Cold-Blooded Liar by Karen Rose

Author:Karen Rose [Rose, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, azw3
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2023-02-27T00:00:00+00:00

Carmel Valley, California

Monday, April 18, 5:45 p.m.

Harlan’s eyes widened when Kit let herself in the McKittricks’ front door, Snickerdoodle at her heels. She’d picked the dog up from her place before heading to the farmhouse, thinking Rita might need some cuddle time after hearing the news. “Hey, Pop.”

“Kitty-Cat!” Grinning, he gave her a rib-popping hug, letting her go before she grunted this time. “We didn’t expect to see you tonight. And Snick, too.” He petted the dog’s head, sending Snick’s tail wagging.

Kit lifted on her toes to kiss his cheek, enjoying his pleased smile. “Is it okay?”

“Of course! Mom!” he shouted. “Kit is here.”

Betsy appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “I’m glad I made pot roast.”

Kit’s stomach growled. She’d visited Baz on her lunch break and hadn’t stopped to eat. “With baby carrots?”

Betsy looked offended. “Of course.” She enveloped Kit in a warm hug and Kit inhaled, loving the smell of home on the woman who’d given her everything. “Are you all right?” Betsy whispered in her ear.

Kit tightened her hold because she wasn’t all right. Baz was in the hospital and the afternoon had been one major disappointment after another as she’d pursued leads on the case. But she’d kept her promise to Navarro and clocked out on time. Once she talked to Rita, she and Snick could go home and sleep. “I will be.”

“Of course you will.” Betsy let her go and patted her cheek gently. “You know we’re here to listen. And we’re the vault.”

They really were. Kit knew she could confide anything to them and it would go no further. She rarely did, though, mostly because she didn’t want anyone else to share the mental pictures that haunted her.

“I know. I actually came by to talk to Rita. Is she here?”

“In her room,” Betsy said. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing bad. Well, I hope she doesn’t take it badly. She told me about her mother.”

Harlan’s gaze darkened. “That poor woman. And Rita found her.”

Kit’s heart squeezed because she’d read that in the police report. “I looked into her mother’s case again. We found some evidence that hadn’t made it into the case file.” Batra’s office was still trying to find out what exactly had happened, but it appeared that a clerk had uploaded the wrong photo. The person no longer worked for the ME’s office and, at last word, was nowhere to be found.

So . . . not good.

“And?” Harlan pressed. “Don’t keep us hanging.”

“Navarro reopened the case.” She couldn’t keep from smiling. “They arrested Maria Mendoza’s boss today.”

“Oh, Kit,” Betsy breathed. “That’s wonderful.”

Harlan grabbed Kit in another hug. “Thank you,” he whispered into her hair, his voice breaking, his body leaning into hers. “Thank you.”

Kit hugged him back, happy to give him strength this time, instead of always taking his. “I only did the background work. Two of the other detectives brought him in.” It was Connor and Howard’s collar, which was why they were now freed up to assist her starting tomorrow. “I’m bringing in the cupcakes tomorrow.

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