Sweet Tea and Secrets by Joy Avon

Author:Joy Avon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Chapter Nine

A shiver rippled down Callie’s spine, as her great-aunt continued, “You also want to die, like Jamison died, because you think it’s your fault. But it’s not. Whoever killed Jamison killed him for his own reasons. And he will have to take responsibility for that murder. Not you. You don’t have to sacrifice your life.”

Quinn leaned his head on the steering wheel. “I’m just so tired,” he said in a strangled voice.

Callie looked at Iphy. She had no idea what to say or do.

Iphy kept her eyes on Quinn. Her expression was both sad and hopeful. “I know two boys who will be excited to see you. I also think their mother can cook you a wonderful late lunch. With some food in your stomach, you’ll feel better.”

“Peggy will never want to see me again,” Quinn said. “She’ll think it’s my fault.”

Callie quickly intervened, “Peggy was at the police station this morning to plead for you. She asked me to team up with her and find proof to clear your name.”

Quinn shocked upright and stared at her. His face went deathly pale. “No,” he said in a croak. “She can’t involve herself. She can’t poke around. What if the killer comes after her? What if he hurts her or even kills her as well because of what he thinks she knows or could discover?”

He started the engine. “I have to get to her and tell her not to do anything stupid.”

“She’s at Book Tea right now,” Iphy said. “I kept an eye on her all morning. We can all go there, and then you can go with her to her home and have a late lunch and play with the boys. No—no protests. I don’t think Peggy will stop worrying about you or poking around, as you call it, until she knows you’re all right. You owe it to her to show up.”

Quinn stared at her, then said, “Maybe you’re right. I need to explain to her how dangerous it is. She can’t get hurt. Or the boys.”

He looked into Biscuit’s eyes. “In the back, boy.”

As if the border collie understood how important this was, he jumped between the seats to get into the back. Iphy poked Callie with an elbow, propelling her to the car. “Callie can go with you to restrain Biscuit during the ride. A dog on the loose in a car isn’t very safe. We’ll meet up at Book Tea.”

Callie hurried to get into the back and pulled Biscuit to her. His tongue was out and his tail wagging as if he was excited to hit the road.

Quinn strapped himself in and looked in the rearview mirror. “Aren’t you afraid to come with me? In case I’m the killer?”

“I don’t think you hurt Jamison. Gut feeling.”

“Your friend the deputy doesn’t agree. He’s dead set on nailing me for it.”

“He’s just worried about what might happen if he doesn’t act.” Callie patted Biscuit. “He’s not prejudiced. He checked on everything you said during the interrogation. That’s how he found out you’re no journalist.

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