Murderous Lies by Chantel Rhondeau Read Free Book Online Page A

not any of your business.”
    Kelsey put her hands on her hips a frown creasing her pretty face. “Look, I’m sorry, but that guy’s creeping me out. Why does he constantly watch you? Even Bill’s worried, and he doesn’t climb out of the bottle long enough to worry about anything.”
    Rose sighed, tired of explaining why she didn’t fear Max. She knew the people in Clarkston cared about her, and that’s why they stuck their nose in her business, but she wished they’d stop. “Max just wants to protect me. He’s not hurting anyone.”
    “For now.” Kelsey snorted. “Until he freaks out and starts bashing people’s faces in again.”
    Rose’s chest constricted and for a few seconds she found it hard to breathe. Sage’s face had hardly been recognizable. She’d been beaten to a pulp and her blue eyes stared sightlessly at the ceiling of the boathouse.
    “People are talking, sweetie.” Kelsey crossed the room and crouched level with Rose. “I’m scared for you. They say Max went crazy last time because he’s obsessed with you. I keep waiting for Jimmy Durant to show up dead when someone lets it slip that you dated him for a while.”
    Rose felt heat rush to her face and neck and she resisted the urge to punch her friend. This was getting out of control. “Max has known since Sunday. Jimmy’s still alive and kickin’.” She lifted an eyebrow and couldn’t stop the grimace she felt across her face. “Have you been gossiping like this with other people? Saying you expect Max to kill Jimmy?”
    Kelsey eyes narrowed and her mouth jutted in a sullen pout. “Everyone’s saying it. Don’t act like I’m the bad guy.”
    Rose closed her eyes, counting to ten under her breath. She’d talked with Kelsey Tuesday about Max, told her how much he had meant to her and how hard it was to lose him all those years ago. How part of her hoped she could get back together with him, because those feelings came flooding back the second she saw him.
    She opened her eyes, not feeling any calmer. “No wonder everyone looks at Max like a rabid dog they’re just waiting to shoot. Even my best friend is spreading rumors. I thought I could count on you to have my back.”
    “I do have your back.” Kelsey reached out and patted her knee. “Don’t you see, that’s why I’m telling you? Me and Bill are terrified for you . I know somewhere in that pretty, stupid head of yours, you’re starting to think Max is innocent and you’re planning on being with him.” She pressed her lips tight and shook her head in obvious disapproval. “Max murdered your sister and ruined your life. Don’t let him back in.”
    Rose stood, shoving Kelsey out of the way as she fled to the door. She stopped at the threshold, refusing to look at her supposed friend. “Thanks for the talk, Kel. Sorry your loving husband has had to worry so much and think about more than his next bottle. It must be so stressful on your family.”
    Behind her, Kelsey made an undignified squeak, but Rose ignored it. She wouldn’t feel guilty for hurting Kelsey’s feelings. She deserved it. All week long people had told Rose she’d be stupid to trust Max. She was tired of it. Maybe Max didn’t approach her or speak to her after their odd encounter last Sunday, but she knew his silent watch was for her protection. He wasn’t making plans to hurt her. He was making sure no one else did because the cops wouldn’t look for whoever really left that dead rodent on her porch.
    Her fleeting thought last weekend that he might hate her now had to be wrong. His dedication proved he still loved her. He was doing everything he could to keep her safe.
    She marched through the diner, pasting on a grin for the familiar faces staring at her in various stages of judgment or pity. It was a drill she knew well. This week had felt like the first days after Sage’s death, then again when Dad left, and one more time after her mother burned down the house. Rose certainly provided