Her Last Breath by Stacy Claflin

Author:Stacy Claflin [Claflin, Stacy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stacy Claflin

25

Fleur

Thursday, early afternoon

By the time I’ve almost completely circled the neighborhood, I’m thoroughly discouraged. Sasha was the only person outside, though I heard a door slam somewhere, which made me think someone was trying to avoid me. Normally that would sound like an absurd thought, but not here.

Most people seem to want nothing to do with me, and at least one person actively wants me out of here. At least my van tires are still aired up. Hopefully I showed them I won’t be held back.

As I approach another house with a lawn in dire need of mowing, the front door opens.

Maybe I’ll be able to talk with someone else. Perhaps this walk around the neighborhood wasn’t a total waste, after all.

Emmett steps out. His expression lights up and he waves to me.

Him again? I’ve already spoken to him multiple times. Perhaps I can pick his brain some more. He might know something, and it isn’t like anyone else is eager to see me.

He hurries over, kneels down to Zorro’s level, and baby talks him while patting his head.

Zorro’s tail wags furiously, and he licks Emmett’s hand several times.

At least that’s a good sign. Dogs are said to be able to sense people’s motives.

Emmett rises and gives me a wide smile.

He’s just as ridiculously handsome as before.

“I take it this is your house.” I gesture toward it.

“Yeah. Technically, my parents’. They spend the cold months down south, and I take care of the place while their gone.”

“They don’t mind you letting the grass go?”

He chuckles. “I’ve fallen behind, haven’t I?”

“Like I’m one to talk.”

“You have a better excuse. My house hasn’t been sitting abandoned for two years.”

“But I’ve been here long enough to do something about it.”

“I’m sure you have a million things to take care of there. I’ll tell you what—when I mow my lawn, I’ll come over and take care of yours too. That’s one less thing for you to worry about.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Obviously, but I’m offering.” He shrugs. “But if you don’t want me to, I won’t.”

“Hey, I’m not going to stop you from cutting my grass.”

“Great. Just don’t expect it too soon. I have several auditions this week, and I’m going to have to spend hours practicing. It’s tedious work sometimes.”

“I’m sure.” I try to think of a way to naturally bring Caroline into the conversation but can’t, so I opt for a blunt change in subject. “How well did you know Caroline Porter?”

Emmett tilts his head. “Jumping right into that, are you?”

“You said you don’t have much time. I want to solve the mystery.”

He sighs. “Good luck with that. The Beacon of Truth Fellowship members are dead set on keeping that under wraps.”

“That’s weird.”

“Right? Almost like they have something to hide.”

“Do you think they do?” I study him, having a hard time seeing anything beyond his good looks.

Emmett scratches his chin. “It’s hard to say.”

“Why’s that?”

“They all keep to themselves. It’s definitely not an outreach-oriented group, unlike most other churches. The members are pretty exclusive from what I can tell.

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