Page 18 of Hell Hath No Fury

“How about yesterday?”

“Hell, we had a full crew yesterday. Earth movers. Carpenters. All the trades. Of course, most of those were working around the units we’re currently constructing.” He looked toward the trio of houses. “Since you won’t let me snoop, we have to get back to work.”

Matthias got their names and phone numbers before letting them go. By then, the first two police vehicles had arrived. He waved his arms in their direction, and both marked SUVs rolled his way.

He looked at Emma, still where he’d left her, her camera once again hanging from her neck. Her arms were crossed, hugging herself. As the local police approached, Matthias returned to Emma’s side and wrapped her in his embrace. She felt as fragile as bone china. “I’ve got you,” he whispered against her cheek. “No matter what, I’ve got you.”

* * *

For the next hour, Emma leaned on the bumper of Fran’s car and watched the action at the grave. She’d asked Fran if she was all right. Fran had responded with little more than a grunt and chosen to stay seated inside the vehicle. Emma surmised she hadn’t dug up a dead body before.

Besides the initial two police vehicles—one state police, one Mt. Pleasant Township—two more state troopers, an unmarked sedan, and the county coroner’s vehicle now lined the paved road.

Emma wondered if whoever bought that lot would know about the crime that had happened on it. Would they get a discounted price?

Matthias had been deep in conversation with the officers, but she watched him break away from the group and stroll up the hill in her direction. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m okay. What’s going on?” she asked, not sure she wanted to know.

“They’re about to start uncovering the remains now that the criminal investigators and the coroner are on the scene. They’ve asked us to stick around.” He glanced toward the rear window of the car. “Fran, too.”

“I figured as much.”

Below, the level of movement around the grave intensified. “I’m going back down there,” Matthias said. “I’ll keep you posted.” He started to turn but stopped. “You sure you’re okay?”

“Not really. Not until I know who’s buried in that hole.”

“I’ll let you know as soon as I do.”

Emma watched his retreat. If she had to go through losing her best friend, she was glad to have Matthias to lean on.

Minutes of activity gave way to complete stillness, with the cops and coroner staring at the hole they’d dug. Matthias would find out if it was Eric and let Emma know very soon. She closed her eyes, picturing Eric the last time she’d seen him on a video call a couple weeks ago, and before that, in person, when he’d been in Erie with her. When they’d both believed Nell was dead. Eric had been their best friend… hers and Nell’s. He’d been their protector back in high school. Emma had returned the favor when the school bullies got wind that he was gay. They’d always protected and supported each other—through family tragedies, through failed relationships, through financial difficulties.

Emma didn’t know what she’d do if the body in the grave was his.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket just as she saw Matthias striding up the hill again. She considered ignoring the call but tugged the phone free and checked the screen.

Eric’s face and number lit it.

She inhaled sharply, brushed tears from her eyes, and answered.

“I got your note,” came Eric’s voice over the speaker. “Where are you?”

Matthias stopped in front of her, his face unreadable. “It’s not Eric.”

“I know.” She pointed to the phone in her hand. “He just called.”

“What?” Eric asked. “What’s going on?”

“I’ll tell you in a second,” she replied, her knees weak. She looked at Matthias, sensing he had more news. She was right.

He fixed her with his stoic cop stare. “It’s Sonny Jones.”

ChapterSeven

“I’ll call you right back,” Emma said to her phone and thumbed the screen.

Matthias watched Emma silently process the news. Her face grew still, but a sea of emotions flickered beneath the surface.