Page 55 of Little Bitter Truths
“He understands my tendency to insert myself into something when it isn’t always my place.”
That was one way to describe her behavior.
“He said that perhaps I should trust you to question people as you see fit and not to get involved,” she continued.
I smiled despite myself.“Harvey’s a wise man.All is forgiven, and for what it’s worth, I spoke to Karl after I left the diner.I got what I needed from him.”
I set the quiche on the counter, and she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around me.“I’m glad to hear it.”
I hugged her back, surprised by the sincerity of the moment.
When she pulled away, her usual spark had returned.
“So,” she said, lowering her voice, “how is the case going …ifyou don’t mind me asking?”
We sat, and I gave her a brief overview.
When I finished, she said, “Sounds like this one is keeping you on your toes.I don’t believe you’ve ever had a case where you suspected the wrong person may have been murdered.How terrifying for Mia, to be grieving for her sister while fearing for her own life at the same time.”
“It’s a lot of pressure, like I’m racing against a ticking clock to find the killer before they get a chance to right their wrong.”
“Well,” she said, straightening, “if anyone can figure this out, it’s you.”
“Let’s hope so.”
She glanced at the time.
“Goodness, I’d better scoot or I’ll be late for Pilates.”She kissed my cheek, and as she prepared to walk to the door, she turned.“I hope you know how proud I am of you.”
“I do, Mom, but it’s always nice to hear it.”
She shot me a wink and then rushed out the door, waving as she made her way to the car.The house fell quiet, and a few minutes later, my cell phone buzzed.
I reached into the pocket of my robe and answered it.
“Hi, Georgiana,” Mia said.“I wanted to check in with you to see if there are any updates this morning.”
“I drove to Bakersfield yesterday and met with your cousin Renee.”
“And?How did it go?”
“She was forthcoming and cooperative.That’s how she came across to me, at least.I also met her husband, Bryan.They both seemed sincere.I know Renee contested your grandfather’s will, but I believe she wants more than anything to have a relationship with you.She asked me to say hello.”
“I see.I’ve thought about messaging her a few times.I’m just not sure I’m ready yet.I guess I wanted to make sure there was no way she could have …”
“Renee has an alibi.Her neighbor came by to return a dish on the night of the murder.”
“Have you spoken to the neighbor?”
“I have.”
Mia drew in a breath and let it out.“What a relief it is to know I was right about one thing.I never wanted to believe Renee had anything to do with it.Still, it’s nice to rule her out.I’ve been thinking about her and about our grandfather’s house.I’ve always known how much she looks up to me.I haven’t made a big effort to be in her life, something Wren pointed out to me on more than one occasion.”
“It’s not too late to fix things between you two.”
“Can I be honest with you?The more I think about your theory and about someone wanting me dead, the more I find myself questioning everything.”
“In what way?”
