Page 34 of Little Empty Promises

Octavia tipped her head, blinking up at me.“You thinkIhave a motive?”

“If I’m being honest, I believe you and Benjamin both do.You may be running against each other, but I think your motive concerning the homicide investigation are one and the same.”

“And what motive would that be?”

“The sooner this case is solved, the sooner both of you will be back in the spotlight, where you want to be, so voters’ minds return to the election.”

My mother’s eyes widened.“Georgiana!I’m surprised at you.How could you say such a thing to such an old friend of mine?If Octavia has a motive, it’s no different than every other person’s in this county.We all want to see the killer caught and brought to justice.”

Octavia swished a hand through the air.“I appreciate your candor, Darlene, and you’re right, but so is Georgiana.”

“Oh?How so?”my mother asked.

“The murder investigation takes some of the momentum out of the previous plans I’d put into motion.As such, I’ve had to make some adjustments, which is fine.It happens.I also need to focus on what the residents in the area need right now.There’s a good deal of fear and uncertainty surrounding this murder.It will be a relief when we can give everyone peace of mind.”

“I agree,” I said.“If I were in your position, I’d want the case solved so I could get back into the forefront of voters’ minds too.I don’t fault you for it.”

“I know you don’t.”

My mother smiled, pleased the topic had been resolved in an amiable way.“Are you able to stay for a few minutes, Georgiana?”

“I have some time, yes.”

“Good.Come, sit down and I’ll pour you a glass of iced tea.”

I took a seat at the table, and while my mother prepared the iced tea, Harvey entered the room.

“Hey there, when did you get here?”he asked.

“A few minutes ago.”

“I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Guess what?”my mother said.“Georgiana has been hired to investigate Cordelia’s murder.”

Harvey sat in a chair next to me and said, “Is that so?Glad to hear it.”

I’d decided to stop by my mother’s house to speak to her and Harvey about my conversation with Rosalyn.But given Octavia was there, I hadn’t decided whether I should go forward with the discussion or return and speak with them another time.

As I contemplated what to do, Harvey said, “I know you’ve just started your investigation, but what can you tell us about it?Do the police have any leads yet?I asked Foley about it the other day.He didn’t have much to say.”

I hesitated, something Octavia seemed to pick up on.

“If you don’t want to discuss it in front of me, I can go,” she said.“I have plenty of other things to attend to while I’m in town today.”

“Guess what,” my mother said.“I’ve been assisting Octavia here and there with her campaign.”

Octavia glanced in my direction.“It’s true.My assistant’s father is going through chemotherapy, and she wanted to be there for him.My husband has been helping me ever since, but then your mother offered to step in, and she’s been a great help.It was just supposed to be until I found a replacement, though no one can replace your mother.”

“And no one should,” my mother said.“Why hire someone else when your best option is ready, willing, and at your disposal?I’m honored, truth be told.Besides, I run circles around those young whippersnappers at your office, too.”

“You sure do.”

I glanced over at my mother.“Now that we’re getting close to the election, will you have to be away more?”

“Oh, no,” my mother said.“I’ll still be home every night.I just have to make the drive from here to Octavia’s office in San Luis Obispo certain days of the week.Much to be done!”

“With you at my side,” Octavia said, “I’m sure Benjamin Branson doesn’t stand a chance.”

---