“It sounds as if something was going on at the house. I didn’t know any of the Kellehers were still at the house. Aren’t you and Margaret going to fight for custody of the dog and ultimately the house?”
“Yes, which is why I still haven’t been in the house. I’m concerned someone will blame me for something new. I told Lucas to keep the keys until the judge rules. However, Lucas assured me I’m the legal owner unless or until the judge rules otherwise which is why Berg couldn’t arrest me. I guess I should report those three people as trespassers, too. The problem is I have no idea who they were or which one locked us in that shed at gun point.” I leaned back in my chair glad the insanity was over.
The Chief said, “I have the information and your complaint. I can’t promise you we’ll find out who it was, but once everything settles down with the dog custody it may all come out in the wash.” He stood with the form in his hand. “You’re free to go.”
At that moment, Officer Bill Todorov rushed into the room holding several pieces of paper. “Chief, I have some interesting news about Clark Cavanaugh and the Kellehers.”
He stopped in his tracks and mumbled, “Hi Annie, sorry.” Then he turned and rushed out.
“What about Clark and the Kellehers?” I stared at Clifford.
He held up his hands and said, “Police business, Annie. Go home.” He left the room with me wondering what to do now.
Georgie whispered, “Told you Clark might be involved.”
“No he’s not.” I marched out of the interrogation room to the sound of the Chief reading Bill the riot act about privacy and looking before he speaks.
Bill said Clark’s name along with the Kellehers. Are they connected? How could they be? Maybe Clark is their spy. That’s why he’s staying so close to me and yet is being a gentleman. Maybe he doesn’t care and sleeping on top of the quilt is what he’s being paid to do. He doesn’t want to get closer to me. At our age, we would have taken that step already. We’re not children. I may be nervous, but not that nervous. He’s playing me. Annie Ryan you’re a fool.
I walked into the waiting room and saw Clark. My heart skipped a beat, and a pain hit my chest. It must be my breaking heart.
Clark jumped up and asked, “Are you okay? I heard shouting.”
“We’re fine,” I said and looked at Georgie. Her eyes were shooting daggers at Clark. She must have come to the same conclusion as I did. “Can you please take us to my car?”
“Yes, of course, but you can get it in the morning. I’ll drive you.”
I spun and bit my lip. “No thanks, I need it tonight. Georgie is spending the night, and I want to drive it home and to the bookstore tomorrow. You can go home and get a decent night’s sleep for a change. No sleeping on top of the quilt.” I stormed out of the building and stopped next to Clark’s car.
The three of us climbed into the car, but I ignored Clark’s questions on the drive to the bookshop. He handed me the keys he received back from Detective Berg. I mumbled, “Thanks,” and climbed into my vehicle and sped out of the parking lot as soon as I heard Georgie’s seat belt click.
“Wow, you’re angry. What are you going to do?” Georgie asked.
“He used me. He’s one of the bad guys. I kissed him. I thought he might be the one I could trust and love. He slept in my bed. Well, on top of the quilt while I slept under, but he was there. He could have killed me in my sleep. Why didn’t he shoot us tonight? What do you think he wants?” I hit the steering wheel three times and let out a little scream.
“Feel better?” Georgie asked.
“No,” I said quickly wiping a hot tear I felt run down my cheek. “He used me. I’m so stupid. He’s in on whatever is going on at Inga’s. I told Berg tonight that I was going to wait to see what the judge says before I go into the house. I’m tired of waiting for everyone else to do what they want before I do. Tomorrow I’m getting the keys and going into my house. Can you get out of going to work and come along?” I hit the steering wheel again, but this time I felt empowered.
“I’m pretty sure I can get out of work. The owner likes me,” Georgie answered.
We were both laughing hard by the time I pulled into my driveway.
“Hey,” Georgie said. “I think I know why he didn’t shoot us. If you’re dead, the house will go to Laci. Until the judge says otherwise, it’s your house. You said as much to Berg. They’ll wait until the ruling. Killing you and possibly me might look like it’s connected to Inga somehow, but they can’t take a chance hurting Laci. It would be suspicious. The judge would never give Yummy to a Kelleher. I think you’re safe. They’re trying to scare you into giving up.”
I dropped my head against the steering wheel so quickly I gave myself a headache.
I straightened and rubbed my forehead. “I think you’re right. Clark was with me when the rock was tossed through my window.”
“Big deal,” Georgie murmured. “He’s just setting up an alibi. Don’t trust him.”
I nodded.
#######
I walked through the house checking every window and door lock while Georgie called Paul. We sat on the couch and enjoyed a glass of wine. I normally love to sit on my pier and enjoy the lake, but I’m afraid Clark is hiding in the bushes watching and waiting.
Georgie set her glass on the coffee table and said, “With all the commotion I missed a text from Dot. Rumor mill says Mags will be released tomorrow.”
“At least we
