“That’s what I think,” Scott said.
“Sonja would never be so irresponsible.” Rinda shook her head. “I know her. Even if she was pissed at Lester, she would have called her kids.”
“Maybe.” Scott wasn’t convinced.
“Anyway, her taking off would be the best-case scenario,” Rinda whispered and touched her throat. “You know, it’s creepy. First that woman they found up at Catwalk Point, and now Sonja missing. It makes you wonder if they’re related.”
“I’m sure the police are checking it out,” Blanche said, then scrounged in her purse for her keys. “I’ve really got to go.” She cast a glance at Jenna as she retrieved an oversized key ring. “I’ve cancelled my private lessons this week because of the weather, so tell Allie to keep practicing. We’ll catch up once the storm passes and the roads are clear again.” She caught a glimpse of the icy window. “I hope it’s soon. I hate this weather.”
“Don’t we all,” Rinda tossed over her shoulder, though she was watching Wes work with the computer.
Jenna promised, “I’ll make sure Allie spends some time at the piano.”
“She’ll hate you for that. Most kids love to play outside in this weather. Sled, build snowmen, ice skate.” Blanche was already halfway out of the office. “Piano practice will be low on her priority list, I’m afraid.”
“We’ll see.”
“Mmm. That we will.” Blanche’s footsteps faded through the old theater.
“Strange old bird,” Wes said, as if to himself.
Jenna agreed, but didn’t say so. These days everyone seemed to be acting oddly. Maybe it was the weather. Or all in your mind…She wasn’t going there. Not today.
“That should do it.” Stretching, Wes leaned back so far in the desk chair that his back cracked. “Oh, that’s better.” Straightening, he added, “The program’s working now, it’s just slow.”
Scott scowled. “Isn’t that what I said?”
“Geez, Scott, did you get up on the wrong side of the bed or what?” Wes asked, and made the mistake of rumpling his nephew’s hair. “A little heavy-handed with the sculpting gel, kid.”
Scott cringed, stumbling backward. “Knock it off!” He blushed as red as his hair and his round eyes took on a sinister gleam. “I’m not a kid.”
“Yeah, right. You need to quit using all those women’s hair products,” Wes needled. “They’re sissy stuff.”
“Knock it off, Wes,” Rinda cut in.
“He doesn’t bother me,” Scott growled. “Old fart.”
“Ouch!” Wes’s grin stretched from one side of his face to the other. “Okay, I get it. I embarrassed you. Let’s forget what I did, okay?” He offered his hand.
Scott wanted to pout, but thought better of it, though he didn’t shake his uncle’s outstretched palm. “Fine. No sweat.” He shrugged sulkily, then inched toward the door, where he stopped. “So, Jenna,” he said uncomfortably, “if you want help with the alarm system, let me know.”
Jenna wanted to drop through the floor as Wes turned toward her. “You’ve still got problems with your security system?”
“Of course she does,” Rinda said.
“Then I’ll come fix it.”
“You don’t have to—”
“That’s a great idea,” Rinda cut in and motioned to her son, who was glaring at his uncle. “Take Scott with you, Wes.” When Rinda noticed Jenna about to protest even further, she added, “Look, Jenna, do this for me, okay? So I worry less. Getting the alarm system up and running only makes sense.”
Jenna stopped arguing. If a security system would make the place safer for her and the kids, she may as well use it. Hadn’t she already decided as much? So what if both Wes and Scott made her nervous? It seemed that everyone did these days. Even the no-nonsense sheriff with his cold, judgmental eyes.
Because of her fame she was used to curious stares, interested looks, furtive glances, and even out-and-out gaping at her. But she’d rarely come across the cool, clinical detachment the cop had shown. He’d been all business to the point of being brusque the first time out of the chute, a little warmer the second, but there was still mistrust between them. Or, as Rinda had suggested, was it something worse than mistrust?
Wasn’t it true that she found the lawman attractive?
How ridiculous.