Page 55 of To Die For

Devine exclaimed, “At whose request?”

“The next of kin,” replied Chandler.

“Betsy Odom is a minor, so she couldn’t have authorized it.”

“I wasn’t referring to her.”

“Then who?” said Devine.

“I believe the name was Daniel Glass.”

CHAPTER

24

DEVINE WAS HEADING BACK TOhis SUV when another woman approached him in the parking lot.

She was in her late thirties, five-six, blond and curvy. Her makeup was muted and she was dressed in a black jacket and matching slacks with a white blouse framed with a long pointed collar and French cuffs. Her fingers flashed with what looked to be high-priced jewelry, and her neck was encircled with a strand of small gray pearls. Her stiletto heels clicked over the pavement like exclamation points.

“Agent Devine?” she said in a raspy voice, which sounded like she was coming down with a cold.

“Yes?”

“I’m Mercedes King.”

Devine’s surprise was so immediate, it was impossible to disguise or hide it.

She smiled knowingly. “Ericisquite a bit older than I am. Not that any explanation is due,” she added sweetly with a dollop of vinegar on top.

“Of course not.”

“Were our people helpful?” she asked.

“Yes. Although I was hoping to look at the items found in the Odoms’ car. And I was surprised that their remains had already been cremated.”

“Is that a problem? I believe the autopsies had been completed. So tragic what happened to them. Drugs! The scourge of our society.”

He held up the file. “I have the reports here.”

“Excellent. Well, if there’s anything else you need, just let us know.”

“The items from the car?”

“I’ll check on that.”

Sure you will.

Then she proceeded to throw him a curveball. “I’d be delighted to treat you to dinner. Say eight o’clock? I’ve got some work to finish.”

Devine wondered what that was about, but decided to accept the invitation or take the bait, whichever it was. “I’ll have to stay over then. You have any recommendations?”

“The Havens on Central Street. It’s next to our only movie theater. Very nice B and B. I can call and make a reservation for you.”

“Thanks. I appreciate all the cooperation.” He had to bite back a laugh.

“We are always delighted to work with our federal friends.” She gave him the address of the restaurant.

“Is what I’m wearing okay?”

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