Page 40 of Little Twisted Things

“They think it’s The Last Chapter Killer again. You know what she told me?”

“What?”

“She said that it felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders and she wouldn’t miss him. You don’t think she had something to do with it, do you?” she whispered so the customers in the gallery didn’t overhear.

“Nadine?” I laughed. “I don’t really know her, but no. There’s no way.”

“I know.” Tess waved her hand in front of her face. “I can’t believe I just asked that.”

As we were talking, my phone pinged with a text from Alex.

I’ll be over tonight around seven. You’d better be ready for me.

I will be.

“Alex?” Tess asked.

“Yeah. He’s coming over tonight.”

“When do I get to meet him?”

“Soon. I’ll have you over for dinner.”

“Sounds marvelous.” She grinned.

After my shift ended, I left the gallery and drove home. When I pulled into the driveway, I saw Kris standing on the lawn, watering her flowers.

“Hi.” She waved as I climbed out of my car.

I casually walked over. “Hey. How are you?”

“I’m okay. Can you do me a favor?”

“Sure. Anything,” I said.

“Can you keep an eye on the house for a couple of weeks? I’m taking the girls to Europe. We need a break and a change of scenery.”

“Of course.”

“Thanks, Dahlia. We’re leaving in a few days. I’ll bring over the key.”

“Sounds good. Have a good evening, Kris.”

“You too.” She smiled.

I stepped into the house and left the front door unlocked for Alex. Walking into the kitchen, I poured myself a glass of wine and turned on the news.

“Bart Rexley was a pillar of this community, and today’s tragedy has hit everyone hard. The police are asking anyone with any information to please step forward. Be sure to tune in tomorrow morning for a statement from Captain Wilson.”

I heard the front door open. Picking up the remote, I turned the TV off and went to greet Alex.

“There’s my beautiful girl.” He grinned, wrapping his arms around me.

“Welcome home. I want to hear all about the conference.” I kissed his lips, and he followed me into the kitchen.

“It was amazing,” he said as I poured him a glass of wine. “Talking literature to all of those aspiring students who actually care about literature was such a high. God, Dahlia. They asked such good questions.”

“That’s great, Alex. I’m happy you had a good time. On another note. Did you hear?”