Page 32 of You Can Leave Your Hat On

“Hmmm. Think on that and maybe it’ll come to you.”

“Maybe. But at least it’s somebody who’s probably from around here. Or somebody who’s an international celebrity,” Maisey said with a giggle.

“Oh, yeah. There’s an international celebrity here and they’re pushing women off bridges. Because, you know, nobody would ever notice an international celebrity here in town, right?” Aaron had started to laugh. “I mean, they wouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb!”

“Nope, of course not!” Maisey laughed too, but deep inside, she felt an uneasiness. Someone she knew, or at least ran into occasionally, had murdered HazelPuckett. That was deeply troubling.

Not to mention totally terrifying.

CHAPTER FIVE

“How goes it?”

“I put the red hat on again last night.”

“And?” Cherilyn posed the question as she and Carly both leaned in toward Maisey.

Maisey shook her head as she wiped her mouth with her napkin. “I recognize the voice. I just can’t figure out whose it is.”

Condensation dripped from beneath her fingers as Carly lifted her tea glass. “Maybe you’ll figure it out.”

“Someone from around here?” Cherilyn asked before taking another bite of her panino.

“I don’t know. I really can’t put a finger on it. All I can do is pay attention when I’m out and maybe?”

“That’s what you always say! ‘It’s not my fault!’ Well, itisyour fault!” a female voice barked from the booth behind them, totally interrupting Maisey’s train of thought. There was a low, mumbled response from a voice that Maisey assumed was male before the woman said, “Why can’t you just be a decent human being? Why do you always have to be up to something? How illegal is it this time, hmmm?”

“Oh, holy shit,” Carly leaned in and whispered to Maisey and Cherilyn. “I really don’t want to arrest anybody at lunch. Can’t I just eat in peace, just this once?”

There was more low mumbling, and then the woman shouted, “I just can’t take it anymore! Carry on with your cheating and swindling and hideous bullshit by yourself! I want a divorce!” There was rustling around, and then a well-dressed lady stormed by their table and took off out the door.

Carly tipped her head back and rolled her eyes. “I should’ve guessed,” she murmured.

Maisey was confused. “Should’ve guessed what?”

“I’ve gotten called out there half a dozen times in the last two weeks, and it’s getting?”

“Hello, ladies,” a man’s voice purred, and Maisey’s heart froze. She’d heard that voice before.

“Good afternoon, MayorCurtis,” Carly answered. Maisey was finding it hard to breathe. She knew where she’d heard that voice, and the knowledge paralyzed her with fear.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your two friends here?” JeffCurtis asked in a tone like honey dripping from his lips.

“Oh, sure. This is CherilynHarrison. Her husband is ShawHarrison, one of the state conservation officers. And this is MaiseyFriedman, Deputy AaronFriedman’s wife.”

“It’s very nice to meet you ladies. You’re keeping dubious company. This one here,” he said, pointing at Carly, “likes to arrest people for absolutely no reason.”

“If I make an arrest, Mr.Mayor, I assure you it’s for good reason,” Carly answered, her tone sweet but her words biting.

“I suppose we’ll let the court figure that one out.” He stopped and smiled. “Friedman… Aren’t you the woman who put on the coat and…”

“Yes, sir,” Maisey mumbled, barely able to speak.

“Ah-ha. What’s next? Slippers? Scarves?” He hesitated just a moment before he added, “A hat, perhaps?” The smile he directed at Maisey made her stomach churn. “Pleasure meeting you, ladies. SheriffMcEvers,” he said, dipping his head, and he walked away without ever looking back.

It wasn’t until the door closed behind him on his way out that Maisey took a breath. Her heart was pounding out of control, and she knew her hands were shaking. “Boy, he’s an arrogant sumbitch,” Cherilyn whispered.

“An arrogant, eavesdropping sumbitch.” That was the moment that Carly got a good look at Maisey. “Honey, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

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