Deadly Yours by Cyndi L Stuart

Author:Cyndi L Stuart [Stuart, Cyndi L]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC022070 FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / General
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2023-10-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

August 23 – Cove Beach, OR

As Stephanie pulled her patrol car into the city hall parking lot, Sam noticed a group of locals on the sidewalk. They watched as she got out of the front passenger seat. She avoided eye contact and tried to look casual while she thanked the gods Stephanie let her ride in the front seat. To be seen in the back of a police car would make for great gossip. She didn’t even want to think of the rumors that were already flying around town.

The two of them moved to the far side of the parking lot and through the small door marked Cove Beach Police Station. Then, all of a sudden, a thought hit her right in the face. What happens if this story breaks and it’s not The Chronicle who breaks it? She spent all morning focused on Mike, not the whole world of news and reporters. Sam stopped in the middle of the hallway. It could all start again, like before.

“Everything all right?” asked Stephanie.

“What? Oh, yeah, sorry.” Sam looked up and forced a small smile.

Sam stepped forward, and the two continued into the station. She forced that worry to the back of her brain and told herself, Just deal with one fucked-up moment at a time.

Marlene glanced up from the evidence bag on her desk as the two women appeared in the squad room. Marlene opened her door and with a wave ushered them both into her office. Sam sat down in one of the chairs Marlene pointed to across from her desk.

“Thanks, Steph. Go ahead and get back on patrol. I’ll radio when you can pick Sam back up and take her home.” Stephanie left, and Marlene shut the door.

She then leaned over and picked up the clear plastic evidence bag from her desk. Marlene hesitated for just a moment and then handed it to Sam. She reached out and then hesitated.

“Go ahead. It’s been printed, photographed, and cataloged. Noguchi has a digital image. You have every right to see it. Just don’t take it out of the bag.”

Sam could see through the clear plastic to the opened envelope. Like a red stop light, the wax seal glowed. As she turned the whole packet over, familiar yellowed parchment paper, scrolled font, and signature at the bottom stared back at her. She took a deep breath and forced her eyes down to the words on the page.

Hello Samantha,

What do you think of my handywork? How many have you figured out? Only one? Your good, good friend CC? What a tragedy. So vital, so full of life. No longer young, of course, but it’s always a shock. Isn’t that what they say? So shocking! Not to me. Her fate was sealed when she picked you. What is so special about you?

The others (oh yes, there are others) are playing the supporting cast in this story. Have you made the connection yet? I’m thinking, no. If you had, the police would be knocking at my door.

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