Dancing with Detective Danger by Lynn Crandall Read Free Book Online Page B

after Sara graduated from the local university. They had no children. They’d celebrated their twenty-second wedding anniversary this year. No parties, just a quiet night at home. They kept to themselves most of the time, according to Sara.
    Sterling walked to the front door and pressed the doorbell. Moments later, the door opened.
    “Hello, Sterling. You’re right on time,” Sara greeted her, leading her down a short hallway and into a pleasant-looking living room. “Have a seat.”
    “I know this is a difficult time for you, Sara,” Sterling started. “You probably feel like your life is turning upside down.”
    Sara smiled thinly. “Thanks, you’re very kind. Would you like something to drink? Tea or coffee?”
    “Coffee would be nice if you have it.” Sterling didn’t really want any, but it would get Sara out of the room.
    “Sure, I’ll be just a second. I have some already brewing.”
    With Sara gone, Sterling looked around. An anniversary clock sitting on an antique cherry desk ticked out the time. A small, framed picture of Jerry receiving some kind of banking award sat next to the clock. Sterling peered close. Jerry’s eyes seemed dull, disinterested. Glancing furtively toward the doorway, Sterling pulled open the top drawer and quickly sorted through its contents. Her attention stopped as she ran her hand along the underside of the desktop and came into contact with something taped there.
What’s this?
she wondered, ripping it from its hiding place.
A strange looking black key with rows of small teeth running down each side of the shaft. How clichéd. Let me guess — this key will open a secret safety deposit box.
    Sara’s footsteps coming close warned her. Sterling shoved the key into her suit pocket and took her seat in the overstuffed chair.
    “Here we go.” Setting a steaming mug on a coaster on the table in front of Sterling, Sara sat back into the couch and sighed.
    Sterling eyed the woman for a second, trying to get a feel for her state of mind, deciding quickly to proceed. She needed information and there was little point in stalling or making nice. “I know you’re probably wondering why I wanted to talk with you, so I’ll get right to it. Have you been contacted by your husband since yesterday morning?”
    “No, not all,” Sara said softly, spooning sugar into her coffee.
    “I’m sure the police have already spoken with you.”
    “I have been questioned. They asked me the same thing, but I had to tell them no. That’s the truth, Sterling.”
    “I believe you. But I wonder if you’ve been contacted without knowing it.” Sterling glanced around the room, then landed her gaze on Sara again.
    “What do you mean?” Sara looked genuinely perplexed.
    “Have you gotten any phone calls with no one on the other end? Have you come home from shopping to find things different from when you left? Anything like that?”
    Sara thought for a minute. “No. Nothing like that.”
    “When was the last time you talked with Jerry?” Sterling knew all she had to do was be persistent and patient.
    Sara’s eyes seemed mesmerized by the beige sculpted carpeting. “Talked? That’s a funny way to put it. The night before last. He came home late. I was already in bed, reading. He got into bed, rolled over, and said good night. That was all. No talking, really.”
    For the first time since she’d met her, Sterling saw emotion spark in Sara’s eyes. “I see.” Her instincts proved right. She suspected if she left space for the woman, she would lay out the truth. Experience told her Sara didn’t need much prodding, not even directing. Just space and a willing ear. “Was that normal for the two of you?”
    “Jerry has never been a big conversationalist. It’s funny, too, because when we met he was so charming, so gregarious. I was kind of reserved. I guess you could say he swept me off my feet. My father called Jerry a hustler, but I argued he was just free spirited. I was young and it