Page 102 of Over the Edge

“Chad’s fine. I’ve got the flu.”

Good grief. What else could happen to the newlyweds?

“I’m sorry to hear that. How sick are you?”

“I have a hundred and two temperature and I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. I was calling to let you know I won’t be at class tomorrow night.”

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Keep your distance. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”

“I hear you. I do have a piece of news that may cheer you up a little.” She relayed the story about the tattoo again. “So Chad should be off the hook.”

“I don’t know.” Dara didn’t sound convinced. “He said even if the mark you saw did turn out to be a tattoo, the police could think he was an accomplice.”

Jack’s exact take.

“I don’t believe that. And I don’t think the police are giving the partner theory much credence, either.”

“That would be a relief. The pressure is keeping Chad awake at night. But I know he wasn’t involved.”

Dara’s tone was confident. As if she’d put all doubts about her husband to rest. Which was heartening.

Unless he really was somehow involved.

Lindsey frowned as that scurrilous suspicion infiltrated her mind.

Where hadthatcome from?

Never in their acquaintance had Chad done anything to suggest he was less than trustworthy. Jack might have to keep doubts front and center in his job, but she wasn’t going to let his professional mindset color her view of the world. Her judgment about people had always been sound. Besides, they knew Chad wasn’t the killer. He didn’t have a tattoo. And her rationale for nixing the accomplice notion was logical.

Chad hadn’t been involved in the murder.

“Hold on to that thought, Dara, and take care of yourself. I’ll email you the recipes from tomorrow’s lesson.”

“Thanks, but don’t rush. I won’t be doing any cooking for the next few days.”

Lindsey cracked the door to the conference room and surveyed the table. She ought to be able to gather up enough leftovers for a couple of meals. It wasn’t as if Heidi would take the extra food home, anyway. Her tastes leaned more toward nouvelle cuisine than the Waldorf chicken salad sandwiches and cheddar potato soup entrees served today. But she’d clear the donation with the woman anyway. Now that Chad was off the suspect list, Heidi wasn’t likely to mind sharing leftovers with him and his sick wife.

“I’ll tell you what. Why don’t I drop off some food for you and Chad later this afternoon? I’ll ring the bell and leave it on the porch.”

“I don’t want to put you to any trouble.”

“It’s no trouble. I catered a lunch today, and not all the food was eaten. If you or Chad need anything else, let me know.”

“Thank you so much. Madeleine made the same offer when she called earlier today. She sent a bunch of leftovers home with us on Thanksgiving too. I don’t know what I would have done these past few weeks without the two of you.”

“That’s what friends are for.” No surprise that the Horizons director was keeping tabs on Dara and Chad, or that she’dinvited them to Thanksgiving. The woman’s generosity was boundless and spilled over far beyond her commitment to the nonprofit organization she’d founded.

“I owe you two big-time.”

“No, you don’t. Just pay it forward.” As Jack continued to do with his volunteer work at the foster camp.

“I’ll do that.” Weariness etched her voice.

“You rest. Tell Chad to watch for the food later.”

After they said goodbye, Lindsey slid her phone back into her pocket and continued unwrapping the brownies, setting aside four for Dara and Chad in case the hungry horde in the conference room devoured all of them.

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