Exit Strategy by Barbara Winkes

Author:Barbara Winkes [Winkes, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2020-05-14T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

A couple of days passed by, then four, five, a week. No news, good or bad, from Vanessa and Theo. Given the past couple of times they’d spoken, Joanna considered it good news. Regardless, she couldn’t get Nate and his family out of her mind. She’d thought about telling Theo to give Nate her condolences, but decided against it. Chances were he didn’t want to be reminded of her, now, or ever, because she was connected to Danvers. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that the murder of his wife was related to the Short case, Danvers being the victim that got away, Joanna being the one who ended the killer.

She and Rue were going about their work at the inn, trying to keep the world outside of the island at bay best they could. They even succeeded for moments at a time—until Theo’s message arrived.

Sorry for the delay, but we were really busy here. This is the description your father gave.

Joanna opened the file and nearly dropped her phone. She sat down in the chair in the waiting area for Denise’s visitors, and stared at the picture. This wasn’t good.

The description Lawrence had given of his attacker fit a man she’d seen only recently, to a “t”, the strange guest named Liam Preston. She tried to think of everything he’d said to her, everything that other guests had said about him. He’d hooked up with various people during his stay, according to Oliver.

Joanna got to her feet and knocked on the door of Denise’s office, somewhat relieved to find Rue with her.

“We need to talk,” she said.

“That doesn’t sound good,” Denise remarked. “I am right to assume it’s not about wedding preparations?”

Joanna held the phone out to her.

“That looks suspiciously like…”

“Liam Preston. The asshole came here on vacation.”

Rue looked shocked, but didn’t say anything.

“You’re thinking this is more than a strange coincidence?”

“I’m afraid it is. The wife of a former colleague was murdered in her home. I think it’s him. He came here because of me…and he has to know things.”

Rue still hadn’t said anything, listening to the conversation quiet and pale.

“Damn,” Denise said. “This isn’t good. We’ll have to think of alternatives.”

“What does that mean?” Rue wanted to know. “You’re not going to kick us out?”

“Of course not, but we’ll have to consider if it’s still safe for you here. If he knew about Joanna, her father, that colleague…We don’t know who else is in danger.”

“I agree,” Joanna said. “I came here first, but I need to talk to Theo. He’ll look into it.”

“You do that, and lay low for the rest of the day. I can give Rue the time off. Talk to him and get back to me later?”

“Sure, thank you. Could you please check if the women who arrived on the same day are still here?”

“I’ll do that, but remember: Lay low.”

Joanna nodded and turned to leave. Rue followed her silently.

“It will never end, right?” she asked, when she and Joanna were alone. “There is nowhere safe.

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