Lake House Killer (Fallon Baxter FBI Mystery Series Book 3) by Addison Moore

Author:Addison Moore [Moore, Addison]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hollis Thatcher Press, LTD.
Published: 2024-08-02T00:00:00+00:00

19

Special Agent Jack Stone

“Oh, these cinnamon rolls are to die for,” Jewel Barrett sings as she lands in a seat and gives Buddy a quick pat right here at the Pinecone Perk. “Hey there, good lookin’.” She laughs as she scratches his underbelly and he all but drools. “Thank you for this.” She glances at the sweet treat. “It’s been a favorite of mine each time I come here. Honestly, I think they bake these just to bait customers. The scent goes clear down Main Street and everyone at the community center can’t stop craving them.” She gives a quick honk of a laugh.

The staff at the café brings over a small bowl of water and one of their homemade dog treats which Buddy accepts with a polite, if far too eager, enthusiasm. We should really work on that with him.

He’s an honorary fed now. He should learn to keep his cool.

I glance at Fallon and that scene from the club last night flits through my mind.

I did not keep my cool. In fact, I almost lost it and forced my lips on hers. I don’t know what I was thinking.

I don’t know what she was thinking resisting my efforts.

I’ll admit, it’s a first on my part.

“Thank you for meeting with us.” Fallon leans forward and her blouse dips open just below her neck and I train my eyes on hers, pretending not to notice. “So Jewel, we’re trying to piece together the dynamics between everyone at the retreat. How would you describe the relationship between the Becks and the Coles?”

Jewel stirs her coffee, her eyes drifting toward the lake. “Cornwall and Cynthia were close with Lydia, always supportive. But with Damien, it was more professional, you know? Writing was the glue there. But then, Damien has always been more black and white about things. His genius is off the charts. But his emotional intelligence? Not so much.”

“And between Damien and Lydia?” I probe, keeping my gaze steady on the woman. “Any tensions we should be aware of?”

She hesitates a moment before setting down her cup. “Well, there were rumors. Lydia is my friend, and she’s been through a lot. But Damien? Let’s just say he has his fair share of distractions.” Jewel’s voice trails off and she crimps her lips as if she’s said too much already.

“Distractions?” I nod her way in hopes of keeping up the momentum.

“Other women?” Fallon cuts to the chase.

That’s what I like about her. There’s no beating around the bush. Fallon simply takes a chainsaw and cuts that bush off at the base.

A smile curls in the corner of Jewel’s lips. She reaches over and breaks off a piece of the cinnamon roll before landing it on her napkin.

“Now I didn’t say that,” she chides playfully. “Besides, don’t the two of you have enough ammo on that nutter that lives next door to the Coles?” Her demeanor grows serious. “He’s on record for making verbal threats.”

“We’ve seen them,” I say. “And we’ve spoken to Mr.

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