Part 25 (2/2)
Dan shot to his feet and went to the monitor. He winced. ”It's your landlord.” He glanced at Jess. ”He's carrying a package.”
Jess set the popcorn on the coffee table and hopped up. She straightened her t-s.h.i.+rt and made her way to the door. She ran her tongue over her teeth. d.a.m.ned husks.
The bell rang and she opened the door. ”George! Come in.”
Dan was right. He was carrying a package. A large white one wrapped with a pink bow.
”I don't want to disturb you,” he said with a glance toward Dan, ”I know it's almost game time.”
”You're not disturbing us. Have a seat. You're welcome to watch the game with us.” It was the least she could do for a lonely old man.
”Thank you.” He settled on the sofa next to Dan the big white box in his lap.
”Would you like a Pepsi, George?”
”No, thank you. I have to watch my sugar intake.”
”Water?”
He nodded. ”Please.”
Jess grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and joined the two men on the sofa. ”What's in the box?”
”Oh.” George set the water on the table and offered the box to Jess. ”This is for you. Your friend dropped it off.”
Fear clamped like a vise around her chest. She instinctively drew away from the package. ”My friend?”
”What did this friend look like?” Dan was on his feet reaching for the package. ”When was it delivered?”
George frowned, holding onto the box like a kid who didn't want anyone else to play with his toy. ”She was tall with red hair.” He looked from Dan to Jess and back. ”She was here just a few minutes ago. I was watering my flowers. She said she didn't want to interrupt your afternoon.”
”She?” Jess told herself to breathe.
George nodded then adjusted his gla.s.ses. ”The coroner lady who drives the nice car. A Lexus, I believe. I've seen her here before.” He seemed to lean closer to Jess as he peered up at Dan again. ”She was very nice.”
Jess slumped with relief. ”Sylvia Baron.”
”That's the one.” George smiled. ”I think she was in a bit of a hurry.”
Dan ran a hand over his face. Jess was relatively certain he'd been as terrified as she was. Good grief they were both going to have heart attacks!
”You want to open it?” George offered the box to her again. ”There's a card.”
”Yes, thank you.” Jess accepted the box. She removed the small envelope tucked beneath the bow. Harris was scrawled across the front. Definitely Sylvia. Jess pulled the card from the envelope. One word was written there.
Truce?
Jess batted back silly tears. She was so emotional lately. So this was Sylvia's way of apologizing? Jess owed her an apology as well. Hers and Cook's love lives were really none of Jess's business as long as it didn't interfere with work.
Suddenly aware that both men were watching her and waiting, Jess removed the bow then tore off the paper. The box opened easily, no taped sides, thank goodness. Inside was a black leather Coach Bleeker bag just like the one she'd lost to the fire.
Unable to help herself, she gasped. ”Oh my gos.h.!.+” Jess had bought that bag for her fortieth birthday otherwise she would never have spent so much money. ”What was she thinking buying me a gift like this?”
”That you're friends,” Dan offered.
Jess smiled up at him. ”Guess so.” She gave George a hug. ”Thanks for delivering my gift.”
He looked anywhere but at her, his cheeks flaming with embarra.s.sment. ”I heard about the fire on the news.” He glanced up at Dan. ”I'm really sorry about your house.” He turned back to Jess then. ”But I'm glad you're back home.”
Jess blinked back more foolish tears. She grabbed the bowl of popcorn and thrust it at her landlord. ”You boys enjoy the popcorn. I'm going to organize my new bag.”
She didn't give Dan time to complain though he did manage to send a frown and a frustrated gaze her way.
By the time Alabama made a touchdown, he'd forget all about dear old George perched on the sofa next to him.
Jess reached for her phone to send a pic to Lori. There was a text message from a number not in her contact list. Her heart dropped into her stomach as she opened the message.
The picture of a young woman, long dark hair, tall and slender filled the screen. Not Rory Stinnett. Someone new, but exactly the Player's type.
Spears had taken another victim. Jess opened her mouth to call to Dan but another text notification appeared. She tapped the screen.
We're waiting for you.
Don't miss the next thrilling installment of the Faces of Evil. VILE is coming! Read on for an excerpt!
VILE.
For the vile person will speak villainy, and his heart will work iniquity...
~Isaiah 32:6
1.
Sixth Avenue Flower & Gifts Birmingham, Alabama Monday, August 30, 10:30 a.m.
Ellen Gentry was mad as h.e.l.l. She had worked at this floral shop for five years and not once had she called in sick. If her name was on the schedule, she was here-unless, of course, she was in the hospital or the morgue.
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