Page 73 of Sycamore Circle

“No.”

“In that case, I think we should get together a list of possible people. And I know this is the hard part, but you need to think of everyone. Remember, they’re sending notes and calling you anonymously. If they were being honest and truthful, they wouldn’t be approaching you this way.”

“Everyone has something to hide, Joy,” Bo said.

She took a deep breath. “I understand.”

“Okay, first of all, let’s start with your ex-husband.”

Warily, she looked at Chloe. Chloe folded her arms across her chest and stared right back. It was obvious that she wasn’t going to go anywhere.

Trying to not think about what Chloe might say, Joy answered Detective Heilman at last. “I’m sure Tony doesn’t have anything to do with this.”

“How long have you been divorced?”

“Four years.”

“Was it an amicable separation, and by that I mean are you on speaking terms now? Do you ever see him?”

“It wasn’t exactly amicable, but we do speak. We’re cordial enough.” Smiling at her daughter, Joy added, “We share custody of Chloe.”

“Who filed?”

“He did.”

The detective was still writing notes. “And the reason?”

She felt her cheeks heat as she felt Bo’s intense gaze on her, too. “Um, Tony felt our marriage had run its course. He was seeing someone else and wanted out.”

“I see.” Detective Heilman looked up. “And since then... have you dated?”

“No.”

“No one or just not seriously?”

“I haven’t dated.” She glanced at Bo. “I mean, I haven’t dated anyone until recently.”

Bo smiled at that.

“So, the two of you are close?” the detective continued, looking over at Bo.

“We’re getting there, but we’re just starting out.” Bo’s voice held a note of warning in it.

“All the calls started before I met him too,” Joy added.

Kevin looked at the both of them. “Let’s move on. I understand you sell paintings?”

“Yes. But I don’t think any of those customers would write anything like the notes I’ve been receiving. I do most of my business through friends of friends. I don’t say a lot to those people except when I drop off their paintings and they pay me.”

“Can you give me a list of who you sold your paintings to in the last six months?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Why don’t you gather that together? We’ll go a quick check to make sure no one jumps out.”

“All right.”

“Now I understand you also tutor?”

---