Page 127 of Callahan

“Bess Schilling.”

“What? Earl’s wife?”

“Yeah, we were as surprised as you.”

“I’m so confused. How? Why? Is Earl involved, too?”

“It doesn’t look that way, as of right now. But we seized the electronics from their house today, along with the pad of paper the notes were written on. We should know more in the coming days.”

“I’m flabbergasted. She was just here this morning and smiled and waved to me.”

A surge of nausea rolled through me as I thought about how I’d smiled and waved back, completely oblivious she was the one who’d threatened me and my son.

I had a new appreciation for neighbors of serial killers who’d declare, “We had no idea! He was so helpful and friendly.” I used to roll my eyes and yell at the TV, “Come on! Pay attention!”

Not anymore.

“Why would she do something like that?”

Adam answered this time. “After she admitted to writing the letters, she lawyered up and refused to answer any more questions. But the DPS detective’s theory is that she was jealous over how magnanimous Earl has been with you and the building’s lease.”

“Oh my god! He hasn’t even been that generous! I knew it was a lessee’s market in Haven Springs and negotiated accordingly.”

Brian said, “Well, you know that’s not the story Earl has been telling.”

“I know, and I didn’t care enough to try set the record straight.” I stared out my new window for a beat without focusing on anything in particular. Finally, I blinked and looked back at Adam and Brian. “I guess I should have.”

Brian shook his head. “This is not your fault, Lain. Bess Schilling obviously has a screw loose. You just happened to be the unfortunate victim of her fixation.”

“So, is it safe to stay at my apartment now?” I was suddenly glad I hadn’t given Earl that key.

“I think so. To be safe, I ordered another camera for the front. Adam and I will get that installed when it comes in.”

Using the tongs, I plucked the last éclair from the display case, along with a croissant, since the tarts had sold out thirty minutes earlier. After putting them in a bag. I told Marie, “No charge,” as I handed the food directly to Brian and said, “You guys bought the pizza last night.”

He pointed an ominous finger at me.

“I don’t want to make a scene right now, so I’m just going to smile and say, ‘thank you,’ but rest assured, this conversation is not over.”

Adam chimed in with, “Not even a little.”

I opened and closed my hand at them both as I said, “Blah, blah, blah. Have a seat, I’ll be out with some coffee in a second.”

Then I went into the kitchen, buried my face in a dish towel, and burst into tears. Although I wasn’t exactly sure why.

Between the threatening letters and my window being broken, to having an affair and falling in love with Adam, then being forced from my apartment, and finally, Adam ending things, the last ten days had been a lot to process. And on top of that, I wasn’t even sure where I stood with the bakery now. Was Earl going to try to find a way to cancel my lease?

I dabbed my eyes and took a deep breath, then blew it out.

Then it hit me.

Wait.

I’m not in love with Adam.

No, I couldn’t be. My pride was just hurt because he’d ended things before I did.

No good would come from being in love with him.

---