by Kate Young
I’d also heard several authors were interested in writing a novel about Val. Not that I was surprised. In her TV interview she’d bragged about her crimes. Gloated how she’d manipulated local police. The lack of empathy she showed as she detailed burning her parents alive astounded. When she discussed her present-day crimes, she did, however, show a little regret that her best friend hadn’t trusted her. Though she managed to turn that around to be Carol’s fault in the end of the interview. If you asked me, I suspected the use of the manipulated nursery rhyme is what drew the writers.
Officer Taylor later confessed to letting Val into the evidence room. She’d told him how hot it would be to make out in there. So stupid. He claims he didn’t see her take the scarf from one of the lockers.
The arrest blindsided Judge Timms, and it took him hearing it from Val’s lips to believe it. Kevin was released, and he moved out of Ellen’s townhouse two days later. The inheritance is being split between Judge Timms and Kevin. After all the press, the judge decided it was fair after all.
Quinn and I had dinner after everything settled down. He claimed it was important for him to clear the air and that it bothered him to think he was dirty. Turns out Judge Timms helped him get the job as chief of police for an occasional favor here and there. Quinn swore up and down it never crossed any lines. I decided it wasn’t any of my business. But it was a confession I wouldn’t soon forget.
Ellen received probation and community service for her part in things. Aunt Elizabeth was so distraught she booked a spa getaway to calm her nerves. Mother hadn’t been surprised. I could tell she wished she’d warned me to steer clear of Val, and almost used the tragedy to connect with me. Perhaps even open up about her past. I held out hope we’d get there in time.
Mother was in the backyard, instructing her gardener where to plant the spring annuals. Uncle Calvin was on the back deck, drinking a cup of coffee with Gran. Our family had grown closer since the horrific ordeal. I slipped through the doorway and joined them, sliding onto the swing next to Gran.
She wrapped her bony arm around me. “How’s your honey?” I asked.
She shook her head. “He’s history. I was too much for him”—she wagged her brows—“you know, in the boudoir department.”
Uncle Calvin choked on the sip he took. “I guess I’ll be going. Let you gals talk.” He rose, and Gran and I both laughed. “See you in the morning, Lyla. We have a busy day ahead of us.”
I smiled. “I’ll be there bright and early.”
While Calvin said farewell to mother, my phone chirped.
I smiled at the text that read, Dinner next Friday at six?
Sounds good, I texted back.
Brad Jones and I had worked closely together on another Jane Doe case with Uncle Calvin’s blessing.
Jane Does meeting at my house tonight came the text from Mel. You’re on wine duty.
I texted back, No problem. See you at seven.
“Who’s that?” Gran wanted to know as I slid the phone back into my pocket.
“Mel. Reminding me about the book club meeting tonight.”
Gran nodded. “I hear you’ve attracted some new members.”
“We have. It’s all the publicity surrounding Val’s case. Everyone is interested in the crazy woman who belonged to the Jane Does. We’re having to become more stringent with who we allow to join.” I nodded. “It’s good, though.” I’d decided to embrace life to the fullest. I could work my cases and still have a positive outlook.
“Maybe I should join?” Gran blinked at me.
“Maybe.” I kissed her on the cheek.
Also available by Kate Young
Marygene Brown
Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings
Author Biography
Kate Young is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Guppy Chapter. She is married and the mother of three. She lives in a small town in Georgia and when she is not writing her own books, she’s reading or cooking.
This is a work of fiction. All of the names, characters, organizations, places and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to real or actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2020 by Kate Young
All rights reserved.
Published in the United States by Crooked Lane Books, an imprint of The Quick Brown Fox & Company LLC.
Crooked Lane Books and its logo are trademarks of The Quick Brown Fox & Company LLC.
Library of Congress Catalog-in-Publication data available upon request.
ISBN (hardcover): 978-1-64385-462-5
ISBN (ebook): 978-1-64385-463-2
Cover illustration by Mary Ann Lasher
Printed in the United States.
www.crookedlanebooks.com
Crooked Lane Books 34 West 27th St., 10th Floor New York, NY 10001
First Edition: October 2020
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