Page 32 of Among the Innocent

He squeezed the phone tight and fought the urge to throw it hard.

Why would I harm Beth? She was my friend—nothing more. You are the one I want to be with. Can I see you tonight?

A long moment passed before she finally answered him.

If I can.

His lips curled into a smile. She would be there. He watched as Leah and the new chief drove at breakneck speed away from the property.

Can you slip out now?

Now? Where are you?

The road behind your house. There is a police officer watching the front of your house. But I want to see you.

Leah had made her doubt him. Eva would need a little romancing if he were going to convince her to meet him tonight, but it was imperative that she do his bidding.

A few minutes later, she slipped out from the cellar door at the back of the house and came his way.

She saw him in the woods and stopped. Always so brave before, now Eva hesitated. Further proof she’d served her purpose.

“Why are you standing over there?” He held out his hand to her.

She swallowed several times before she slowly closed the space between them and clasped his hand.

He tugged her close. “I can’t believe you’d think I would hurt poor Beth.” He did his best to appear hurt.

“I’m sorry, but the picture looked just like you.”

He squeezed her tight. “But it wasn’t me. The last time I spoke with Beth, she mentioned a man following her. Perhaps it’s him. There are lots of men who look like me around here. I’m pretty common looking.”

She laughed and swatted at his shoulder, no longer suspicious. “You are not. You know you’re handsome.”

He faked modesty. “You flatter me, Eva. You’re the real beauty.”

She kissed him fervently, then pulled away. “I cannot stay long. Mamm is hovering over me like a hawk.”

His mouth thinned. “She smothers you. You’ll never be the vivacious woman you were meant to be if you stay here. Come away with me. I’ll make all your dreams come true.”

Eva blushed and covered it with a giggle. “Did you say these things to Beth?” Though she’d meant it as a joke, he could tell Eva was jealous he’d paid attention to Beth first. She’d gone after him despite her friend telling her how much she loved him.

His grip tightened on her hand. “Why would I say such things to my friend?”

Her brow wrinkled with doubt. “Beth said you did. She said you told her you loved her.”

He should have known Beth would brag to her friend. “That never happened. She became jealous of the way I felt about you. She wanted more, but I refused.”

This pleased her. “Silly Beth.”

“Yes, silly Beth.” So easy to fool these young girls. They believed anything he told them.

“I must go. My mamm will want me to help with the midday meal, and we are going to visit the Zooks later today.”

“But I will see you later, right?” he pressed her.

“Yes, I will be there. Maybe I’ll even run away with you.” Eva winked before freeing her hand. She passed quickly through the trees and stopped at the property edge before dashing toward the cellar door. In a few hours, his problem with her would be over.

The task force meeting ended in more frustration. Everyone on the team had been working overtime to find Beth’s killer and yet they were getting nowhere.

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