A Bad Reputation by Jane Tesh

Author:Jane Tesh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press, Inc.
Published: 2014-01-03T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

I argued with myself the rest of the way home. Just go ahead and find out! Maybe after I solve Wendall’s murder. I’ve got too much to think about right now.

I was so wrapped up in my thoughts, I had to stop in the driveway and take another look at the strange car parked in the yard. I didn’t recognize the car, but I recognized the large woman sitting on the porch.

Honor Perkins.

Now I was really nauseous. What could she possibly want? I parked my car and got out, wondering if I was ready for yet another confrontation. As I walked up the porch steps, I’m sure my expression said, what the hell are you doing here?

Honor got up and held out both hands as if to forestall my protests. “Before you say anything, I’m not here to cause trouble, honest. I need to lay low about forty-eight hours, and then I’m on my way. You owe me.”

I stopped. I owed her? “How do you figure that?”

“You called the cops, right?”

“Right. You’ll be happy to know Jerry didn’t rat on you.”

“I knew you would. I could tell by looking at you.”

I took out my phone. “Yes, and I’m getting ready to call them again. Why are you here?”

“Hold on, let me explain. I had originally planned to stay with Mrs. Forest, but she was just a little uncooperative.”

From the way Mrs. Forest had insisted on being paid right away, I knew exactly what had happened. “You stiffed her, didn’t you?”

Honor grinned and shrugged her wide shoulders. “Let’s just say it didn’t work out. Can we sit down and talk?”

“I’ll give you five minutes.”

“All I need.”

She arranged herself in one of the rocking chairs. I positioned myself further away. I didn’t trust her one bit and was grateful her unexpected visit wasn’t later in the day when Austin and Denisha would have been here.

“You can’t stay here, Honor. I’m not going to harbor a fugitive.”

“Like I said, you owe me. I’ll sleep in my car. You won’t know I’m here.”

“No. You may be one of Jerry’s old friends, but I have no loyalty to you whatsoever.”

She rocked and smiled as if she hadn’t a care in the world. “Oh, there might be a few things about Jerry you wouldn’t want to come to light.”

“Blackmailing me won’t work. Jerry and I have discussed all the cons he’s done.”

“Everything?”

This made me pause. Before she came upon the scene, I hadn’t known anything about Honor Perkins, or the bank examiner swindle, or any of his past dealings with this woman. I believed Jerry was as truthful with me as he could be. Unfortunately, he often omitted things he knew would upset me.

Honor looked pleased with herself. “So, not everything.”

“What will it take to make you go away?”

“I need Jerry’s help with something. Nothing bad, I promise.”

“If it’s nothing bad, tell me what it is. Maybe I can help you.”

“It’s a bit personal.”

I’d had enough. “Your five minutes are up.”

I was wondering if I

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