Page 40 of Beyond Her Reach (Bree Taggert #10)

Morgan picked up Olivia Cruz at her little white bungalow in Scarlet Falls.

Olivia settled in the front seat. A slim, dark-haired woman in her forties, she wore a snug black skirt and knee-high heeled boots in black suede.

Her blue overcoat gave Morgan envy. “That coat is gorgeous. Is it wool?”

“Cashmere.”

Of course it is. Morgan sighed. “There are too many sticky fingers in my life for anything other than black wool.”

“Someday.” Olivia smiled.

“Thanks for helping today.” Morgan put the minivan into gear.

“I don’t mind translating. Besides, you’ve piqued my interest.” As a writer, Olivia and her PI boyfriend, Lincoln Sharp, were a perfect match. Together, they were the nosiest couple in town.

But Morgan had to look out for her client first. “As my agent in this interview, you’ll be bound by the same client confidentiality as I am.”

Olivia held up a hand. “I understand.”

“I appreciate it.” Morgan turned onto the main road.

“We’re meeting at my client’s house. He asked them to come and help him with something.

I tried to text and call directly, but she wouldn’t respond.

Troy didn’t say what he needed, so our request will be a shock.

She’ll likely assume it has to do with a cleaning issue. ”

“Should be interesting, then.”

Morgan drove to Troy’s house. All stone, wood, and glass, the building looked like it belonged in the forest. “We’re early. I wanted to be here before the cleaner.”

“ Ok .”

They went inside, where Troy was pacing the huge kitchen. He paused as Morgan introduced Olivia.

Minutes later, a chime sounded throughout the house.

“That’s the driveway alert,” Troy explained. “She’s here.”

The cleaner was a slim woman of about forty, with long black hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. Troy let her into the house and led her into the kitchen. “Coffee?” He gestured toward the fancy machine on the counter.

Maria moved as if to make it, but he stopped her. With a glance at Olivia, he said, “Tell her I’ll make it for her.”

Olivia translated, then indicated that Maria should sit at the table.

Maria seemed uncomfortable with the role reversal, but she did as she was asked.

Troy brought four demitasse cups of espresso to the table, along with sugar and cream.

He sipped his black. Morgan doctored hers but nerves kept her from drinking.

The next fifteen minutes would determine if her client had an alibi for the murder of his ex-girlfriend.

The second such killing within a week.

He needed to be cleared of suspicion in Janet’s case. Having a solid alibi for one of two identical killings would make his involvement with the first seem less likely. Conversely, not having an alibi for either murder would make Morgan’s job very difficult.

Morgan and Olivia had discussed their approach at length, so as soon as everyone had their coffee, Olivia jumped right in.

Morgan knew a little Spanish and caught the basic introductions.

Then the conversation moved too quickly, and all she could do was wait.

Though she didn’t understand the language, she sensed that Olivia was beginning with small talk, assessing Maria’s situation and willingness to make a legal statement.

Olivia’s skill at putting people at ease was apparent in two minutes.

The cleaner nodded, then sipped her coffee while Olivia summed up their conversation for Morgan and Troy.

“Her name is Maria Zelaya. She and her husband, Emilio, came to the US seven years ago. She says she will help. Mr. Ryder has been very generous to her. He always gives her a big tip at Christmas, lets her have his old clothes for her teenage son, and donates to the food pantry at her church.”

“Gracias,” Morgan said.

Maria set down her cup. “I have green card. I pay taxes.” She sounded proud.

Olivia said, “She and her husband are taking classes and working toward citizenship. She says that telling the truth for Mr. Ryder is her duty. She was here cleaning his house from twelve thirty to three thirty on Thursday. He was home the entire time.”

Relief settled Morgan’s stomach, and she reached for her coffee.

Over the next half hour, Morgan typed a formal statement that Maria signed.

Morgan also made her aware that the sheriff would be contacting her to do an interview.

Olivia offered to go along and translate.

She and Maria pulled out their phones and exchanged numbers.

Morgan tossed back the remaining espresso. “Thank you again, Maria. We’ll be in touch.”

Maria said, “You are welcome” in heavily accented English.

“I have to make some calls.” Morgan went outside to call Bree, but the sheriff didn’t answer her phone. Morgan left a message. “I have something important to discuss. Please call me back.”

Caffeine buzzed nicely through her bloodstream. One murder accusation was far better than two, but she still had her work cut out for her proving Troy hadn’t killed Kelly. It wasn’t enough to keep him from being charged. He had a life and a business. He needed to be completely cleared.

So tonight, Morgan would go home, put her children to bed, and go back to work.