Page 111 of Trouble Comes in Threes

“How so?” Neely Kate asked.

Darlene made a face. “Kind of like he was anxious and paranoid.”

“Do you think it was because of the drugs he was taking?” I asked.

“Maybe,” Darlene admitted, “but he wasn’t himself, and he didn’t seem high.”

“When was the last time you saw him?” I asked.

“Wednesday night. He came over for dinner.”

“Was it just the two of you?” I asked.

“Yeah. I’m not seein’ anyone right now, and neither was he. After he walked in, he glanced over his shoulder at the street, as though lookin’ to see if someone had followed him. I told him he wasn’t important enough for someone to follow. He laughed, but it sounded forced.” Her chin quivered. “I should have paid better attention. If I’d pressed him for information, he might still be alive.”

“You don’t know that,” I assured her. “You said the sheriff’s deputy came to your house on Thursday morning?” She nodded, and I asked, “Did they mention what time he was killed?”

She shook her head, starting to cry. “No.” A pleading look covered her face. “People will hear about the drugs and think, oh another drug user’s off the street. Good riddance. But he wasn’t a junkie. He was a productive member of society. He showed up to his shifts on time. He was rarely sick. He was reliable.” Her shoulders shook, and she started to cry harder.

The deli workers gave me more disapproving glares, and her sobs made Liam stir.

She noticed and sat up straighter, then took a deep breath. “I didn’t mean to disturb your baby. What’s his name?”

The hair on my arms stood on end. Sure, she was probably harmless, but I wasn’t willing to just give up his name. But what had I expected, bringing a baby to an investigative interview?

What in the world was I doing?

I abruptly stood. “Thank you for your help, Darlene. Neely Kate’s gonna finish up.”

Neely Kate stared up at me with wide eyes and an open mouth, but I didn’t give either of them any more of an explanation. I turned and walked out of the store, leaving my cart against the wall. I desperately needed to see my kids.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Jed hurried over to me in the parking lot as I grabbed the door handle of my car.

“What happened?” he asked, his face pinched with worry. His phone was in his hand, and he was wearing one ear bud. I suspected he was still listening to Neely Kate through their call.

Liam had fallen asleep, and I held him tighter. “I just realized I shouldn’t have dragged Liam into this.” Tears stung my eyes. “What am I doin’, Jed? What kind of mother does that?”

He shoved his phone into his front jeans pocket and placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry, Rose. I should have had you leave Liam with me.”

“If Joe finds out that I brought him here…” I choked back a sob.

“For what it’s worth, I don’t think meeting Darlene here was wrong. The chances of someone following her were slim, and she didn’t seem dangerous. But I understand why you freaked out when she asked for Liam’s name.” He opened the back door and reached for my sleeping son. “Let’s get him in his car seat.”

I reluctantly handed him over and took a step back, trying to compose myself.

Liam stayed asleep while Jed placed him in his seat and got him strapped in. Jed shut the door and turned to face me.

“Are you gonna tell Joe about this?”

I pressed my lips together as I stared at my sleeping son through the car window. “No, because I told Darlene that I wouldn’t, but it’s just one more secret to add to a growing list.” I hated it, but I didn’t feel like I had a choice.

“I could hear most of the conversation. She gave us some decent information,” Jed said. “I plan on checking some of it out after Neely Kate finishes. Dermot will look into things too.”

“I’m worried that someone is movin’ into the county.” I looked up into his face. “Am I just being paranoid?”

He looked grim. “No. I’m worried about the same thing. I have a feeling Dermot is too.”

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