Trimmed to Death by Nancy J. Cohen

Author:Nancy J. Cohen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: cozy mystery, culinary mysteries, amateur sleuths, mysteries with recipes, mysteries with humor, murder mystery, small town mysteries, women sleuths, mysteries set in Florida
Publisher: Orange Grove Press
Published: 2018-09-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

“What happened?” Marla asked beyond a suddenly thick tongue. Alyce was dead? How was this possible? No, it couldn’t be true. But even as Marla half-heard Dalton’s reply on the preliminary details, she accepted his report.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have any witnesses,” he concluded.

“I can’t believe it. Where did this happen?”

“Near where she lives. She’d been out jogging.”

“Did her neighbors report any strangers in the community?” she asked as her sense of pragmatism returned. She’d deal with the horror later.

Unable to drive and concentrate on their conversation at the same time, she pulled the car over to the curb on a side street and idled the engine.

“You’re thinking someone was watching her place?” Dalton replied. “I haven’t had a chance to canvass the neighborhood yet, but that’s a good point. It would mean this wasn’t an accident.”

“Do you have any evidence on the make or model of the vehicle that hit her?”

“It’s too early, Marla. I won’t be home until later tonight. Don’t wait on dinner for me.”

“Will you let me know if you learn anything important?” Her mind drifted to the field where she had found Francine, and she gasped. “Oh, my. Do you think her death is related to Francine’s? Francine was wearing Alyce’s jacket, and she’d been struck from behind. Is this the killer completing the job he’d meant to do that day?”

“Or, Alyce uncovered the same dirt on somebody as Francine, and that got her killed,” Dalton replied in his wry tone. “I’m aware of the possibilities, thanks. What are your plans for the afternoon?”

“I met your parents for coffee earlier. They were in the area, and your mom called me. We had a nice chat. I’d been planning to visit Francine’s office, but it’s getting late. I think I’ll go home instead. I can’t face a bunch of strangers right now.”

“Watch your back. This could be a terrible accident or not. Alyce might have riled one of the folks we’ve interviewed.”

She let his remark pass, more concerned about the deceased woman’s family. “Her poor husband. He’ll be devastated, along with their two kids. Oh, gosh.” Marla put a hand to her stomach, not feeling too well.

“I’ve sent Sergeant Langley over there to speak to Jon Greene. Go home, Marla. We’ll deal with this. I need to know that you’re safe.”

“All right. I’ll talk to you later. Love you.” She rang off and put the car into Drive. A pall hung over her as she drove home.

Thank goodness Dalton hadn’t suffered any ill effects from his mind-altering episode last night. Or at least, none that showed. He seemed back to his normally logical self. She wouldn’t want the drug-induced experience to change his outlook. He was good at what he did, but his attention needed to stay focused. It would hinder him to ponder the meaning of life while on a case. If he had any more thoughts about his spiritual journey, he’d kept them to himself.

The rest of the day loomed in front of her like a malevolent specter.

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