The Ancient Dead by Barbara Fradkin

Author:Barbara Fradkin [Fradkin, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths
ISBN: 9781459743830
Publisher: Dundurn
Published: 2021-01-26T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Amanda was propped up in bed, just beginning to research Todd Ellison on the Internet, when Skype rang and Chris’s mischievous face popped up on her screen.

“What are you doing calling so late?”

His big, crinkly grin vanished. “Why? You don’t want to talk to me?”

“Of course I do! I’m over the moon to see you. But it must be midnight in Newfoundland.”

“I couldn’t sleep. Couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

The teasing sexuality in his voice set her body humming. She blew him a kiss. “Miss you too. Hold that thought … and whatever else you want to.”

He chuckled.

“What have you been up to?”

“The usual summer stuff. Tourists getting lost in Gros Morne, capsizing in kayaks because they think how hard can sea kayaking be? Speeders, moose collisions. Major criminal stuff.”

“That sounds idyllically calm.”

He laughed. “It needs you to spice it up. What’s new with you?” he added quickly, as if remembering too late that Newfoundland had already beaten her up.

She filled him in on the DNA request. “Do you think it means they have a potential match?”

“No, it means they did some preliminary inquiries and determined you’re not a nut case. That the MisPers report is legit.”

She was about to tell him about the human remains and the attack on Livia Cole when he spoke again. “Have you told your mother you asked Jean instead?”

“No, I was going to, but …” In truth, the intervening events had driven it from her mind.

“Honey, you have to tell her before she finds out from Jean.”

“That might be easier.”

“For you. But she needs to hear from you why you chose Jean. She’ll be hurt.”

“You don’t know my mother. She might be angry, but she doesn’t do hurt.”

“All mothers do hurt.”

He was right, of course. Her mother would hide it, as she always did, and she would agree that Amanda’s reasons made perfect sense. But beneath the bravado, the affront would sting.

“All right, all right. I will, first thing in the morning. Now, can we talk about something else?” She gave a low chuckle. “Your trouble sleeping?”

After another fifteen minutes, she signed off and curled up in bed, cradled in a warm glow.

As soon as her mother answered the phone the next morning, Amanda knew she was too late. Her mother spoke only one word, “Amanda,” and her tone was chilly.

“Jean told you.”

“She did.”

Amanda was sitting at Maeve’s kitchen table, toying with a cup of coffee. She’d found herself unable to eat the pancakes Maeve set in front of her. Now she looked at the ceiling as if guidance would magically appear. When in doubt, deflect.

“Old human remains have been uncovered in a coulee here. I think that’s what the DNA is for.”

Her mother stayed the course. “I see.”

“It will take weeks, but it’s a start. I hope it’s not Jonathan, but I’ll keep you posted.”

“Will you?”

Again, Amanda had to dodge the hostility dripping from her mother’s voice. “I’ve got more news about him. His pregnant girlfriend in Fort McMurray had a daughter who was raised by an uncle.

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