“We’re going to talk to the banshee tonight. Maybe she’ll have some answers.”
Alice thought for a moment. “I think we should talk to Ross. After all, he might be able to offer some help.”
“Maybe we should let the sting of Cora’s death settle first,” I suggested. “It doesn’t seem right to barge in during his time of mourning.”
From the rearview mirror I saw Ruth roll her eyes.
“What is it? Did you read someone else’s lips and discover something you shouldn’t have?”
“No, Miss Smarty Pants.” She folded her arms and leaned back against the seat. “I happen to know for a fact that Cora broke up with Ross.”
“What?” Alice’s jaw dropped in shock. “Jeffrey didn’t tell us that!”
“He didn’t know, I guess.” Ruth stared out the window. “I heard it through the grapevine.”
I slowed the vehicle. “Then let’s go talk to him. Where does he live?”
Ruth shook her head. “I’m not telling you.”
I steered the Cruiser to the side of the road. “Why not?”
Alice shook her head. “Ruth refuses to allow anyone to speak to Ross.”
I twisted my head to look at Ruth. Her eyes narrowed as she stared into the distance. “Why, Ruth?”
“Because he was unkind and I never forgave him.”
“Hmm. That’s the sort of thing that’ll give you an ulcer. Holding on to that kind of grudge.”
Ruth shot me a look that nearly scorched off my arm hairs. “I reckon he doesn’t want to talk to me, either. So we’re even.”
“But he might have information,” I argued.
“He can keep his information the way he kept his heart from me.”
“Oh boy.” I rested my forehead on the steering wheel. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. How was I supposed to help Ruth if she wouldn’t let me?
“Would you rather Kency Blount find more evidence that could potentially lock you away, or make sure you’re free? Even if that means talking to a man who broke your heart a million years ago?”
“It wasn’t a million years ago,” she muttered.
From her tone I could tell where Ruth was going to land on this. She didn’t want to talk to Ross Yates, period. Maybe Alice and I would be able to convince her otherwise. Or maybe I’d just have to go and speak with Mr. Yates without her.
Problem was, I had to track him down. I frowned. That couldn’t be too hard. Cora’s visitation and funeral would be within the next few days. Surely he would attend.
Of course, it would be incredibly tacky for me to appear and start poking and prodding him about who Cora’s enemies might be. Funerals weren’t exactly the best time for that.
But when else would I get the chance?
I wouldn’t as long as Ruth was around, that was for sure.
Having made up my mind, I raised my head and stared out the window. I flashed Alice and Ruth a bright smile.
“Well, what about that Jeffrey?”
I had drivenAlice and Ruth back to Ruth’s boat of a car and made sure they both knew what time to meet that night.
“Do you think I could trap the banshee in my water balloons?” Alice said.
