Law and Author by Erika Chase Page B

when Lizzie next visualized them in the alley standing next to a large green garbage can, Darla was leaning back against the wall facing Shannon. He looked frustrated more than threatening, until he grabbed her left arm and pulled his right back as if to punch her. It was Darla’sface that Lizzie focused on. She didn’t look afraid; it looked like she was sneering. Taunting him even.
    Lizzie opened her eyes and sat straight up on the love seat. Darla had lied. She did know Shannon. Otherwise, why would she dare provoke him like that?
    She reached for the phone to share her insight with Mark but heard the familiar beep of a message waiting. It was Mark making his excuses. Okay, good excuses but still the bottom line was he couldn’t come over. What she had to tell him would have to wait until morning, unless he called her later. He had said he would. But she also knew, after all this time, that she shouldn’t really count on things like phone calls or even dates when he was on a case.
    She made a face and picked up her book again, hoping she’d be able to spend the rest of the evening with Jordan and Vera and maybe even finish reading
The Wolfe Widow.
If she couldn’t have Mark, at least she could enjoy a good read.

Chapter Ten

    I’ll let you know, Andie. Although I really hadn’t thought the book club would get involved in a real murder.
    A KILLER READ—
ERIKA CHASE
    L izzie had to be content with leaving Mark a message at his office the next morning since he didn’t answer his phone. She rushed to get out the door to school. She’d overslept, something that rarely happened, especially since she usually had her clock radio set to switch on to her favorite NPR station and awaken her to the sound of classical music. Last night, she’d forgotten to set it.
How strange.
    She made it through a morning of meetings, wondering where her brain was, and then finally settled into a routine while sitting in on two classes in the afternoon. She made notes as she listened in, aiming to turn them into constructive suggestions for the teachers in the morning.
    Her iPhone rang as she walked to the car after the final school bell. Molly sounded breathless as she spoke quickly.
    â€œDarla has just left with her boyfriend. You know, theone her mama doesn’t like? There wasn’t anything I could do to stop her, although I’m not even sure that’s my place to be doing that. Anyway, I was hoping you could stop by for a visit. I do need to talk this over with someone. In fact, I’ll make you supper and you can just stay on for book club. Is that okay?”
    â€œHow about if I just stop by home first and feed the cats. I’ll grab my copy of the book, too. I’d love to stay for supper.”
    â€œAll right. I’ll see you shortly then.”
    Lizzie wondered if Bob knew about this boyfriend incident. But what was the harm in it, as long as she didn’t leave town? Maybe Mark was the one Molly should have phoned. She absentmindedly fed the cats, who wound around her legs in anticipation, even though it was early for them.
    â€œMy lovelies, I’m out tonight. We’ll cuddle at bedtime,” she told them as she grabbed her necessities for the evening. She quickly pulled the door shut behind her and locked it.
    Her neighbor and landlord, Nathaniel Creely, was locking his front door at the same time. “Hey, Lizzie. How are you doing?”
    â€œJust great, Nathaniel. I haven’t seen you around lately.”
    â€œBeen busy, young lady. You know that Lavenia is always on the go. I might stop by for a while on the weekend, though. Want to talk over something with you.”
    â€œThat’s fine, Nathaniel. I’ll be running errands on Saturday and seeing Mama on Sunday but mostly home.”
    He nodded and gave her a big smile before getting into his car.
    Lizzie thought about the exchange on her drive over to Molly’s. He was right about