Think Murder by Cassidy Salem Read Free Book Online Page A

imagine how you feel. It must be even harder for you, Duncan.”
    “It’s as if someone pulled the rug out from under me. I’m angry, sad, and numb – all at the same time. I can’t seem to focus on anything other than Hilary and the life we might have shared.”
    “She was a very special person. I’ll miss her.”
    We had both been close to Hilary. We quickly found ourselves swapping stories about Hilary and her talents, quirks, and sense of humor.
    “Remember, Adina, that Halloween party at Rick’s last year? When Hilary showed up wearing that pixie costume, I was hooked. I don’t think I’d even paid much attention to her before then. We started dating the week after that.”
    I nodded. “She looked adorable, blue tutu skirt, wings and all.” As always, she had caught the attention of most of the guys at the party. I, on the other hand, had gone as the night sky. Easy costume, dressed all in black with stickers of silver stars in different sizes. Not exactly an attention getter.
    Eventually, I asked, “Have you spoken to her parents?”
    “Yes. Several times. Hilary’s father is arriving in D.C. later today. He plans to clear out her apartment and complete the paperwork to return her for burial in Wyoming.”
    His voice got shakier as he continued, “The funeral is planned for Monday. I’m flying to Cheyenne tomorrow night. Taking off work until Wednesday, at least.”
    Duncan stood up, then tossed our trash into a nearby bin. “Anyway, I better get going. I’m meeting Mr. Sterling at the police station at 5.”
    “Duncan, let me know if I can help in any way.”
    “Thanks, Adina. You, too.”
    A quick hug and he was gone.              
    I was on my way home when my phone chirped. Julie had sent me a message, asking if I had time to talk. I texted her back that I’d Skype her in around 15 minutes when I got home.
    Although Skype is installed on my phone, conversing is easier (and clearer) on my laptop. I got home, poured myself a large glass of Diet Coke, and sat down at the desk to call her.
    She answered on the first ring. “Hi, Adina. Sorry I couldn’t talk the other day. Our study group was having a marathon session to prepare for a test on Torts. How are you?”
    “I’m OK. For the most part. A lot has been happening here.”
    “I’m listening.”
    “Julie, do you remember my friend Hilary from work?”
    “Of course. She went with us to that Country Music festival. I still have the pictures from that day. The three of us outfitted in jeans, plaid shirts, and those ridiculous hats.” She laughed.
    “Well, she was killed Wednesday night when we went for happy hour at McSweeney’s.”
    “What? Are you serious? Are you OK?”
    “I’m OK. Physically, anyway. More than a bit rattled though.”
    “What happened?”
    “Hilary went to the restroom and when she didn’t come back, I went looking for her. I found her dead on the floor of a bathroom stall.”
    “Oh, Adina, how terrible. Do the police know who did it?”
    “If they do, they aren’t saying.” I told Julie what little I knew about the investigation and that Duncan had been planning to propose to Hilary.
    “Poor Duncan. That's rough.” Julie hesitated before adding, “I guess that means Duncan will be back on the market soon. Do you still have a soft spot for him?”
    “No, Julie. I really don’t. While we were talking about Hilary, I realized that I’m no longer romantically interested in him. Surprisingly enough, the attraction isn’t there anymore.”
    “That’s probably for the best, but it has been a long time since your fling with Keith. You need to get out more. Have you met any interesting men lately?”
    “Well, the homicide detective seems nice. I’ve spoken to him several times, and we had lunch together on Friday. He was between interviews at the DIPPeR. He has been interrogating everyone. Friendly enough, though I’m not sensing any special interest.”
    “If he’s in the middle of an