MAYA RAIN was sitting there, although the children weren’t around. Maybe they were busy elsewhere in the house or out with friends. But Veena was pretty sure that Francine and Maya had sent them to their rooms the moment she and Cooper knocked on the door.
“I have something for you,” Veena said. She reached into her pocket, pulled out Archie’s Super Bowl ring, and held it out to Francine, who stared at it unbelievingly. She hesitated to take it, as if Veena were trying to hand her a cursed talisman.
“How on earth did you find—”
“That’s what we’re here to discuss,” Veena said.
“Francine, we don’t have to do this now,” Maya said, rising from her chair. “In fact, I’m going to insist that we don’t do this now. Let me call your attorney and have her arrange a proper meeting.”
“Have a seat, Vanessa,” Cooper said.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” There was no anger in her voice. On the contrary, Maya seemed amused.
“I saw a bunch of your old escort ads, Vanessa. You were beautiful then, but I like your current look a lot more. What I’m wondering is, which name is real, Vanessa or Maya? Or is it something else entirely? Am I talking to a Wanda June?”
Maya smiled. “I still like you, Cooper. Even though you say the cruelest things sometimes.”
Francine’s confusion seemed genuine. “Will someone explain to me what’s going on?”
“Happily,” Veena said, giving Cooper a look that said Please stop taunting the potential murder suspect.