“Six. Two became intimate.”
“Start with the earliest. We can investigate them on the internet, phone records or their car’s GPS and see where they were yesterday afternoon. If we can clear them, then no need to talk to them. If not, I’ll let you know who we have to interview.”
She stared at the officer. “This is, um, private, right?”
“I’m going to need other officers to help with the search. And I have to report to the two detectives assigned to the case.”
“Detective Sanders, I know Gideon Casella. He lived next door when we were growing up. That’s where I’m staying until my house is released.”
“Ah, yes, he was there yesterday. You don’t want him to know about the online dating?”
“I don’t want his brother to know. We have a history.”
“Could the brother have done this?”
“A definite no. I was with him when this happened.”
She cocked her head. “Is it Seth Casella? The guy who was stabbed at Legal Aid?”
“Uh-huh.”
“I’ll keep this from Gideon, then. He’s not working the case, and that’s probably why.”
“Thanks, Detective Sanders.”
Her eyes twinkled. “Call me Anabelle.”
“I guess I should. Since you’re digging deep into my personal life.”
“A necessary situation, but I can appreciate how difficult this is.”
“Thank you.”
After another half-hour, Anabelle said, “We’re done for now.” She pushed the tablet away. “I’ll be in touch.”
* * *
Seth studied his cousin, who sat across from him at the kitchen table. Her face glowed, her auburn hair was shiny, and her smile broad. Probably because of the guy with her. “You look great, Hayley.”
“Thanks.”
Paul, attractive in his own right with dark hair and blue eyes, slid his arm around her. “She always does.”
“How’s the engagement going? Still blissful?”
“Yep.”
“No fights like in the courtroom?”
“I didn’t say that.” She grinned. “But at least we can have makeup sex now.”
He laughed.
Turning sober now, Hayley donned her lawyer expression. “Enough of us. Tell me how you are. Physically and emotionally.” Leaning forward, she studied his face. “You aren’t as pale as the last time I came out here.”
“Physically, I’m sore, but stronger. I don’t take pain pills anymore. I can get around, and I’ll be able to drive Friday.”
“Have you been housebound that long?” Paul asked.
“No. Mama drives me places during the day.” He looked at Hayley. “And Julianne’s been helping out.”
Hayley’s brows skyrocketed. “Julianne?”
Paul stood. “I think I’ll go for a walk. You and Hayley need some privacy.”
“I—” Seth began.
“No, don’t object. I’ll be back soon.”
After he kissed Hayley’s cheek, then left, Seth said, “I feel bad he thinks he has to go.”
“Don’t. He’s right. We need privacy. Now tell me about Julianne.”
He explained the situation, including the trip to see John Cordello and the break-in.
“So, is she staying here?”
“Yeah. It’s hell. I can stop thinking about her when I don’t see her but now…she was scared last night. She asked me to stay with her. We kissed.”
“Yikes. Is she making up with you?”
“No, she is not.”
“Then this isn’t good.” She gestured to indicate the house. “Want to come and finish your recovery in New York?”
“No, Mama would be offended.”
Hayley took something out of her purse. “Here’s a key to the lake house, and don’t worry, I have others at home and an extra in my purse.”
“That’s an idea. I could probably use some solitude.”
“Feel free. Let us know when you’re going there, okay?”
“Sure. So that’s my life in a nutshell.”
“I’m sorry you’ve had a hard time. With the injury and Julianne.”
“It is what it is.” Being with Hayley cheered him. “Tell me some good stuff.”
“We’ve got the space for our office and are officially opening it in a week.”
She and Paul were establishing their own firm in Brooklyn. Hayley wanted to do a lot of pro bono work, but Paul’s name would attract paying customers. He’d stopped a shooting at a charity event, and was still New York’s hero.
“So soon. Wow. How is it living in Paul’s house?”
“Wonderful. The space is more…intimate, smaller. But it’s got a great layout and is beautifully furnished.”
“It probably doesn’t matter where you are, now.”
“I guess. But the best thing is Finn’s only fifteen minutes away and we’re closer, proximity-wise, to Paul’s family. They’re a rowdy bunch, but I’m loving the difference in them from my own family.”
“Yeah, when the Casella cousins were together, we got us some rowdy on, too.”
“I remember. I miss that.”
Julianne walked into the kitchen. “Hi, Hayley, Seth.”
Hayley got up and hugged her. “I’m sorry I was so frantic at the hospital I barely talked to you.”
“There was a lot going on.”
“How was your afternoon?” Seth asked when Hayley sat back down.
“Fine. It was nice seeing you, Hayley.” Julianne hurried upstairs.
“She’s skittish around you,” Hayley told him.
“Yeah, she has reason.” He glanced away. “Which I can never overcome, I guess.”
“I thought that about Paul, too. And look at us today.”
“I’m glad for you. But happily-ever-after with Julianne Ford is not in the cards for me.”
Chapter 4
* * *
Julianne sighed.
At the stove, stirring the gravy, Carmella caught it. “What’s wrong, dear?”
“I hate imposing on you.” She leaned against the table. “Your family dinner is today.”
“Which will include you again.”
She sighed again. “Carmella, I’m not going to be family.”
“In your mind maybe. To me, you’ll always be a daughter. Now, are the police in your house yet? I haven’t seen their cars.”
“Yes, the crime scene cleaners are there this weekend. I think I’ll be able to get in my house tomorrow.”
Carmella checked the pot roasts simmering on burners, set her oven mitts aside and crossed to the kitchen table. “Sit with me.” When they were settled, she asked, “It’s Seth, isn’t it?”
“Of course. What were the chances that we’d be stuck here together? And I don’t mean any offense to you.”
“I understand. I wonder if you do?”
“What are you saying?”