“Well?” Lucy squealed. “Tell me everything!”
As Jane gathered ingredients for Trick’s casserole and dessert, she explained, “Okay. Get this. I’m gonna make Emma think someone took a photo of her when she killed Tony. She’ll see the image and panic. I’ll tell her she can buy my silence. We’ll meet, and I’ll trick her into making a confession.”
“I love it. But what if she attacks you to keep you quiet without paying up? And won’t she realize this is a setup? You aren’t exactly the blackmailing type. And what if she’s innocent and calls the cops?” Lucy pressed a hand over her heart. “Jane, you could be arrested and sent to prison!”
“That’s a risk I’m willing to take to clear my innocent friends. And also for justice or whatever.”
“But Rolex.” Lucy waved to the table. “He would be devastated without you.”
Jane glanced over to see her precious angel baby curled up in the centerpiece bowl, with Cartier snuggled in beside him. “Yes,” she said with her driest tone, “I’m sure he’ll be shattered.”
Lucy followed her line of sight and giggled. “If you’re positive you want to do this, I’m totally willing to help. Put me in the game, coach. I’m ready to come off the bench.”
Laughing, Jane prepped the chicken with a creamy marinade. “I’m not sure what to do about the meet up.”
“I know there’s a solution. It’s right there at the edge of my brain, waiting to be discovered.” Lucy thought for a moment before brightening. “I’ve got it! Tiffany Hotchkins is throwing a costume party this weekend. I see her flyer every time I step in the office. Well, what if you somehow keep your identity a secret and suggest Emma meet you there? Even an evil murderess is less likely to strike in public.”
“Yes!” How utterly perfect. This might turn out to be Jane’s biggest bust yet.
“As for the money,” the other woman continued, “you should demand at least fifty thousand.”
What! “So much? She’ll never be able to put together such a large sum so quickly. She might decide to skip town rather than meet with me.”
“Trust me.” Lucy gave her a pointed look. “She can afford it, Jane.”
Had she gotten a big settlement from Tony, despite rumors? And the loan officer knew this because she had access to the other woman’s account?
Well. Having friends rocked! As the rice softened, Jane grated different cheeses and brainstormed the perfect wordage to accompany Trick’s photo.Lucy helped but jetted off about half an hour before the vet’s scheduled arrival, promising to call in the morning. She took Cartier with her, and Rolex pouted. Jane shared chicken with him to lift his spirit.
The remaining time flew by, and all too soon both the dish and the dessert were done, and the man of the hour was ringing her doorbell.
Brimming with excitement, she welcomed Trick inside. His eyes closed. He moaned as he sniffed the aromatic air. “Tonight I feast.”
“Payment first,” she said.
He whipped out his phone, telling her, “Here’s the photo. No need to tell me how good I am. Iknow.”
Her cell vibrated in her pocket as she led him to the kitchen, where he dove into the casserole with great enthusiasm.
Tremors struck her as she checked the image—wow, wow, wow! It really did appear authentic. He had exceeded her expectations. Emma stood behind the body, one foot in front of the other, as if she prepared to flee. Her expression hovered somewhere between determined and angry.
“Don’t tell me what you’re planning,” Trick said, just before shoveling in another bite.
“Okay. I won’t.” She forwarded the photo to her new burner phone. Stomach churning, she typed the message she and Lucy had crafted.
EMMA MILLER. I KNOW WHAT YOU DID. IF YOU DON’T WANT OTHERS TO KNOW YOU’LL BRING 50K TO THE HOTCHKINS PARTY. I’LL ISSUE FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS THERE.
And…send.
Now, Jane waited.
* * *
Jane remainedon edge the rest of the evening, staring at the burner phone, desperate to receive a response.
She brushed her teeth, preparing for bed. Still waiting.
Climbed under the covers and settled in. Still waiting.