Struck Dead by Andrea Kane

Author:Andrea Kane [Kane, Andrea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781682320648
Publisher: Bonnie Meadow Publishing LLC

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Evans Residence

210 Alameda Avenue

Douglaston, Queens

Monday, 6:30 a.m.

* * *

Casey steered the FI van into the circular driveway. Even in the predawn hour, she could see that the grounds were well-kept, despite being drizzled with snow. The house was a charming brick and clapboard split-level, and it exuded a kind of warmth and welcome.

“How lovely,” Claire murmured, gazing around. “It must be beautiful in the daylight.”

Casey nodded. “Natalie Evans was clear that she had to be at work before eight, and that Morgan was also heading out early to take a final. They chose the time, and I was happy to accommodate them.”

“They were obviously shocked to hear from you,” Claire said, referring to the recap that Casey had given her during the ride.

“Stunned. I thought Natalie was going to drop the phone. But, as I said, she recovered and sounded almost eager to talk to us. As if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. So, in we go. We don’t want to waste a minute.”

Casey turned off the car and the two women hopped out.

“So much loving energy,” Claire murmured. “This is a happy house. Mingled with tinges of sadness and loss, but filled with love.”

Casey locked the car and blew out a frosty breath. “That fits. Let’s find out about those tinges of sadness and loss.”

After climbing the front steps, Casey rang the bell, Claire at her side.

Immediately, the door opened and a pretty woman in her midforties, wearing gray slacks and a black and gray sweater, stood nervously before them.

“Natalie?” Casey asked. “We’re Casey Woods and Claire Hedgleigh from Forensic Instincts. You and I spoke last night.” The two women flashed their credentials.

“Of course. Come in.” Natalie stepped aside and waited until both women had complied. “Please, let’s have a seat in the living room. I made coffee. Morgan will be down in a minute.”

“Thank you,” Casey said. She shot a quick look at Claire, who was clearly overwhelmed by the anxiety and pain that exuded from Natalie Evans.

As she spoke, a young woman with long dark hair and a solemn expression descended the stairs. She wore jeans and a hoodie and looked like a typical college kid.

“I’m Morgan,” she introduced herself. “I’ve read up on your investigative firm. You’re very impressive.” She put her hand on her mother’s arm. “You okay?”

“Just fine,” Natalie assured her. It was obvious that mother and daughter were close, and that Morgan was very protective of her mom.

Casey set the record straight before they even moved to the living room.

“As I told your mother on the phone last night, we’re here to help. We have no desire to hurt or upset either of you. So please relax.”

Natalie gave her a half smile, and then led them into the living room, where they all made themselves comfortable—Casey and Claire in wing-backed chairs, and Natalie and Morgan side by side on the sofa. Before they began talking, Natalie poured them each a cup of coffee. Her hands were shaking.

“Thank you for coming so early,” she managed, reseating herself.

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