I couldn’t believe that Wyatt had left out that pertinent piece of information from his version of things. Then again, he’d long since proved he was a man more inclined to partial truths than full ones.
“You think he’s innocent, don’t you?” she asked bluntly.
I tried not to cringe. “I just know that when Seth Chalmers was murdered, the sheriff’s department was pretty eager to find a way to pin it on me. I had to find his killers on my own to clear my name. And while Wyatt and I aren’t together, we’re still sort of friends. I had the day off, so I figured I’d ask around and see what people know.”
She shrugged and gave me a look I interpreted as, Whatever, you do you.
“Do you think you could give me Mitzi’s number?” I asked, already falling in love with the kitten that had fallen asleep in my arms. “I’d like to ask her some questions too.”
She made a face. “I’m not sure I should just give you her number. She may not want to be harassed.”
“I don’t want to harass her in any way,” I said in a rush. “I just want to have a conversation. You haven’t felt harassed, have you?” Had I come on too strong?
“No, but Mitzi knows more about when Heather came back the last time. And she’s the one who threw the party for her.” She was quiet for a moment. “Mitzi’s not taking Heather’s death well, and she was already fragile. I don’t want her to get hurt.”
“I promise to be gentle with her,” I said earnestly. “I’m not out to coerce people to protect Wyatt, if that’s what you’re worried about. I’m out to find the truth. So if Mitzi tells me information that paints Wyatt in a bad light, I’m not going to go after her to change her story. I just want to ensure the sheriff’s department finds the real murderer.”
“Why?” she asked with narrowed eyes. “You didn’t even know Heather. Why would you care?”
“Because whatever flaws she might have had, Heather didn’t deserve to be murdered, and the person who did it needs to be brought to justice.” When I could see that didn’t sway her, I added, “And I guess I like playin’ PI.”
As I suspected, that was the answer she was looking for. A wide smile spread across her face. “You weren’t obtrusive, and I really do think you’re trying to find out the truth. I’ll put in a good word for you with Mitzi and have her call you.”
This was one of those times I wish I had a reliable cell phone. “She can call me at Max’s Tavern, although I won’t be going into work until three.” Then I remembered Bart’s invitation to have tea with Emily. “Or maybe even later. And after I leave here, I’m meeting someone for lunch at Watson’s. What if I drop by after lunch? That will give you time to call Mitzi, and you can let me know whether she agreed. I’d really like to talk to her this afternoon.”
“Okay…” But the look on her face suggested she was reluctant.
I glanced up at the clock on the wall. “I suppose I should be going soon, but these little guys are so cute.”
“Are you serious about adopting?” she asked as she got to her feet.
“Yeah,” I said, holding the gray kitten in front of my face. “As long as Hank agrees, which I don’t think will be a problem. If I promise to take care of all the responsibilities and let him have all the fun, he’ll likely be on board. I’d like this little girl to be one of the two.”
Abby’s face lit up. “Then I’ll put in a good word for you. You can leave the kittens in the pen when you’re done and just walk around back to your car. Sasha’ll be out later to bring them in. The fresh air and space will do them good.”
Then she went inside.
I hoped I’d just bought myself an interview.
Chapter Eleven
I was five minutes early, but Marco was already sitting at a table at Watson’s.
“I need to wash my hands before I sit down,” I said, placing my purse and my messenger bag in the booth seat opposite him. “Get me an iced tea if Angie or Greta comes by to take our drink order.”
“Already did,” he said with a grin.
I hurried off to the bathroom to get cleaned up, and when I returned, there were two drinks on the table.
Marco gave me a suspicious glance. “What were you up to?”
“I figure it’s pretty obvious what happens in a bathroom, but my main reason for going was to wash off the kitten germs.”
“Kitten germs?”
“I was playing with kittens.”
The look on his face made it clear he thought I was lying.
“I swear,” I said, holding up three fingers. “Girl Scouts honor.”
“I’d call your bluff on being a Girl Scout, but I suspect you actually were.”
“I was until my—” I cut myself off, realizing I was about to reveal a fact about Caroline’s life rather than Charlene’s made-up backstory.
But Marco knew my truth and must have realized why I’d stopped myself. He reached across the table and placed his hand over mine. “I’m sorry, Carly.”
I held his gaze, and the understanding and warmth flooded me. He’d become so important to me. He knew about my mother’s death and how much it had changed my life, which saved me from saying the words. Flipping my hand over, I twined our fingers together. “Thank you, Marco.”
“You two are the sweetest couple,” Greta said next to our table. She was wearing a pink vintage-looking diner outfit, with a white collar and white trim on the pockets. Her long blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail. And she was beaming as her gaze went from our hands to my face.
Marco gave my hand a squeeze and released me. “For the umpteenth time, Greta, we’re just friends.”
“Friends who
