Page 29 of Little Bitter Truths
She tucked a handful of locks of hair behind her left ear, revealing a birthmark about the size of a pea.“When my hair is down, you can’t see it.”
“And Wren didn’t have one?”
Mia shook her head.
I thought back to the crime scene photos.
Wren’s hair was up, pulled back into a bun, exposing her ears, something the killer may not have noticed from afar, but close up …
“It’s been a long day,” Mia said.“I’m tired.”
“I understand.I should go.”
I took a few sips of water and handed the glass to her.
She walked me to the door, and Coco trotted behind.
“Thank you for updating me on the investigation,” she said.
“I’ll continue to keep you in the loop.”
“I appreciate that.”
Outside, the evening air felt much cooler than when I’d first arrived.I walked down the path to my car, and once inside, I sat for a moment staring at the house.If my theory was right, the killer’s job wasn’t finished, which meant Mia could be in danger.
I grabbed my phone and called Whitlock.
He answered right away.
“How’s the rest of your day been?”he asked.“Have you gained any traction on the case?”
“I may have.I need to talk to you.”
“What’s going on?”
“I just left Mia’s house, and I have a theory.”
He paused.“What kind of theory?”
“The kind I’d rather discuss in person.”
“All right.I’m free now.Where do you want to meet?”
“My place.I’m just leaving Mia’s now.”
“All right, see you in twenty.”
11
The porch light cast a warm glow across the front steps when I parked in the driveway, and I sat in the car for a moment, letting the quiet settle around me.
As I grabbed my purse and prepared to step out, the front door opened, and Luka came charging toward me like a furry white cloud with legs.He reached me and did a few spins, his thick tail wagging so hard his entire back end moved along with it.
“I missed you too,” I said, crouching down to wrap my arms around his fluffy neck.
As I stepped into the house, I was met with the strong aromas of garlic and butter.I slipped my shoes off and walked toward the kitchen where I found Giovanni standing at the stove.He held a skillet in one hand, while the other rested on the counter beside a glass of red wine.
He looked over his shoulder and smiled.“Ahh, there you are.”
