Checkmate (Caitlin Calloway Mystery Book 2) by Mavis Applewater Page A

hard to pin down. I’d say at least a week. I’ll know more when we get her back to the lab.”
    “We’ll be in touch.”
    “What? You don’t want to know cause of death?”
    “I figured that expensive designer belt wrapped around her throat might have something to do with it.” CC couldn’t resist pushing the ME’s buttons. She turned to Mulligan. “Armani?”
    “Yes.”
    “Mrs. Stern lawyered up,” CC said as they walked around the small mound of dirt that had become Annie Fuller’s final resting place. “Max is booking her on the assault and weapons charges. Sticking her in a cell while she waits for her suit. Don’t know who she’ll call. I doubt a lady like that has a criminal defense mouthpiece on speed dial.” She wasn’t certain if Leigh had heard her. The detective just stood there staring down at poor Annie’s body. “You okay?”
    “No,” Mulligan answered grimly. “I knew it. I knew it the first time I talked to Natalie Stern. Hell, I even knew why. I could just feel it.”
    “Now, we need to use that, so she doesn’t get away it.”
    “Wish I could just beat the snot out of her. I’ve already called for the warrant. Should be ready before we get to the Stern’s residence.”
    “You’re way ahead of me.” CC nodded with approval. “You go, and I’ll meet you back at the station. I want to stop off at the hospital. I’ve got a couple of questions for Mr. Stern. Marissa, is there any way you can put a rush on this?” She hated asking the surly doctor for favors but the stakes were high.
    “Strangled teenage girl dumped in a shallow grave? Calloway, you didn’t even need to ask. Swing by the lab before you head back to the station.”
    “Thanks. Mulligan, if Mrs. Stern’s mouthpiece shows up, why don’t you start without me?”
    “She hates me,” Mulligan said. “Unless taking a swing at someone is the way she shows her endearment.”
    “Could be,” CC tried to joke, feeling concerned by Mulligan’s lack of confidence. “Look, you know what to do. If you’re worried that she’s going to get the best of you, take Max into the box. We don’t have a lot of time. She’ll be arraigned on the assault charges first thing in the morning.”
    “I’m not letting her walk.”
    “Good.”

     
     

Chapter 9
    Val was upset by the way things had turned out. “I should be on vacation,” she muttered as she circled the quiet neighborhood. She had planned on checking out the house hours ago. For some reason, the GPS in her government issued sedan decided to take her on a tour of the entire state of Massachusetts.
    She slowed the car and peered through the darkness as she caught a glimpse of a light. She calmed her breathing and studied the scene as best she could. She could see clearly through a window. A woman and a young girl sat watching television. The scene was peaceful.
    “Let’s hope it stays that way.” She caught sight of a curtain move two doors down. “Good neighbors to boot.” She smiled, assuming someone had noticed her car. She put the car in gear and went on her way.
*   *  *
    CC grinned when she spied Jamie leaning against the nurses’ station with her back to her. She crept up behind her, signaling for Stella not to give her away. She nuzzled Jamie’s neck and purred when she felt her wife shivering against her touch. Things might have evolved in a different direction if they weren’t in the middle of the hospital emergency room.
“Exciting night?” CC playfully whispered in Jamie’s ear. “Could be. But my wife is working late,” Jamie teased turning to find her wife smiling down at her.
“Sorry about that.”
“No, you’re not.” Jamie reached over and squeezed her arm. “I haven’t seen you this happy for a while.”
    “How are your new recruits? Give them the ‘do your job or people die’ speech, yet?”
    “Am I that predictable?”
    “You, predictable? Never. You can tell me all about the new goofballs tonight. In the meantime,