Page 62 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“Joshua Paskota?”

“Yes, but that information is still withheld from the public until we contact his next of kin. We were hoping you could help us with that.”

“Me? Why would you think that?”

“We found a cell phone in Mr. Paskota’s suitcase that had only one number in its contacts. Yours.”

“Mine?”

“Yes. In fact, it’s the only piece of information on the phone. The call logs are empty and there are no text messages.”

Monica shared a look with Stone. It was clear they were thinking the same thing. Joshua Paskota had to be her contact.

“You’re sure you don’t know him?” the detective asked.

Stone shook his head.

“Until you said his name, I’d never heard it before,” Monica said.

“Sorry to have bothered you. Thank you for your time.”

As soon as the call ended, Monica said, “Why would my info be the only thing on the phone?”

“If I had to guess, I’d say it’s a throwaway that he only used to contact you.”

“That makes sense. Why did you not want me to tell her he was my source?”

“Because it wouldn’t have helped anything. The detective said it was an accident, not murder. They’re not looking for suspects or motivation. They’re looking for family.”

She sighed. “I guess this means I made the trip here for nothing.”

Stone raised an eyebrow. “Nothing?”

She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Well, maybe not for nothing.”

“That’s better.”

Monica said little as they ate. Stone could empathize. He’d had cases both as a cop and as a lawyer where a promising lead hadn’t panned out. What had often helped him figure out how to move forward was taking a step back.

“Why don’t we swing by your cousin’s place? You can pack a bag and we’ll drive up to Taos. Spend a night or two. Forget about work for the weekend.”

“Where do I sign up?”

Forty minutes later, they arrived at Donna Otero’s house.

“I was beginning to wonder if you’d gone back to New York,” Donna said to Monica, as she walked through the door.

“My fault, I’m afraid,” Stone said. “I’ve been monopolizing her time.”

“Well, I guess I can forgive you. She’s in a much better mood than when she arrived.”

“How so?”

“Let’s just say that she was ready to pick a fight with anyone who looked at her wrong.”

“I wasn’t that bad,” Monica said.

Donna patted her arm. “Whatever you want to believe.” To Stone, she mouthed,Thank you.

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