Chapter Thirty-Two

Monday morning Shelby was in a decidedly better mood. Yes, she had to admit to herself that she’d been, and probably still was, a little jealous of Rachel. Even though Zack had convinced her that there was not, nor had there ever been, anything going on and that, in fact, he had tried to get the information Shelby had wanted. Still, it frosted her that Rachel would see right through her feelings and play that low-down card.

But today … everything was going to be just great. The sun was shining and she had an upbeat feeling.

She hadn’t heard back from Prissy Newmarket, so she assumed they were still on vacation. No brunch today; however, she did have a shopping list from Edie, and that would be her priority after the prerequisite Monday morning cleaning routine.

She managed to get it all done in record time, although she wasn’t about to check too closely what kind of job she’d done, especially when it came to the floors. She hadn’t given much thought to what having a cat would do to her home. Not the warm, welcoming soft ball of fur, but the shedding part of it. And then there were the sometimes-muddy paws. She glanced at the sleeping furball settled on his chair and smiled. He’d really managed to cuddle his way into her life.

She made a quick lunch of salad and a grilled cheese sandwich and had just finished washing the dishes when Taylor called.

“Hi, Taylor. How are you doing today?” As usual, she felt a bit of apprehension when asking.

“I had a marvelous sleep. No little feet kicking, so I feel rested and raring to go.”

“Uh-oh.”

Taylor laughed. “Don’t worry. I’m still lying low. But there is one thing I want to tell you. I asked Chuck about how the murder investigation was proceeding.”

“You didn’t.”

“Like I said, or maybe I didn’t, I need distractions, and he seemed to accept that. So, I don’t know how deeply you’re involved or what you know, although I’d like to hear all about it one day soon, but I thought I’d fill you in on the latest, according to Chuck.”

“Oh, tell me.” Shelby caught her breath. What could be happening now?

“Well, you know Savannah’s fiancé?”

“Liam Kennelly, yes.”

“Chuck says they gave him the okay to leave town a couple of days ago. They’d actually meant to do that sooner, but since he wasn’t complaining, they thought they’d double-check all his info. So, he’s definitely in the clear. But they do know where to find him if anything changes. So, does this help you in any way?”

“Well, I’d sort of assumed that he was in the clear, since I knew he’d left. But I’m more curious these days about Bryce O’Connell, Savannah’s agent. Did Chuck mention him at all?”

“According to Chuck, they’re not so sure about him, although if he demanded to leave, they couldn’t stop him.”

“That’s interesting. I wonder what part they’re unsure about. Did he happen to say anything about Savannah’s laptop?”

“Nada.”

“Or did he mention any other suspects by name? Like maybe Jenna Dunlop?”

Taylor took a couple of seconds answering, during which Shelby could hear another voice growing louder, possibly the MIL entering the room. Taylor’s voice was muffled, as if she were answering said visitor. Then she got back to Shelby. “No, but it sounds like that’s something you want me to be pursuing.”

“Perhaps not. He’d get annoyed or suspicious if you asked for too many details, don’t you think?”

“I’ll figure out a way,” Taylor assured her. “Leave it to me. I’ll call you if I have anything to report. Final thing, I’ll need some reading material by the end of the week.”

“I’ll be sure to come by with books. We have a pile of new advanced reading copies that came in, so maybe you could cull them for us. Give us your opinion on what to actually buy. How does that sound?”

“Super. I’d love to do that. Can’t wait. Thanks, Shelby.”

“You’re welcome, and it was good to hear from you. Take care.”

“You also. Ciao.”

Shelby hung up, but her hand remained on the receiver.

And then there was one less suspect. But should Liam really be off the hook?