Snipped in the Bud by Kate Collins

Author:Kate Collins [Collins, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Fiction, General, Mystery & Detective, Mystery Fiction, Women Sleuths, Women Detectives, Florists, Knight; Abby (Fictitious Character)
ISBN: 9780451218315
Publisher: Penguin
Published: 2006-01-02T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Connor had directed his attention back to the service, so I tried to do the same, but instead found myself darting angry glances his way. After turning my life upside down, he had some nerve to sit there so innocently. And how did he end up in the balcony not three yards away…unless he’d been following me.

Of course! He wouldn’t have recognized me otherwise.

I got up and slid into the next row back, scooting around the curve until I was behind him. He had his reporter’s notebook in one hand and a pen in the other, but he closed it as I drew near. Was he hiding something? Had he written about me again?

“How’s it going, Olga?” he said quietly, laying an arm over the back of the pew, half turning toward me, but keeping an eye on the chapel below.

“How did you know I’d be up here?” I whispered furiously.

“You know, you might want to get some therapy for that paranoia of yours. I’m not following you, if that’s what you’re implying. I came here to report on the memorial service and happened to notice a pretty lady sitting nearby.”

He thought I was pretty? Focus, Abby. Remember why you’re here. “So you didn’t know who I was until I came over here just now?”

“Hell, no. I recognized you right away.”

I shoved his arm off the top of the pew. “You’re evil, you know that?”

“For recognizing you?”

“No, for believing those lies Puffer fed you and putting them in your stories.”

“Then why don’t you feed me something new?” He turned to give me a look that could only be described as beguiling, and I really didn’t want to describe anyone’s gaze but Marco’s as beguiling. So I was doubly angry.

“Because I can’t feed you anything new, that’s why,” I hissed in his ear.

“Says who?”

“My lawyer.”

“Off the record, then. You can be my unnamed source.”

I sat back, thinking about that one. If I could stay anonymous, what would be the harm in talking to him? But could I trust this reporter? Why take the chance? “Look, you don’t need information from me. Ask around at the law school. Ask any of his students what kind of man Puffer is, and whether they think he’s responsible for Reed’s…” I halted that sentence as soon as I realized where it was heading.

Connor swivelled to look at me. “Are you saying Professor Puffer is involved in the murder?”

Apparently I hadn’t killed that sentence soon enough. “Where did you get that idea?”

“So he’s not involved? Then why shouldn’t I believe what he tells me?”

“I didn’t say he wasn’t involved. Or was involved. I’m just saying…” Why hadn’t I kept my mouth shut?

He flipped open his notebook. “Is this on the record or off ?”

“Off! No, wait. It’s neither. I’m not saying one more word.”

“Not even to tell me why you’re running around in that Halloween costume?”

I glanced around to make sure no one was trying to eavesdrop. “It’s haute couture, not Halloween, and here’s something off the record for you.

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