When the Smoke Clears (Deadly Reunions) by Lynette Eason Read Free Book Online Page A

that you?”
    Spinning, she spotted the owner of the question. A fit young woman with a ponytail, in jogging shorts and a tank top, stood at the edge of her mother’s yard. “Yes, who’re you?”
    A smile crossed the woman’s mouth as she approached. “I’m Lori Tabor. I graduated with you—we only had a couple of classes together.”
    Vaguely, Alexia was able to dredge up a memory. “Really shy? The photographer for the yearbook committee?”
    Lori let out a small laugh. “Yes, that’s me. I suppose I figured as long as I was taking pictures I wouldn’t have to talk to people except to tell them to stand still and smile. Fortunately, I’ve matured a little since then.” She nodded to the house where the children played. “My brother, Avery, lives there. I keep his kids for him sometimes when he has to work late at the hospital. He’s a doctor.”
    “Ah.” She really wanted to get going. “Well, it was nice seeing you. Maybe we’ll run into each other again soon.”
    “Sure.” She glanced at the still-active house. “Is everything all right? The officer who came to question me said someone was killed. I’m so sorry.”
    “I am too. It was Devin Wickham.”
    Shock lifted the woman’s brow. “You’re kidding! Devin? That’s horrible. I knew your mother was letting him live there.”
    “Yes, just until he could get back on his feet.”
    Lori nodded. “When I heard she let him move in, I wasn’t surprised. She’s always helping someone. When do you think they’ll release her from the hospital?”
    “I . . . uh . . . I’m not sure.” The need to hurry bit at her while the desire to question Lori about Devin had her pausing. But she had to see her mother. “In fact that’s where I’m heading now. And while I hate to rush off, it’s already late and I really need to try and see her tonight.”
    “Oh! Sure, I didn’t mean to keep you. Tell her I’ll be by to see her tomorrow sometime.”
    That stopped Alexia. “You’re good friends with my mom?”
    Lori smiled, her even white teeth flashing. “Yes. She makes the best pot roast. I think she feeds my brother and his kids at least twice a week. Since I’m the kids’ nanny, I generally benefit from her generosity. And I drive her to church sometimes. The kids just love her and she dotes on them like a grandmother.”
    Really? Her mother did that? Keeping her shock from showing wasn’t easy, but she did her best. “Wow, that’s really sweet of her.”
    “I know. We just love her. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for her.”
    Alexia offered a reassuring smile. “Well, thank you. I’ll be sure to let you know. If you plan to visit Mom, I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
    “Probably.” The right corner of Lori’s lips quirked up. “I’m on the reunion committee, so I might be knocking on your door asking you to volunteer some time. If you have it.”
    Alexia paused. That might actually be a good idea. It would give her access to people who knew Devin. If she was on the committee, she could ask questions without being too obvious. “I’d love to.” Digging in her purse, she pulled out a loose grocery receipt and a pen. “Here’s my cell number. Give me a call before the next meeting and I’ll try to be there.”
    “Great!” Lori snatched the slip of paper like she expected Alexia to renege on her offer. “I’ll call you.”
    Climbing into her car, Alexia waved goodbye and headed down the short road that would lead her out of the subdivision. She thought about Lori and wondered how the woman stayed in such great shape. Whatever it was, it kept her toned and fit. Which reminded her that she needed to make time to stay in shape. She planned to get back to work as soon as she was allowed. Because the more she thought about it, the more she realized she couldn’t just let it go. She hadn’t been negligent in her duties—but someone had wanted to make it look that way. As soon as she had things wrapped up