Jodi bit her lip, a nervous habit that was beginning to annoy Max. If it was anyone else, she would have immediately branded them as deceptive or hiding something. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, Max was right in picking out lies and diversions. But coupled with Jodi’s overall demeanor and the tragic circumstances, Max suspected Jodi was simply confused and didn’t know what to do with information she had.
Jodi said, “I need to know that you believe Kevin didn’t kill Lindy Ames.”
How did Max answer that when she didn’t know what she believed? She said, “When Kevin was arrested, I stood by him. I never believed then that he killed Lindy, because he told me he didn’t. He was my best friend. I postponed college for a year so I could stay here and support him during the investigation and trial.
“But after the jury came back undecided and the prosecution said that they wouldn’t retry unless new evidence surfaced, and I learned that Kevin lied about his alibi, I didn’t know why. Why did he lie? Why did he feel the need to tell me? I can’t give you what you want. I came to listen, and to say good-bye to Kevin. I can’t promise anything more.”
In the back of Max’s mind, she asked herself: Where is Kevin’s laptop?
Tears welled in Jodi’s eyes. She put the envelope on the table, then pulled out her cell phone.
“On Monday morning, I woke up and had a text message from Kevin. That was before I found out he’d died late Sunday night.” Her voice cracked.
She pressed a couple buttons and handed Max the phone.
The message from Kevin was brief.
Call Max. I love you J.
Jodi pocketed her phone. “I have to go back to work,” she whispered. “The funeral is at St. Bede’s tomorrow at noon. I don’t think anybody’s going to come.”
Max took Jodi’s hand. “I’ll be there.”
Jodi handed Max a key on a Minnie Mouse key chain. “Kevin’s apartment. If you need it.”
“You’re going to be okay, Jodi. I promise. It takes time.” Being okay was one thing; forgetting was impossible. You never forgot the people you lost.
She watched Jodi leave, her head down. When she was out of sight, Max picked up the envelope.
It had been mailed on Saturday from Menlo Park, addressed to Jodi in care of the bookstore where she worked. There was no return address, but the initials in the corner were K.L.O.
Why would Kevin send his sister a letter at her place of employment?
Max hadn’t asked where Jodi lived, whether with one of her parents or in an apartment or if she had a roommate. Because she hadn’t been investigating Kevin’s death.
Now she had two questions.
She removed the single sheet of paper and unfolded it.
It was an uncertified copy of Lindy Ames’ death certificate. Cause of death: asphyxiation by manual strangulation.
Max turned over the paper and read the note Kevin had written: Lindy drowned.
BIOGRAPHY
Allison Brennan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 21 books and numerous short stories. She lives in Northern California with her husband and five children.
For more information about her books, visit her website at:
Allisonbrennan.com
Follow her on Facebook:
Facebook.com/AllisonBrennan
Or Twitter:
Twitter.com/Allison_Brennan
BOOKLIST
http://allisonbrennan.com/books
NOTORIOUS
(Coming April 1, 2014)
DEAD HEAT
(Coming June 3, 2014)
COLD SNAP
STOLEN
STALKED
SILENCED
IF I SHOULD DIE
KISS ME, KILL ME
LOVE ME TO DEATH
CARNAL SIN
ORIGINAL SIN
CUTTING EDGE
FATAL SECRETS
SUDDEN DEATH
PLAYING DEAD
TEMPTING EVIL
KILLING FEAR
FEAR NO EVIL
SEE NO EVIL
SPEAK NO EVIL
THE KILL
THE HUNT
THE PREY
36 Hours Page 11
