Dead on the Vine by Jm Harvey

Author:Jm Harvey
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Mystery, Culinary, Crafts & Hobbies, Cozy, Thriller & Suspense
Published: 2014-07-16T05:00:00+00:00

I got Jessica to bed then made a half dozen trips to and from her room for magazines, ice-water and extra pillows. None of which Jessica wanted or needed. She pointed out that her arm was broken, not her legs.

“Don’t you have anything better to do?” she groaned when I poked my head in her bedroom door for the fourth time. She was tucked under her covers staring at the ceiling.

“Not really,” I said brightly, fluffing her pillows. “Do you need anything?”

“Peace and quiet,” she said. “Isn’t Marjory’s party today?”

“I was going to skip that.” I wasn’t going to leave my daughter alone. Someone had tried to kill her the day before, they might try again. With more success. I explained that to Jessica and she rolled her eyes.

“No one’s going to come in here with a gun,” she said. “Be serious.” Actually, I felt pretty confident that Laurel wasn’t that stupid. But I wasn’t sure enough to take a chance.

“I am being serious,” I said. “You were almost killed and Kevin was killed. I think I should call your father and get his detectives to protect you for a while.” The police weren’t going to do anything, that was for sure.

She shot up straight in bed. “Don’t you dare! They’d take me to Gram’s. I’d rather be at the bottom of that gorge. I’d rather be shot! I’ll call Daddy and tell him about the accident, but not about Michelle.”

“Jessica—“

“Don’t ‘Jessica’ me,” she snapped. “I’m twenty-three years old, I’ll make my own decisions.” She dropped back on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

“Well, I think I’ll stay anyway,” I said firmly.

“To stay here and pester me?”

“Well, I don’t look at it as pestering…” I smoothed the blanket and brushed hair off her forehead.

“That’s what it is,” Jessica said, turning her eyes back to the ceiling. “Victor called on my cell a few minutes ago. He’s coming over this afternoon. I’ll ask him to hang out with me.”

“Jessica—“

She hurried on, cutting me short. “It’s a beautiful day, mom,” she said, turning her gaze to the window. “At least as far as I can see.”

She was right, Marjory had gotten lucky. The clouds of the day before were a memory. Outside, the sun was shining down on sprouting fields and blooming vines. A perfect day for an outdoor soiree. I crossed to the window and looked out. The first thing I saw was the Harlan home. I had to bite back the flare of rage. But I couldn’t prove Laurel had anything to do with Jessica’s wreck. I’d have to bide my time until the police caught Michelle Lawford. Or until I did myself!

“Either go to the party,” Jessica ordered, “or stay out of my room. You’re driving me nuts.”

“You’ll call me if you need me?”

“Yes,” she groaned. “Go!”

“All right,” I said, smoothing her blankets one last time. She kicked them off into a tangled mess on the floor.

“Mom! Please!”

“Well, call me on my cell if you need anything.”

“I will. Now go! Have fun!” She closed her eyes and I closed the door.

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