Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Just how well did any of us know Nick Basanelli?
Chapter 22
Detective Pierce called after I’d finished a lunch of tuna salad that wasn’t settling very nicely. I had my foot on my desk with a bag of frozen peas over my knee. Who knew where Oliver acquired them, but I was thankful because they eased the pain.
“Hey, Pierce,” I said. “What’s happening?”
“I just wanted to give you a heads-up that the Cupids donated about two-thirds of their loot from the Relic robbery to the Senior Citizens center in Silverville.”
I stiffened. “In Silverville? That’s the first time they’ve headed over the pass.”
“I know. I have Sheriff Franco on warning in case they’re moving in that direction. He’s letting the townspeople know.”
“Any news on Lenny?” I asked.
More paper shuffling came over the line. “Sorry, no. We have a BOLO out for him, and we’ve gone door to door in his neighborhood, but nobody has seen him.”
A chill skittered down my back. I hoped that wasn’t bad news for Lenny.
Pierce chuckled. “My day was brightened by the front page of the Timber City Gazette, however.”
“I half-blame you for that,” I blurted out.
“That’s not fair. I had no clue the press would show up,” he said. “Plus, you’re the one who’s always getting in newsworthy situations.”
I groaned, reliving the memory of that picture. “Did you catch the headline?”
He coughed, and I knew he was trying to cover a laugh. “Yeah, I caught the headline. Local Attorney Anna Albertini Caught in a Glitter Bomb Misfire.”
I smacked my hand to my head. “They didn’t even mention the Cupids in the headline. Shouldn’t it be about them and not me?”
Pierce finally got himself under control, and neither laughed nor coughed. “If you ask me, it’s usually about you when it comes to Jolene O’Sullivan. I don’t know what your beef is with her, but I’d try to bury it at some point.”
I wanted to bury my fist in her face. “I’ve tried, Pierce. I thought we had called détente, and she used what I said against me in the next article.”
“Then how about you stay out of trouble?” he suggested.
Sometimes, my job led to trouble. “This wasn’t my fault,” I burst out.
“I know,” he said reassuringly. “But Albertini, you do make good copy.”
I shoved my temper down because, right now, he was communicating freely, and I needed information. “Anything on Nick’s case?”
“Nope. Gotta go.” Pierce clicked off.
Great. That absolutely meant that something was going to happen—and soon. Grumbling, I returned to the paperwork I’d ignored for too long and ended up in a decent mood around four in the dark afternoon.
Oliver poked his head in. “Hey, I need to get going. I have a class.”
I looked up. “Thanks. Good job today.”
“It was fairly quiet. I enjoyed it.” He winced. “Sorry about the most recent news article.”
I nodded. “We’re getting kind of used to it.”
He smiled, his face brightening. “However, we did have several new clients call to make appointments. I hate to admit it, but we get clients every time you’re in the paper in a wacky situation.”
Just wonderful. I forced a smile. “I like how you’re back to looking on the bright side, Oliver.”
“Working out helps me see the bright side,” he said cheerfully. “Clark went back to the courthouse for an afternoon hearing, and Pauley dropped in around lunchtime but then headed home over the pass. So, it’s just you. Do you want me to lock the door?”
I thought about the situation. “Yeah, lock the door, would you? I’ll be leaving shortly. I don’t have any more appointments, so go ahead.”
“You’ve got it, boss.” He turned and whistled his way down the hallway.
I wrapped up the contract I was drafting for the sale of thirty acres outside Timber City, removed the bag of peas, and tried to stand on my leg. I’d worn a heavy skirt today to let my knee be free, and the material fell to my ankles. My phone buzzed, and I picked it up to see a text from Aiden saying that he would pick me up in half an hour. I glanced out at the snow, which was once again falling softly. It was a pretty night, but I had no desire to venture out into it.
However, I did owe Cousin Wanda a thanks, so I limped into the kitchen and picked up several of the sugar cookies Oliver had acquired during lunchtime and put them on a plate. Tossing my coat and purse over my arm, I turned off all the lights and left the office, careful to lock it securely behind me. I wandered down to Wanda’s office and pushed to open the door but stopped. It was locked. Darn it. I must’ve just missed her. Well, I’d take the cookies home.
I turned to head back to my office just as a man lumbered up the stairs. “Anna.”