Perceptive of her. I didn’t think I was showing that much. “Just a bit of a shock.”
Yeah. Because after looking into Van Wyk’s eyes, I don’t for a moment buy that Juliette’s death was suicide. My client’s sister is married to a murderer.
And Alex works with him.
Does he know?
Isthatwhy he didn’t want me anywhere near Van Wyk?
I thought he was just being possessive. Not intruding because he was worried for mysafety.
And I’m not sure which is worse. Or better.
“Glass of wine?” Kirsten asks, and I realize I’ve been quiet for too many moments.
“It’s early, but… sure.”
“Want to talk about it?”
Do I want to tell my brother’s wife that I’m investigating a murderer that works with the same fiancé I’m here actively avoiding?
“No… it’s complicated.”
“Sure? I’m good at listening.”
“Pretty sure.” I get up to fetch glasses as Kirsten pulls a bottle from the fridge. “Life’s just a bit intense right now.”
She pours us both a glass and we chink, then sip. “Well, even if you weren’t my sister-in-law, I wouldn’t want you anywhere but here. I don’t know what you’re hiding from, but if hiding is the right answer, then we girls have to stick together, right?”
“Right,” I say, taking the sentiment for what it is, and trying not to think about ‘hiding’ too much.
Hiding isn’t me. Am I hiding?
No. I’m just… taking some processing time.
Yeah. I’m frigginghiding.
A sharp knock on the door breaks through my reverie, and Kirsten glances at the clock. “Bit early for Chris and the kids,” she says, heading over to answer it.
I lean against the counter and sip my wine, half aware of Kirsten opening the door.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Callahan. I’m looking for Vicky. Is she here?”
My wine sloshes and spills as I fumble the glass, barely catching it before it falls from numb fingers.
He’s here. I don’t know how he found me, but he’s here.
He came for me.
Hecamefor me.
“Who are you?”
“Alexander Reyes. Her fiancée.”
“Sorry, Mr. Reyes, but I don’t know who you’re talking about.”
I have to hand it to Kirsten. It’s a damn good attempt, and might work with someone who wasn’t Alex.
