Page 26 of Little Last Words

Nathan put the truck into gear and started down the street, slowing to look at the commotion taking place around Penelope’s house.

He thumbed toward the front yard and said, “What’s the story here?”

“A woman died last night,” I said. “I discovered her this morning. I was walking by and saw a little girl sitting on the front porch. I couldn’t understand why she was sitting there at such an early hour without any adult supervision, but I knew something was wrong. I could feel it.”

“Told you. You have a gift.”

“I don’t see how always being surrounded by death is a gift, but … yeah, I’ve been dealing with it all morning.”

“Huh. Guess it explains why Foley won’t be at lunch. He called to let Phoebe know something came up at work. She wasn’t happy, but the tone of his voice made her feel like something major was going on, so she didn’t push it.”

“Did Foley say anything else?”

“They didn’t stay on the phone long enough for her to get any details. You thinking it’s a homicide?”

“I’d say so. Someone slit her throat.”

Nathan pressed a hand against his neck like he was trying to imagine what it would feel like if it had happened to him. “Oh, man. Bummer. You going to help out with the case or …?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. It’s the woman’s child—Sadie. I can’t stop thinking about her.”

“You were a child when Dad died. Do you think it may be the reason why?”

“We were all young when he died. But yeah, when kids are involved, it’s near impossible for me to mind my own business. No matter what I decide, I promised Giovanni I’d spend the rest of the day focusing on my birthday, and I intend to keep my promise. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought about what he has planned for the rest of the day.”

I laughed, and he began whistling, something he often did when he was keeping something from me.

“Youknowwhat Giovanni has planned tonight,” I said. “Don’t you?”

“Maybe.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t ask you to tell me.”

“Good, because I won’t.”

“Who else knows?”

“I can’t say.”

I leaned back in the seat. “This isn’t even a milestone birthday. I’m forty-six.”

He shook his head at me. “Stop it, Sis.”

“Stop what?”

“I see what you’re doing. I know you. You don’t fool me. You’re trying to figure out the surprise without me having to tell you. And don’t you dare say you’re not.”

He knew me too well.

And I felt a bit guilty because he was right.

We rounded the corner, and as the wind whipped through my hair, I ran a hand through it, smoothing it back in place. “I’ve never been able to get away with anything with you.”

“About this birthday business, it’s best not to think about it. Otherwise, you’ll create false expectations. He just wants the two of you to have a nice, quiet night together, and that’sallI’m saying. Got it?”

“It doesn’t matter what he does or doesn’t do for me tonight,” I said. “Being with you now and him later is more than enough.”

He was silent for a time, and then he said, “Do you ever get concerned … you know … about him and thefamilybusiness?”

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