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"That's all there was," Je
"Monday? Don't you need my truck for hospice day? Don't tell me you've forgotten?"
Je
Casey's truck since Jim was a tight fit inside Adam's XK 150. "Can't you bring the truck by tomorrow?"
"Oh, I could, but then I'd miss hearing the rest of the story. I'll be by tonight."
"There is no more story. "
"I'll bring a pint of Rocky Road."
Je
"I've got a key."
"Dammit."
Casey chuckled. "See you later, Jen."
Je
"Hello," a female voice said uneasily. "May I speak to Dr. Je
"This is she." Oh, crap. She'd been rude to a complete stranger.
"Dr. Marshall, this is Brad Thatcher's aunt. Great-aunt actually. I hope it's not too late to call."
"Of course not, Mrs.-I'm sorry, I didn't get your name."
"It's Helen Barnett. I tried to call earlier, but kept getting your machine. I have your briefcase."
"My briefcase?" Je
"Oh, dear," Mrs. Barnett said, jerking Je
"Oh… oh, yes, ma'am, it's mine. I'm sorry, it's just been a long day. I'd completely forgotten about leaving my briefcase in Mr. Thatcher's car. Can 1 come pick it up tomorrow?"
"Why, certainly, dear. Steven would have brought it to you himself, but he's in the middle of a major investigation and it's got him preoccupied, I'm afraid. He's been gone all weekend."
"I know he's a busy man, Mrs. Barnett. If you'll give me directions, I'll swing by and pick it up tomorrow afternoon." She and Jim could go by after they finished at the hospice.
"It's Miss Barnett, actually. Would you mind coming by between five and six?"
She'd be done at the hospice by four-thirty. "That'll work. Thank you. I'll be by tomorrow."
Je
But still she was disappointed. Why ever for, she had no clue.
You do so know, Je
Casey's teasing has me thinking things that just aren't true.
Whatever you say, Je
"Shut up," she snapped aloud and Jim and Jean-Luc looked up, instantly aware. "Not you," she added and looked at her watch. It would be a good two hours before Casey arrived with the Rocky Road, but she was pretty sure she and Seth had left some in the carton from last night. It would have to do until Casey arrived with the reinforcements.
Saturday, October I, 10:45 P.M.
"Why didn't you ask her to di
"It didn't seem right," Helen answered. "I trust my intuition on this."
"I think you just chickened out," Matt taunted. "Aunt Bea."
"I don't chicken out," Helen maintained with hauteur. Then she scowled. "And stop calling me Aunt Bea. Leave me alone. I have potatoes to peel for tomorrow."
Matt dropped a kiss on her cheek. "Mash 'em so thick you can stand a knife in 'em."
"I know how you like your mashed potatoes, young man." Helen took her peeler from the drawer and shook it at his gri
"I'll have to ask Brad's teacher if she can make really thick mashed potatoes," Matt said thoughtfully. "I think it's a critical criteria."
Helen swatted him with a hand towel. "Don't even think about it. You make one false move tomorrow and I'll take this potato peeler to your behind."
"You're a scary woman, Aunt Bea."
"'And don't you forget it, boy."
Chapter Ten
Sunday, October 2, 9:00 A.M.
Je
Cradling the hot cup between her palms, she walked back to her spare bedroom where Casey lay in bed watching TV, Jim curled up at her feet and Jean-Luc with his head on her pillow.
"What do you want for breakfast?" Je
"Sshh!" Casey hissed and it was then Je
Alarmed, Je
"The police are talking about the second missing girl," Casey murmured.
"Oh, no," Je
Casey said nothing, but the coffee cup she held in her hands trembled. Je
"Raleigh law enforcement gave a press conference this morning, but refused to make any comments or speculations at the time," said the reporter. Then the scene switched to the press conference and Je
"What?" Casey asked. "Who is that?"
"Sshh," Je
"-no comments at this time," Steven was saying.
"Do we have a serial killer stalking young women?" a reporter shouted and Je
"We are not speculating at this time," Steven returned evenly.
"Do you believe the abduction of Samantha Eggleston is related to the murder of Lorraine Rush?" another reporter insisted. Bulbs flashed and Steven frowned.
"We are investigating any and all leads. We can't afford to rule out that possibility at this time." Again he tightened his jaw as if clenching his teeth. He looked exhausted.
Je