When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks

arranged for Gwen to come out and work on the recent cases.”
    Arless waved his hand. “It was nothing. Clay told us about you and we insisted on getting your help. He was pretty stubborn about ‘bringing in an outsider,’ as he put it.”
    I gave a noncommittal grunt.
    Blanche placed her spoon on the table and looked at me. “But it seems this has put you at considerable risk. Clay told me someone tried to run you down, and you found a snake in your bed at the hotel.”
    “A rattlesnake.”
    Wellington and Trish exchanged glances. “How’d they get the snake out of your bed?” Trish asked.
    “The hotel called animal control.”
    “Jason Morrow?” Arless asked.
    “I think that was his name. Why?”
    “Small town. Everything tends to be connected.” Arless glanced over my shoulder.
    “Jason is my son.” Mrs. Fields refilled my glass.
    “Oh!” I hadn’t noticed her approach.
    Arless said, “If you’re concerned about your safety—”
    “I’m here to do a job. Please don’t worry about me.” I didn’t mean for that to sound so abrupt. I smiled through stiff lips.
    “We shall see to it that you’re not harmed while here in Pikeville,” Blanche said.
    “Really, I’m fine, and grateful for your hospitality.”
    An uneasy silence fell on the gathering.
    “What does Clay have you working on?” Trish finally asked.
    “Pretty much what I do back home in Montana.” I took a sip of water. “Unknown remains, composites, signs of deception—”
    “Deception?” Trish sat up straighter.
    “Sure. Being able to tell when people lie.” I took a bite of spinach salad.
    Blanche looked surprised, Arless amused, and Trish excited. “You mean,” she asked, “like body language?”
    “Mmmm.” I quickly swallowed the mouthful. “That, plus written and verbal clues.”
    “Fascinating.” Blanche touched her lips with her napkin. “Are you always checking to see if people are lying?”
    I laughed. “That’s what everyone thinks when they find out I’ve studied deception, but no, it’s too much work to do all the time. Unless, of course, something sets off my warning bells.”
    Arless leaned forward. “And you studied this because of your work?”
    “When I interview, I have to know if my victim or witness is being truthful.”
    “That would be useful knowledge during a campaign to assess the other candidates,” Arless said thoughtfully.
    Wellington laughed. “Most people feel that you can tell a politician is lying because his lips are moving.”
    Blanche shot him an annoyed look. “I’m sure, Gwen, that most parents would find your lie detection handy if they have teenagers.”
    “You bet,” I said. “Though studies show that even young children lie at about the same rate as teens and adults. But speaking of teens, you folks have been so gracious in taking me in that I hesitate to even ask you this.”
    Blanche and Arless gave me encouraging smiles.
    “My fifteen-year-old daughter needs a place to stay for a week or so. I hate to impose on your hospitality—”
    “Think nothing of it, Gwen,” Blanche said. “Of course she’s welcome. We have a big house.”
    Arless nodded in agreement, then turned to Blanche. “See? If Gwen were worried about her safety, she’d never bring her daughter out.” He patted her on the knee.
    “Er, right. And thank you so much. She won’t be a bother. She’s a really good kid . . . most of the time.”
    “Is she flying in?” Blanche asked.
    “Yes. She arrives tomorrow in Lexington. I’ll rent a car—”
    “You don’t have to do that.” Blanche took a scoop of fresh fruit. “I’d be happy to drive you.”
    “But—” I began.
    “A splendid idea, my dear.” Arless stroked her hand. “Maybe once your daughter is here, she’d enjoy taking in some local culture. Does your daughter like live performances? We’re patrons of the local small theater.”
    Trish laughed. “You’re patrons of all the cultural activities.”
    “Hmm, well,