Page 26 of Just the Nicest Person

Nothing seemed especially suspicious about the commercial break. Most likely, Craig had lost the signal in the storm and none of this was a big deal.

But, if that was true, why did no one around Duke seem convinced?

chapterten

Andi drew in a deep breath.

Something was wrong with Craig. She was sure of it.

“Wait . . . he almost sounded scared right before he went off air.” Mariella’s eyes were bright and animated as she joined the conversation. “You guys know it’s the truth.”

“Go back one more time,” Andi murmured to Simmy. “Please.”

“Sure thing.” Simmy did as she asked, and the podcast began playing again.

“Right there.” Andi straightened. “Did you hear it?”

Simmy hit Pause. “Hear what?”

“A footstep in the background.” Duke crossed one arm over his chest—the other held his coffee—as he stepped closer, his jaw hardening.

Part of Andi felt happy to hear the confirmation, to know she wasn’t totally losing her mind.

“If I had time, I could dissect the audio,” Matthew piped in with a casual shrug as they all stood in a semi-circle. “I could separate the soundwaves so you can hear the various layers better.”

“You can do that?” Andi turned toward the guy, impressed.

He nodded as if it weren’t a big deal. “It just takes time.”

She stored that fact away before turning back to Duke. “You heard the sound too?”

Andi studied his face, making sure he wasn’t simply trying to appease her.

“I did.” Duke took a sip of his coffee. “Why is a footstep weird?”

“Because Craig lives alone.” Simmy’s gaze clouded as she leaned against the counter. “There shouldn’t be anyone else in his house.”

“Maybe that’s what he claims online.” Duke cocked a shoulder. “But who’s to say that’s all true? Maybe he met a nice woman, and the two of them have settled down together. Maybe he wants to keep a certain persona.”

“He would have told listeners.” Andi pressed her lips together, making it clear she had no doubt her statement was true. “Craig always boasts about how he likes being alone. He doesn’t even have a dog.”

“He doesn’t have anyone in his life.” Simmy’s melancholy voice wafted through the air.

The seriousness of her tone startled Andi. The woman was normally so soft-spoken and easygoing.

But the way she said that . . .

Andi studied her friend a moment, trying to figure out the subtext to her words.

Simmy knew entirely more about Craig than she had let on, didn’t she?

“Simmy . . .” Andi waited for her friend to explain herself.

Simmy ran a hand through her hair, her face suddenly ashen. “Someone else was in the house during the podcast.”

“Why do you sound so certain?” Andi narrowed her eyes as she waited to hear the explanation.

Simmy scraped her short, chipped fingernails against the wooden counter. They looked ragged, like she’d been biting them. “I just know. Ever since Craig announced last week that he figured out who killed Henrietta, he’s wondered if the killer was trying to hunt him down. He even got a couple of threatening emails.”

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