Page 32 of Every Deadly Suspicion

That was the decision she stuck with as she climbed into bed and went to sleep.

Sleep was a phantom for Hanna for most of the night. She dozed here and there between tossing and turning. For the first time that she could remember, she was relieved when the alarm went off. Rubbing her eyes, she threw off the sheet and sat up. Stretching mightily, “Ow, ow, ow” squeaked out when the side she’d bruised yesterday protested painfully.

After the stiffness and discomfort eased, in a few minutes, she felt ready to get up and face the day. On Saturday mornings, she’d meet with her best friend, Amanda, for a brisk walk. Mandy lived a block over and would walk to pick up Hanna.

She strode into the bathroom, yawning, then rinsed off her face and pulled on her workout gear. The doorbell rang; Mandy was always on time. Hanna grabbed her phone, shoes, and socks and trotted to the front door.

“Sorry I’m a tad late,” Hanna said as she pulled the door open. “I didn’t sleep very well.”

Mandy stretched. “That’s okay, I’m moving slow this morning myself.”

Hanna closed the door and sat on the porch bench to put on her shoes.

“Why are you moving slow today? Missing Brody?” Mandy’s husband was a cycling coach, currently riding in Europe with his team.

“Yeah, that. But we had a good Zoom call yesterday. What kept me awake is I’m worried about Edda. Losing sleep over it.”

Hanna looked up from her laces. “Edda? Why? She’s the most stable, reliable person I know.”

“Maybe. But she met some guy online, and I think she’s being bamboozled.”

“Online?” Hanna almost laughed, the thought of Edda being caught up in Tinder or Match.com being so absurd. Mandy’s facemade the laugh die in her throat. “That doesn’t sound like Edda.” Hanna tied her laces, grabbed her phone, and stood.

Mandy leaned against one of the porch pillars, tension stiffening her shoulders. “It doesn’t. Apparently, it’s been going on awhile. I thought she was a little distracted lately. I wished I had pressed her on it awhile ago. But...”

“You didn’t want to meddle?”

“I’m more than her boss. I’m her friend. I should have meddled.”

“So, how’d you find out?”

“I caught her on the laptop in a chat room. It was like pulling teeth to get her to tell me what was going on. She said the person contacted her on the memorial website she set up for Bobby.”

“What were they chatting about?”

“At first she thought the guy was struggling with addiction, like Bobby. Now she’s not sure. All she would say was that she thought someone was pretending, and she wanted to find out who it was.”

“Pretending?” Hanna slapped her forehead. “Edda sent me an e-mail, said she wanted to talk.”

“About what?”

“Legal help, I think. I never responded. Right after I read the e-mail, I was interrupted. I forgot all about it.”

“Well, talk to her. Her son’s death really hurt. She’s not over it, and if someone got ahold of her online and is trying to take advantage, they need to be stopped. What if she thinks she found Bobby’s dealer?”

“Why would you say that?”

“No specific reason. I’m just worried. I should have paid more attention.”

Hanna took a step and stood next to Mandy. “Agreed. I should have answered her e-mail.” She couldn’t remember the exact wording of the e-mail now. Could Edda have been trying to find theman responsible for Bobby’s death, or was it something more dangerous?

“Yeah, I’m hoping you’ll talk to her and maybe look into this guy she’s been conversing with.”

“Consider it done. I’ll drop by for a visit after church tomorrow. Ready?”

Mandy nodded and together they hopped off the porch. She changed the subject. “I know you had quite a day yesterday. Braden is a handful for any babysitter.”

News always traveled fast in Dry Oaks. It was no surprise that Mandy knew about the incident.

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