Page 30 of Little Buried Secrets

As I stared down at Margot’s battered and broken body, I felt rage rising inside me. The lit match of justice flicked onto the kerosene, fueling my desire to catch the person who’d committed this heinous crime and make them pay.

Foley bent down and wiped his eyes.

“Horrible,” he said. “It’s just horrible. What kind of an animal does a thing like this to a young woman?”

“Or to anyone, for that matter,” Whitlock said.

“This all started with the bicycle accident,” I said. “What I’d like to know is … was it, in fact, an accident, and the person who ran her down did a snatch-and-grab to avoid facing charges? Or had she been taken on purpose?”

“Once she’s examined, I hope we have the answers to those questions, and more,” Foley said. “For now, it’s been a long day.”

“I agree,” I said.

Foley stood up again, facing everyone who remained. “I want to thank all of you for your efforts today. The forensics team will be arriving any moment now. I’ll hang back until they get here. The rest of you can go on home.”

I didn’t want to go on home.

I wanted to stay, to see what more was unearthed as Margot’s body was lifted from its resting place.

Silas and I exchanged looks, and I felt certain he knew what I was thinking. He gave me a nod that said, Don’t worry. I’ll call you when I know something.

For now, that would have to be enough.

Turning toward Foley, I said, “I need to talk to Rae.”

“Yeah, I know,” Foley said. “Now that we have a positive ID, it’s the right thing to do. But I’d sure like to keep a lid on things until tomorrow. Small town like this … who knows how everyone will react?”

“The way they always do,” I said. “Every time something like this happens, they come together in unity and support.”

“Margot’s young. I suspect once word gets out, a wave of anger will ripple through town, citizens seeking their own vigilante justice, pointing the finger at anyone and everyone they suspect could be involved.”

“It might be a good call to hold a press conference sooner than later,” I said. “I’ve always found when people are informed, and they believe they’re not being lied to and that they can trust what you’re telling them, they’re a lot more willing to keep the peace.”

Foley crossed his arms and sighed. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Talking to the press isn’t my strong suit. Always feel like I never say the right thing.”

“I’ll be alongside you the whole time, if you like,” Whitlock said. “I can even step in and make a comment or two.”

“I just might take you up on that,” Foley said. “You have a way with words, and people. A natural charisma. Everyone likes you.”

Whitlock beamed at the compliment.

Foley returned his focus to me. “I should be the one who talks to Rae and Bronte, but since she hired you to investigate, and I’d like to remain here for a while, you go on ahead and speak to her tonight.”

I’d decided I would be speaking with Rae either way, but knowing I had Foley’s approval made my job even easier.

“And … uhh, it almost doesn’t seem right for me to have you ask her to keep the news quiet for now, but would you anyway?” he asked.

“I will. Speak to you soon.”

CHAPTER 14

“I called your office several times today,” Rae said, hands on her hips. “Hunter assured me you’d get back to me as soon as you could. That was eight hours ago.”

I reached out, taking Rae’s hand in mine. “I know, and I’m sorry. Can I come in? We need to talk.”

“Why? What’s happened?”

We locked eyes, and for a moment, no words were spoken between us. It was as if she’d just realized why I’d stopped by so late and why I hadn’t been in touch before now. She released my hand, shaking her head as she leaned against the front door for support.

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