On the Trail of a Killer by Jane Godman

Author:Jane Godman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-12-15T14:05:49+00:00

Chapter 11

“How does news travel so fast in this town?” Esmée accepted a cup of Sarah’s soothing mint tea and sank gratefully onto a comfortable sofa.

“It’s the Red Ridge effect,” Hester said, pulling a footstool over and lifting Esmée’s feet onto it. “Plus, I have a friend who works in the shoe store on Main Street. She called me to tell me about it. There’s talk of Brayden being given some sort of civic award for saving you from the fire.”

Esmée covered her eyes with one hand. “I can’t imagine anything he would hate more.”

“Are you really okay?” Sarah’s kindly eyes searched her face. “It must have been such a shock.”

“I was shaken up, but I’m fine now.” Esmée lowered her hand and reached out to touch Sarah’s knee. “There isn’t anything left of Jack’s belongings.”

“Those are just things.” Sarah clasped her fingers briefly, a shadow flitting across her features. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned just lately, it’s that people are what matters.”

Esmée looked across at where Rhys was sprawled on the floor drawing pictures on a giant sheet of paper. His artistic efforts were constantly interrupted by kittens as they tumbled out of their basket and walked across his masterpiece. Patiently, Rhys picked them up and returned them to Bella-cat, who was reclining gracefully on a pile of cushions. Sometimes, he kissed the kittens on their tiny, pink noses. Often, he paused to stroke them. Now and then, he talked to them about what he was doing. Esmée wondered how it was possible to love him so much it actually hurt.

“You’re right,” she said to Sarah. “A day like today is a reminder about the important things. It looks like Rhys has been having fun.”

“He’s the sweetest child ever. And he’s been telling us all about Bray and Ko.” Hester clasped her hands beneath her chin. “It’s like they’re his family.”

“Put away that matchmaking face right now, Hester Mull.” Esmée studied her friend over the rim of her cup. “You’ve got it all wrong if that’s what you’re thinking about me and Brayden. I don’t want any rumors that could put Brayden in danger, especially for something that isn’t even true.”

“Well, if it was true, he’d probably be the only bridegroom in town who would be safe. Him and Shane,” Hester reflected. “Demi wouldn’t come after her own brothers, would she?”

Esmée choked back a laugh. “Possibly not, but since we don’t know for sure that Demi is guilty—and there is nothing going on between Brayden and me anyway—we’re straying into the realm of fantasy. Why don’t you fill me in on the Red Ridge gossip?” Hester’s encyclopedic knowledge of the town’s personalities might prove useful in her quest for information.

“I’m not sure there’s much to tell.” Hester gave a discontented sigh. “There have been no new sightings of Demi and nothing new to report on the case. The biggest news right now is the behavior of Valeria Colton and Vincent Gage. They are driving their families crazy with their refusal to listen to reason.

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