A Story to Kill by Lynn Cahoon Page B

next question. “Who was in the attic?”
    Seth shook his head. “No one. I went through the entire thing, twice, and there wasn’t a person or animal in the place. I even checked the windows to see if that had caused the bang, but they were all locked up tight.” He frowned, his gaze drifting upward toward the ceiling.
    â€œWhat aren’t you telling me?” Cat stepped closer and took the glass from his hand.
    He dropped his gaze and considered her question. “It could be nothing.” He paused, but when Cat didn’t move, he shrugged. “There’s just something off about the space. I didn’t notice it before, but the space is off. And it appears some things have been moved around. Of course, I might just not be remembering how I left things.”
    â€œSo you think someone was up there? Could someone have snuck out when we were talking?” Cat considered the third-floor layout. The attic stairway was in sight of where they’d been standing. If someone had come down those stairs, either she or Seth would have seen them. “I wasn’t hearing things. I’m not crazy.”
    â€œI didn’t say you were crazy.” Seth looked at the bags on the table. “Crap, I’m blocking the driveway, aren’t I? I was going to unload the back, then park on the street.”
    â€œNo worries, you can do that as soon as you bring in the rest of the groceries. I’m going to put these away.” Shauna started unpacking the thin plastic bags. She looked at Cat. “You want a glass of wine or a beer?”
    â€œBeer and I’ll get it myself.” Cat waited for Seth to leave the kitchen. “I heard something, I know it.”
    â€œSometimes you get all caught up in your stories, are you sure what you heard came from the attic? Could it have been from outside? Maybe a bird flying into the turret?” Shauna carried the box items to the cupboard and started stacking them.
    Cat opened her beer and took a pull off the cool bottle. “Maybe. But I don’t think so. It sounded substantial. I thought Seth had torn down a wall or something.”
    â€œMaybe until your uncle finds that murderer we shouldn’t be alone in the house. Let’s make a buddy system so there are always two people here. With our guests this week, that shouldn’t be much of a problem.”
    Cat took three cartons of eggs from a sack and put them in the fridge. “Not a bad idea.” She smiled at her friend. “When did you get to be so smart?”
    Shauna’s laugh echoed through the kitchen. “I’ve always been this way. You just haven’t noticed, my dear.”
    The door to the kitchen opened and Seth walked in. “Sounds like you two are having a party in here.”
    â€œGirl talk.” Shauna grabbed another bag. “Is that everything from the SUV?”
    He nodded and she threw him the keys. “Make sure you park it in the driveway when you finish unloading your truck.”
    Seth paused, turning to Cat. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
    â€œA little shaken, but I’m fine. Shauna and I are setting up a plan to keep a few of us in the house at all times.” She saw him start to say something and held up her hand. “Don’t. I take it you didn’t find anything?”
    â€œNothing. However, I think it’s a great idea and make sure you put me on the schedule. Heck, with the amount of work I have here, you could be my only client for a while and the business would be fine. I do have a few odds and ends I need to finish up, but this week plan on me being here full time.” Seth left the kitchen and both Cat and Shauna watched him leave.
    â€œHe’s not so bad on the eyes. I guess we could do worse than having our own bodyguard.” Shauna brought Cat a cup of warm apple cider she’d had simmering on the stove and took away the empty beer bottle.
    Cat settled into a chair and