Page 64 of Skeletons in the Closet

“Suicide?” he offered.

“The police don’t investigate suicides.”

“They do, to confirm that’s what they are. Can you find out? Investigation into a suspicious death falls under homicide.”

I sat back, staring at the computer screen and the article. Why hadn’t I thought of that? “I…” I lowered my voice, spying Kitty again. “I can try, but I don’t have a case number. I don’t even know who’s on it.”

“Ask Ms. Lavender. Is she there?”

“Yes, but…” I huffed. “I can figure it out. I’m not incapable. I’ll call you back.”

I disconnected and reread the article. It said a whole lot without saying anything at all. Beth was dead. Unknown causes. But like I’d told Diem, the police didn’t investigate something unless there was reason to suspect foul play.

Shit.Beth had met with our elusive bastard, who we hadn’t been able to identify the night before she died. Had he done something? Poisoned her? His escape from the motel had seemed highly suspicious, like he feared he was being watched.

We’d witnessed Beth’s husband being an abusive dick a few hours before on the same evening. Had he followed her to the motel? Was he knowledgeable about the affair with Noah? Was it an affair? Had he done something to his wife?

“I think you’re a good match,” Kitty said, breaking into my thoughts.

I’d forgotten she was there and sat upright, suddenly alert. Relaxed, with a puzzle book on her knee, Kitty smiled knowingly, gaze never leaving her crossword.

“Excuse me?”

“You and Diem. You’re a good match.”

“Oh, we’re not dating. It’s not like that.”

“Mmhmm.”

“I’m helping with a case.”

“He struggles, but he has a heart of gold. He’s not always good at expressing himself, but I think it’s a result of his upbringing. Can hardly fault him for that. The poor man hasn’t been given a chance in life. Don’t be too impatient with him, Tallus. He’s not well-versed in the art of love. He’ll need time and guidance.”

I laughed—explosively. “Oh my. Yeah, back the train up, Kitty Kat. There’s no love. There’s hardly anylike. It’s aworkingrelationship. Nothing more. Diem needed my help. I agreed. The end.”

“Mmhmm.”

“I swear.”

“Sweetheart, if you want to duel swords with the man, you should. I don’t judge. He could probably do with a little stress relief. It’s wonderful to be young. All I’m saying is Diem’s a troubled man. Be gentle with him. His communication skills are…” Kitty puckered her lips as she fished around for the right word.

Nonexistent,I thought.

“Well, they’re something,” she concluded with a titter. “You’d make a lovely couple. Yin and yang. It’s about balance.”

Lost for words, mouth gaping, I stared at Kitty, who nonchalantly returned to her puzzle book.

“I, um… Yeah… I have to talk to someone in homicide. Let’s leave this conversation and never return to it. In fact, file it on the back shelf of the crypts with the spiderwebs and insect carcasses.” I pushed away from the counter. “I’ll be back.”

Before I could race out the door, Kitty called, “I believe Fox and Doyle are on that one.”

I ground to a halt and spun, shoes squeaking. “How the hell do you know these things? You’ve been here less than an hour. You don’t even know what case I’m talking about.”

Kitty shrugged. “I’m not blind. I can see perfectly well what you’re reading on the computer. Besides, it was their weekend to work. Hence, they likely caught the case. Don’t quote me. I could be wrong.”

“You’re a witch.”

“I’ve been called worse.”

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