A Furry Little Christmas by Laurien Berenson

Author:Laurien Berenson [Berenson, Laurien]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2023-06-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 2

“What’s the matter?” Aunt Peg hissed.

I ignored her. She leaned down and poked my shoulder. Hard. I quickly angled away so she couldn’t grab the phone out of my hands.

“It’s Claire,” I said. “Something’s happened. Give me a minute.”

“Oh God.” Claire moaned. “Is that Peg? Don’t tell her it’s me. I can’t deal with her right now. Melanie, you have to come and help me. I don’t know what to do.”

There was no use in pointing out that Aunt Peg already knew whom I was talking to. Claire clearly wasn’t thinking straight. I hoped that meant she was wrong about the dead body too.

“Claire,” I said slowly. Calmly. “Breathe.” I waited a moment while she did so. “Now tell me what happened.”

“I just did!” she wailed, her voice still edging toward panic. “Lila is dead!”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Aunt Peg flinch. She’d heard that.

“Are you sure?” I asked Claire.

“Of course I’m sure. She’s lying right here in front of me.”

That wasn’t what I’d wanted to know. Not at all.

“Where are you now?” I asked.

“I’m standing in her living room.”

“You’re alone?” I confirmed. “You’re sure you’re not in any danger?”

“No,” she replied firmly. Then her voice quavered. “At least I don’t think so. Oh God, what made you ask that? Do you think the person who did this to her is still here?”

“I don’t know,” I said. “I don’t know anything yet. Listen to me, Claire. I want you to turn around and walk outside. When you get there, lock yourself in your car. As soon as you’ve done that, hang up with me and dial nine-one-one. Okay? Can you do that?”

“I’m leaving,” Claire told me. “I’m getting out right now. And I’ve already called nine-one-one. I did that right away. The moment I saw her. In case I was wrong and somebody could still help her. But they can’t. It’s just that I was just hoping. . .”

There was a moment of silence. I was afraid I’d lost her. Then her voice returned, and I exhaled sharply.

“Okay, I’m outside now. I’m walking toward my car.”

“That’s good,” I said. “Wait in your car until help arrives. The dispatcher said they’re sending someone, right?”

“Yes . . . yes, she did,” Claire stuttered. “She said help would be here in less than ten minutes. But you have to come too. Melanie, you can’t leave me here to face this by myself. I need you!”

“I’m on my way,” I said. I was already pushing myself to my feet. “I’ll be there as soon as I can. Where are you?”

“Oh. Right. I forgot that part.” Claire giggled. I hoped she wasn’t becoming hysterical. “I’m in New Canaan. On Forest Glen Lane. It’s off Weed Street. I’m at the gatehouse for the Mannerly estate. Do you know where that is?”

“No, but I can find it. I’ll be there soon. Are you in your car yet?”

“Yes,” she said, and I heard a door thunk shut. “I’m locked in.”

“Good. Just stay there,” I told her.

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