Page 121 of Buried Too Deep

“Police released it weeks ago,” Burke said. “Go ahead. We can step back and give you space. We can’t leave you alone, though.”

“You don’t have to step back. Please stay.” She took a moment to consider her words, then held the rose over the hole, her tears spilling over. “I loved you, even as I hated you. I don’t know why you did what you did. But if every client was in trouble like Alice VanPatten, I’ll try to understand. I’m sorry you’re gone. I’m sorry Mama died thinking you’d left her. And if you’re still lurking around somewhere, a little help would be appreciated. My PIs can only do so much.”

She dropped the rose into the hole, then drew a deep breath and wiped her face once more. She had to stop crying. Her face was getting chapped from the brisk wind.

“I’m ready to go. Let’s go talk to shop owners and get some food that won’t send me to the ER.”

Phin carefully turned her, keeping his arm around her. She slid her arm around his waist and let him guide her across the concrete-riddled property, the others walking ahead.

She looked over her shoulder, glancing one more time at the hole. Her father’s resting place. Rest, Dad. I hope you’re happy, wherever you are.

She looked up at Phin and found him staring down at her with pain in his eyes. For me. She didn’t want him to hurt for her, though. He’d hurt enough.

She slid her hand around his neck and pulled his head closer. “Blink once for yes.”

Slowly he blinked, one side of his mouth lifting. He closed the distance between them, taking her mouth in the sweetest kiss. It was no peck, but a full lush kiss that had her brain turning off the rest of the world.

For a long, delicious moment, the only thing she thought about was his mouth on hers, his shoulders under her hands, his hands running up and down her back. It made her want more. More with Phin.

He was the first to pull away, his mouth wet and his eyes slightly dazed.

She knew she looked the same. “Thank you,” she whispered.

He pressed a finger to her lips. “Don’t thank me. Not for coming with you today or for holding your hand, but especially not for kissing you. It was my pleasure.” He hesitated. “I hope it was yours, too.”

She swallowed. “It was.”

He relaxed. “Val’s waving for us to get a move on.”

Cora looked over her shoulder and, sure enough, Val’s expression was a combination of affection, exasperation, and impatience. Hand in hand, she and Phin crossed the street, nearly bumping into Burke when he stopped abruptly in the crosswalk. He was staring at his phone, his jaw tight.

Panic rose in Cora’s chest. “Is it Joy?”

Burke shook his head. “Let’s go. Back to the SUV.” He, Val, and Phin shepherded Cora back to the secure vehicle, no one saying another word until they were all safely inside.

“What’s happened?” Cora demanded.

“It’s not Joy,” Burke said grimly. “It’s your boss.”

Dread was like a bucket of ice water poured over her head. “Minnie?” she whispered. “Is she all right?”

But from the look on Burke’s face, she already knew the answer was no.

“She’s dead,” Burke said gently. “Clancy went to her house to check on her when she didn’t show up to the library today. She was lying dead in her bed.”

“Natural causes?” Cora managed to ask, her voice choked and shaking. Please?

“No,” Burke said. “I’m sorry, Cora. Clancy believes she was suffocated with a pillow.”

Cora’s mouth opened but no words would come. Her throat was tight and she couldn’t breathe. Phin’s arm tightened around her shoulders protectively.

“We need to get you back to the city,” Phin said. “Where you’ll be safe.”

“I’ll follow you,” Burke said to Val. “You and I can come back tomorrow to talk to the shopkeepers. For now, Cora’s safety is the most important thing.” He turned back to face Cora. “I’m so sorry.”

“It was the driver of that Camry,” Cora murmured. “Wasn’t it?”

“It makes sense,” Phin said, pressing a kiss to her temple. “We’ll make sure he pays. I promise.”

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