Page 64 of Little Last Words

“Let’s skip to the good part, shall we? One of Penelope’s neighbors saw a man kissing her right before she died. At the same time, a Jeep Wrangler was parked in front of her house. I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that a Jeep matching the description the neighbor gave me is parked outside the library right now. I’ve taken down the license number and given it to one of my associates. I can call her and see who the Jeep belongs to, which will turn out to be you, or you can save me the time and admit you’re the man Penelope’s neighbor saw that night.”

Zachary stared at the desk for a time, and then he buried his head in his hands. “I know it was wrong. I couldn’t help it. Seeing her after all this time. I thought I could handle it. I told myself it had been so long, there was nothing more between us. I don’t know … it’s hard to explain.”

“Try.”

“The first time I saw her again, it was like no time had passed between us. All I could think about was how much I wanted to touch her, hold her in my arms. I started saying and doing things I shouldn’t have. I disrespected my wife. It was wrong.”

“Were the two of you sleeping together?”

He shot out of his chair, waving his hands in front of him. “No, no, no, no, no. Nothing like that. All we did was share one stupid kiss. I swear. Then I left. The next day I called to tell her I couldn’t see her again. I knew what would happen if I did.”

“How did she respond?”

“She was relieved. She told me she didn’t share my feelings. We didn’t speak long, just a few minutes.”

“Does your wife know about the kiss?” I asked.

“I’m going to tell her, and I will. I promise. Please … don’t talk to her before I do. What I did and said, she needs to hear it from me first. You understand, right?”

I understood what he was asking of me.

I just wasn’t sure I believed he’d tell her.

“What about the notecard?” I asked. “I’ll ask you again. Was it from you?”

“I don’t know anything about it.”

“I assume you’ve been questioned by the police.”

“A couple days ago, yeah.”

“Do they know about the kiss?”

He shook his head. “Am I in trouble?”

“I’d say so. You withheld information.”

“I’ve made a mess out of everything. What do I do now?”

“The police will be in contact with you again. When they do, tell the truth this time. I’ll give you two hours to talk to your wife.”

“No, please. I need more time.”

I stood, slung my handbag over my shoulder, and turned toward him. “Two hours, Zachary, or I’ll tell her myself.”

CHAPTER25

Istopped by the DuPonts’ home, hoping I’d be able to check in on Sadie. Sergio greeted me at the door and invited me in, suggesting we sit and chat for a moment until Sadie woke from her nap. I gave their golden retriever a pat, followed Sergio into the kitchen, where he removed a couple of glasses from the cupboard. He grabbed a can of Coke out of the refrigerator and offered me one. I declined, opting for some water instead.

After he poured himself a glass of Coke, he sat beside me, wasting no time before he dove right into conversation. “I hear Dean is going to be fine. Surgery went well and everything.”

It was more of a question than a statement.

“Sounds like it,” I said.

“What are the odds Angelica will be able to get out of serving time for what she did, do you think?”

Slim, I guessed, though I didn’t want to admit it.

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