Stitched in Crime by Emmie Caldwell

Author:Emmie Caldwell [Caldwell, Emmie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2021-12-06T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

Before Hayley left for work the following morning, she and Lia discussed the upcoming chat with Megan, which was set for later that day at the alpaca farm.

“Why is she meeting me at the farm?” Lia asked. “Is it because Ava will be there?”

“Partly,” Hayley said. “But Megan also lives around there, and she works at a coffee shop in Crandalsburg, where she’ll have to head afterward. Instead of her regular ride, Ava will get her there after you talk.”

Lia nodded and saw Hayley off, then brewed a second cup of coffee, which she carried out to the living room to enjoy while knitting and catching the news on TV. Daphne took her usual place by her side, sighing contentedly as she settled down.

After half listening to events in far-flung countries, Lia was glad when the news anchors switched to local happenings. Mention of the upcoming school year made Lia think of Tiffany. Hayley was right, Tiffany must know something and might be ready to spill it.

She recalled how Tiffany had brought up Jessica at the restaurant, after previously only repeating “Yes, Mother” to everything her mother said. That flare of independence had upset Bethanne enough to stalk out of their booth, effectively putting an end to the subject. Perhaps Lia could prod Tiffany a bit?

Lia set down her knitting and picked up her phone. She pulled up the Crandalsburg High School website she’d consulted before and found a phone number. That connected her to the school’s office, and within a short time Tiffany picked up her call with a polite, “This is Miss Hurst.”

Lia explained who she was and asked if she could come to speak with her. “It’s about Cori Littlefield’s death. And Jessica Ackerman’s.”

Into the long silence that followed, Lia prompted, “Miss Hurst?”

“Yes, I’m here,” Tiffany answered. “Sorry, I just had to think about that for a minute. Sure, we can talk, but not here. On teacher prep days, I have some flexibility. I’ve been taking walks at Gunther Park during my lunch breaks. Can you join me there at noon?”

“Absolutely.”

“Good. Wear your walking shoes. I’m there for exercise. We can meet at the entrance, okay?”

Lia agreed and described herself briefly. She let Tiffany do the same, despite knowing she’d have no problem recognizing the drama teacher. Then she ended the call.

Highly satisfied, Lia set down the phone and picked up her needles. She had plenty of time to make progress on Helen’s cardigan, which also gave her time to get her head together about the best way to approach her meeting with Tiffany. The knitting, she knew, would be the easier of the two.

By eleven fifty, Lia was already waiting at the park entrance, not willing to take a chance on missing Tiffany. She’d donned her tennis shoes, the sturdiest walking pair she owned, and in deference to the ongoing heat, wore shorts and a loose tee. She also carried a large water bottle. Who knew how long and how brisk this walk would be?

Shortly before noon she spotted Tiffany approaching, dressed similarly in shorts and a tank.

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