I send a short text to the number she provided and slide my phone into my inner jacket pocket.
“Hey.” Macey lifts her hands as if she might cover her mouth but stops short of touching her face. “Please don’t feel obligated to reach out to her. I’m sorry, I should have said something as soon as she asked, but she caught me off guard. If she contactsthe show, we can let her know you aren’t available for a private consult.”
“It’s good. I’ll handle it.”
“Are you sure? I feel really bad that I didn’t shut her down.” Macey lowers her hands and gives me a little pout instead.
“I’m sure. That was the final interview, correct?”
“There are always more interviews, but that was the last one I could get you to agree to, unless you changed your mind?” She’s way too optimistic about her chances if I can read anything by the cock of her hip and confident smile.
My answering grin is much smaller, but I hope it softens my refusal. “Didn’t change my mind.”
“You never know until you ask.” She lifts one shoulder, seemingly undeterred, when she adds, “If you aren’t in a huge rush, I’d love to get a few comments from you about the Wade case.”
“I’m not sure what else I could add without having more insight into the details.” She doesn’t need to know I stayed up way too late last night looking over the files her team provided. Hell, the only reason I even went in so deep is because I’m used to working late into the night, and sleep isn’t my strong suit.
“It would just be a few general questions, nothing even on the record unless you say it’s okay… Maybe over dinner?”
“I actually have plans for dinner already,” I lie. I’m not interested in socializing with Macey, and grabbing a meal together would give her the wrong impression. “I do have a few minutes if you have another question or two.”
Her lips flatten with the rejection, but her voice is still playful when she sends a little jab back at me. “Only one or two? Give me a second to make sure I’m using my time wisely.”
Usually, I would like her direct approach, but I have to confess, by mind is otherwise occupied with Harlyn, and not forthe reasons it should be. “That’s all I have time for today, but you have my contact info if you think of anything else.”
“Oh, and here I thought it was only going to be our guests who got the offer to use your services.” That comment took her from teasing and confident to catty in just a few breaths.
“If you aren’t ready now, you can shoot me an email, and I’ll get back to you when I have time.” My reply is a little curt, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to let her act like I’m a tool for her personal use.
Her reply comes quickly. “I think I have a few more in me. What makes you believe Hayzel had a stalker?”
“I’m not sure I believe she did have a stalker, but Harlyn does, and doubting someone that close to the victim isn’t usually a smart play when you’re trying to solve a murder.”
“Are you trying to solve her murder? I wasn’t aware you even knew of the case before yesterday.” Macey pretends to think when she narrows her eyes and turns her head to the side, but her motive is crystal clear—she’s trying to stake a claim on me and my work, which will never happen.
“I’m not directly working on her case, as you are well aware, but every case deserves to be solved, and if I can help in any way, even if that is just to make sure someone else doesn’t get hurt, then I will, which is exactly why I agreed to do your show, Macey—to help the victims of crimes and their loved ones.” I typically don’t feel the need to explain myself, but in this case, I’ll make an exception.
“Yes, and we’re lucky to have you.” Her tone softens, proving I’m not the only one good at reading people. She knows she went too far. “We would be more than willing to have you back to discuss any case you’d like in the future.”
“Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind. You guys have a pretty far reach.” I give a deserved compliment to bring the conversation back to a more comfortable place for both of us.
“We do,” she agrees. “I’m really pretty proud of the work we’re doing.”
“That’s all we can hope for.” I extend my hand in an offer to shake hers. “I have to admit, it hasn’t been nearly as bad as I imagined.”
Her smile returns as she loosely grips my fingers. “Aw, don’t say you were scared of little ole me?” She lays it on rather thick before releasing my palm.
“Not scared.” I chuckle softly. “Just smart enough to be wary. It was nice meeting you, Macey. I’m sure we will talk again.”
“Anytime, Boone—I mean, Special Agent Landry.” She pretends to slip up, but not very well.
None of the other members of the podcast make an appearance as I make my way out of the building just in time to see a luxury SUV exit the parking lot.
It would only take a few clicks on my keyboard to learn more than anyone should know about Harlyn without getting the details directly from her, and my fingers itch to do just that, but something stops me, and it isn’t just my ethics. The real reason I’m not digging into her past is because I want an excuse to spend time with her, and not just to help with her sister’s case.
Avoiding any further personal contact between myself and Harlyn Wade would be the smart move, but not the one I’m going to make.
Harlyn
