Page 84 of Little Empty Promises

“What are these?”I asked.

“It’s my fun pet project.While helping Octavia, I’ve been taking photos here and there when I can, trying to preserve campaign memories for her.Once she gets voted into office again, I’ll put together a little scrapbook, give it to her as a gift.”

“I’m sure she will appreciate it.”

My mother handed off some plates, silverware, and napkins, and I set the table.

While she made the salad, I returned to the counter, browsing through the photos.As I glanced at the first few rows, something caught my eye—or rather, someone.

I picked up one of the photos and turned it toward my mother, pointing at it.“Have you ever seen this man before?”

“Oh, yes.Let me think.Dustin something.Clement or Clemus … Wait, no.It’s Clemens.Dustin Clemens.Nice fellow.”

“When and where was this photo taken?”

She gave the question some thought.“I’m not sure.Would have been in the last month.I believe Octavia was speaking in Magnolia Park that day.Have you been there since they made all the wonderful improvements?The bathrooms are gorgeous, nicer than mine.Why do you ask?”

“How do you know Dustin?And how does he relate to the events you’ve been attending?”

My mother tapped a finger to her cheek, thinking.“Come to think of it, I’m not sure.We never got that far in our conversation.It was a combined event.”

“What do you mean?”

“Both candidates were speaking.”

“Benjamin was there?”

“If it’s the one I’m thinking of, yes.I’ve been to so many functions over the last month, they’re all blending together.”

“Have you ever taken Cordelia to an event?”

My mother tipped her head to the side and said, “Yes, I took her to a few.I was trying to get her out of the house.”

My heart was racing, thoughts running in and out, puzzle pieces connecting at long last.

“Listen, Mom, I know I said I would stay for dinner, but I just remembered that there’s an errand I forgot to run.Is it okay if I step out for a bit?Save me a plate, and I’ll be back.”

“Sure, I can, but dinner’s almost ready.Why don't you have a seat, and you can run your errand after?”

I grabbed my handbag off the counter, slipped the photo of Dustin inside, and sprinted toward the door.“I would if I could, but this errand is one that cannot wait.”

37

I drove to Samantha’s house and showed her the photo.She was almost certain the man in it was the same person she’d seen at the library the day Cordelia died.We discussed Johnny and why she hadn’t told me about his argument with Cordelia.She said she found it irrelevant—Johnny had nothing to do with the murder, in her mind, so she saw no reason to mention it.

My next stop was my office, and I was happy to find Hunter at her desk.I sat beside her, and we did a search on Dustin Clemens.What I learned shocked me.

I left the office and called Whitlock, telling him about the photo and how I believed Dustin was the man who’d murdered Cordelia.Whitlock said he’d bring him in for questioning, but before we ended the call, I asked him for a favor, telling him I’d explain why later.I had one last stop to make, and I wasn’t looking forward to it.

I parked in front of a stylish, modern-style house.When I knocked on the door, a voice inside said, “Come on in.It’s open.”

I slid my hand inside my bag, palming my gun, thinking it was a good idea.I was protecting myself.Turned out, it was a mistake.A big mistake.As I walked through the front door, I realized I wasn’t the only one with a gun, and the other gun was pointed right at me.

“I hoped it wouldn’t come to this, Georgiana,” Octavia said.“Although I think I always knew it would, ever since you were hired to investigate Cordelia’s murder.You’ve always been too smart for your own good.Take a seat.”

I did as she requested, and I considered my next move.

“What’s your plan?”I asked.“Are you going to kill me, your good friend’s daughter?Do you think you’d get away with it if you did?You wouldn’t.My mother would live and breathe to catch my killer, and you know it.”

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