Read Online Secondhand Stiff by Sue Ann Jaffarian - Free Book Online

tormentors.”
    â€œDid you say any of this to the police?” asked Greg in a low voice.
    Renee shook her head slowly. “They didn’t ask specifically. They asked me if Ina and Tom were happy, and I told them about that Linda woman. That’s all.”
    â€œJealousy is a strong emotion,” I said. “But abuse would really underscore a possible motive.”
    â€œDid I say something wrong?” Renee’s worry skyrocketed to new heights.
    â€œNo, Mom, not at all.” Greg took her hands. “As soon as they release all of you, Odelia’s going to take you back to our house. It’s closer than yours.”
    Renee wasn’t so sure. “But what about your father? I called him earlier and told him what’s going on and that you were on your way here. I’m sure he’s worried sick.”
    â€œCall Dad and ask him to come to our place to get you. I’m heading to the police station to meet Ina’s attorney.”
    â€œAll right,” Renee agreed, then had a thought. “But what about Ina’s car?”
    â€œI’ll talk to the police before I go.” Greg turned to scan the parking lot, letting his eyes come to rest on Ina’s Honda Element, which was parked next to my car. “I’m sure the police will search and impound it for now.”
    â€œYou read my mind, Mr. Stevens.” It was Fehring. She’d sneaked up on us like a panther wearing satin slippers. “Which vehicle is your cousin’s? Or do we need to exercise the process of elimination and wait until all the other vehicles have left?” Her eyes scanned the parking lot, which was emptying as people were allowed to leave.
    â€œIt’s the Honda,” Greg admitted, pointing it out.
    â€œWe appreciate your cooperation.” She called a uniformed officer over and gave instructions for the vehicle’s processing.
    Turning to me, Fehring said, “We have all of your statements and contact information, so if you and your family would like to go, you can. Just remain close in case we need to talk to you again.”
    I noticed Fehring catching sight of Mom talking to Buck Goodwin and saw her brows knit, though I wasn’t sure if it was from the sun or curiosity.
    â€œIs your mother the nosy sort, like yourself?” she asked, not taking her eyes off of Mom.
    â€œI don’t know what you mean, Detective Fehring.”
    Fehring gave me a long, slow look, conveying to me exactly what she meant.
    â€œMy mother will be going home soon,” I assured her, “back to New Hampshire.”
    â€œIn the meantime,” the detective said, somewhat relieved, “why don’t you keep both her and yourself occupied with sightseeing. Maybe she’d like to see Disneyland or Sea World before she goes home.”
    â€œI see you’ve become more subtle since leaving Newport Beach.”
    â€œOdelia,” Greg said sharply under his breath. Next to him, Renee stood watching with worry.
    â€œYou want subtle,” Fehring said, stepping closer to me, “here’s subtle: stay out of this investigation, Odelia Grey. I don’t want to see you or hear about you anywhere near it. I don’t want you poking around asking questions. Just answer the questions we ask you when we ask you.” She stuck her right index finger out in my direction, nearly touching my face. “That’s an order.”
    After Fehring left, Renee said, “Oh dear, that woman doesn’t like you one bit, Odelia. For Ina’s sake, I hope you listen to her.”
    â€œBut Fehring said nothing about me .” The words came from Greg. He was looking up at me with a determined and devilish eye.

six
    It was quiet around our kitchen table. It was midafternoon. Mom, Renee, and I were picking at chicken salad sandwiches my mother had whipped up. She’d made the chicken salad the night before with the grilled chicken left over from dinner. Mom put