added, with an answering grin, “we’re in Beaufort, not on the Orient Express.”
Julie picked up one of the thrillers from the front table. “But it would make an interesting twist.” She flipped the book over and read aloud, “‘You’ll never see the final twist coming.’” She tapped one corner of the book against her other palm. “Bet I will, though. I’ve read too many popular titles recently, and they all have twists. At this point I can usually guess what’s coming.”
But you probably won’t guess that the police will be listening in to whatever is said at the party tonight, I thought, as Julie placed the book back on the table.
I grimaced. I didn’t like the idea of deceiving my guests, especially the ones I considered friends. But the truth needed to be revealed, one way or the other. It was the only way we could all move forward without the shadow of suspicion hanging over us.
Picking up another book from the table, I looked it over with surprise. “My Cousin Rachelin a brand-new edition? When did that happen?”
Julie shrugged. “Movie tie-in. You know how it is—people are suddenly interested in a classic again if it’s made into a film.”
“One of my favorites,” I said, my fingers caressing the glossy cover.
“Was she a murderer or an innocent victim—dun, dun, dun,” Julie said, her voice mimicking the sonorous tone of a movie trailer announcer.
“You have to admit it’s a brilliant use of an unreliable narrator. And long before they became so popular, too.”
“You love that sort of thing, don’t you?” Julie tipped her head and examined me, her eyes as bright and unblinking as a falcon. “Stuff where you have to puzzle it out and come to your own conclusions.”
“I do. I mean, you’re talking to someone who adores Henry James’sTurn of the Screwfor that very reason. Are the ghosts real, or in the narrator’s mind, or …?” As I allowed my statement to dangle, the string of bells on the door jangled again.
“Oh, hi there,” Julie said, gazing at the door over my shoulder. “How are you today?”
I turned to face Kelly Rowley.
“I’m good,” she said, although I still thought she looked drained. “Hello, Charlotte,” she added, with a tight smile.
“Hi. I just saw Todd out on the boat.”
“Yes, he’s doing a bit of upkeep on her before we get ready for the party tonight.”
“Glad to hear you’re coming,” I said.
“We are, although we will be a little late. I hope that’s okay. Todd has a conference call with some business partners that he simply can’t avoid.” Kelly tugged up the strap of the turquoise swimsuit she was wearing under a gauzy white beach cover-up.
“That’s perfectly all right.” I tried to catch Kelly’s eye to offer her a smile, but her gaze was darting about the shop, looking at everything except Julie and me.
“Thought I might pick up a beach read. We’ll be heading out on Sunday, and I particularly enjoy reading when we’re sailing. Something about being on the water, you know.” Kelly’s gaze settled on Julie.
“You’ve been given permission to leave the area, then?” I asked, fighting to keep my tone casual.
“Yes, the authorities said we were free to go. As long as we leave contact info so they can stay in touch if they need to ask more questions, of course.” Kelly finally cast me a glance. “What is that you have there? Something you’d recommend?”
I realized she was referencing the book I was holding. “This? It’s a novel by Daphne Du Maurier.My Cousin Rachel. Have you read it?”
Kelly shook her head. “No. I’ve readRebecca, which I liked, but not that one. Is it good?”
“Very,” Julie said. “Although it’s one of those dark and twisty stories where it’s hard to tell who’s good or bad.”
“Sort of like life,” I said without thinking.
Kelly cast me a sharp glance before turning back to Julie. “I do enjoy mysteries,” she told Julie, “but maybe that’s too heavy for me right now.”
“I understand. We’ve all been through a lot of stress this week,” Julie said, sharing a look with me. “Here’s something that’s popular right now.” She plucked another book off the table and handed it to Kelly.
