“Photos of articles, one about your mother’s death, and the other two about missing women. Also photos. Of the river. Of the forest. And that old deserted house on the hill.”
Maggie’s nose wrinkled. “The creepy Connoway mansion?”
“Yes. And there was one text message thread.”
“Just one?”
“Yep, and in it, Eileen basically says to this person that she knows what they did. That they drugged these women with Rohypnol and drowned them.”
Some color left Maggie’s face. “That’s also how Priya Tan died.”
“Yep.”
“And what did the person respond?”
“That they know who she is. And that she was going to regret looking into them.”
That last scrap of color left Maggie’s face. “And then she went missing. We have to tell someone.”
“I’ve been calling Ward, but he keeps putting off a meeting. I planned to just take it into the station today, but now it’s gone.” She frowned at the drawer as if the phone would magically appear.
“I know Ward is terrible, but you still need to tell him,” Maggie said softly.
“I know. I will. I?—”
A floorboard creaked in the hall.
Polly rushed out to see a pale-faced Jenna, her regular nine-fifteen customer. “Jenna. Hey. Are you okay?”
“I…there was no one at the counter and I saw you head back here. I would have waited out there, but I’m in a rush. Sorry.”
“That’s okay. I don’t think it’s been made yet, sorry, but I can get your order now.”
Jenna nodded, but the move was jerky.
Polly crossed to the counter and made the coffee. “Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked when she handed Jenna the to-go cup.
“Just late to work.” One tight smile, then Jenna paid and rushed out.
Joel frownedat the text from Polly. Was she saying she’d find her own seat in a playful way?
“You messaging Polly again?” Connor asked from behind the wheel.
“Yeah. She doesn’t want me to save her a seat at the town meeting, and I’m not sure how to take it.”
The corner of Connor’s lip kicked up. “You? Not understanding women? Never.”
“I don’t understandPolly. We’ve actually been getting along since we got stuck in that cellar.” He cocked his head and read the text again.
I can get my own seat. Thanks.
There definitely seemed like there was bite to her words.
“Shit, you really like her, don’t you?” Connor shot him a look of disbelief before shifting his gaze back to the road.
Joel shoved his cell into his pocket. “I know it’s crazy. The woman spends more time yelling at me than talking, but…I don’t know. She’s the first person I could actually picture myself dating.”
Not messing around with. Not having a quick fling with. Actually dating.
