Confessions by Joann Ross

occurred to her. “Did you tell Laura you were returning to Whiskey River?”
    The question caused another of those painful little heart clenches. “Yes.” It was not exactly a lie. She had, after all, left the message on the recorder. “Why?”
    â€œI spoke with her recently and she didn’t mention you. So, naturally I didn’t mention our appointment. Since you said you wanted to keep it confidential.”
    â€œThat was very considerate of you,” Mariah allowed.
    â€œWell, I certainly wouldn’t want to cause any more trouble between you and your sister. After all that’s happened in the past.”
    Mariah murmured something vague that could have been taken as agreement.
    Fredericka glanced down at her trendy black Movado museum watch. “Well, as much as I’d love to stay and chat, I have to dash. The Cow Belles are sponsoring the Fourth of July barbecue, as always, and there’s still tons of last minute detail work to do.
    â€œFor instance, the bunting for the grandstand,” she elaborated on a huff of frustrated breath. “You’d think finding red, white, and blue crepe paper, especially this time of year would be easy, wouldn’t you?”
    Mariah found it uncomfortably surrealistic to be talking about crepe paper bunting while her sister’s body was lying in a locker across town. “Well, now that you mention it—”
    â€œBut it isn’t simple.” Fredericka shook her head, sending her hair flying in a glossy dark arc. “Not at all. There’s navy blue and royal blue, not to mention cobalt. And, Lord, I don’t even want to get into the reds.”
    She expelled another dramatic breath through her pursed vermillion lips, then brightened. “Oh, well. I’m sure you have more important things to do than to listen to me going on about my petty problems.”
    â€œActually—”
    Mariah was cut off by another brief air kiss to the cheek. “I’m off to my meeting. Give my love to Laura and tell her that if she’s not returning to Washington immediately after Alan’s rally, I insist we get together for lunch next week.
    â€œTo tell you the truth,” Freddi divulged, “I’ve been a little worried about your sister. Whenever she’s come back to town these past months, she’s seemed a bit distracted.”
    When Mariah didn’t immediately answer, Fredericka shrugged her silk clad shoulders and said, “But knowing Laura, I’m sure whatever is bothering her will work out.She’s always been disgustingly capable. I swear, if she wasn’t my very dearest friend I’d be pea green with envy.”
    The grandfather clock across the room tolled the hour on a musical peal of Westminster chimes.
    â€œI really must run.” Freddi waggled her manicured fingers and said, “’Bye, Mariah, dear. I’ll look forward to your call.”
    Mariah felt her shoulders sag as she watched the chic Realtor dash back across the lobby, headed in the direction of the meeting rooms.
    â€œYou should have told her,” she said out loud.
    Reminding herself that Freddi had always been Laura’s friend, not hers, Mariah took the old-fashioned gilt cage elevator to her suite on the third floor.
    She had to call her mother. Mariah definitely didn’t want Maggie to learn the tragic news from some reporter. But first she had something even more important to do.
    As soon as she entered the spacious room loaded with what appeared to be genuine antique furnishings, she placed a call to the sheriff’s office, gave her name and was frustrated to learn he wasn’t there.
    â€œDo you know when he’ll be back?”
    â€œWell, he’s got a press conference scheduled at noon. So I guess he’ll be back by then.” The voice sounded young. And vaguely bored. Mariah heard the unmistakable snap of bubble gum.
    â€œIt’s urgent that I speak