Page 28 of Devil's Hour

“I can’t believe this,” Mayor Goodwin said, running her hands through her hair. “I wasn’t even supposed to be home. I had planned to go with Skip to New York and canceled late this morning.”

“Who all knows you decided to stay home?” Royce asked, getting right to the point.

“My husband and Ryan.”

“Why did you change your mind?” Blue asked.

“Circumstances changed it for me, Detective.”

What the hell did that mean? She got horny?“Would you like to elaborate?” Royce asked.

“I discovered it wasn’t a stomach bug that made me feel ill this morning. I’m pregnant.”Holy fuck.Mayor Goodwin took a calming breath and met Royce’s gaze. “I never meant for this to happen.”

“The pregnancy?” Blue asked to clarify.

She emitted a strangled laugh. “Most definitely the pregnancy, but I meant my relationship. It wasn’t like I was stalking Ryan as he grew up, waiting for my chance to fall in love with him.”

Fall in love.Royce focused on keeping his expression neutral. “When did the affair begin?”

“It’s not an affair, Sergeant,” Mayor Goodwin replied. “I’min lovewith him. I am going to leave Skip to be with Ryan, and we’re going to have a baby.” She stressed the words slowly and clearly, as if they weren’t overly bright. All the smarts in the world wouldn’t make it easier for Royce to accept the situation. It wasn’t the difference in age that bothered him; it was the power dynamics. It felt predatory, regardless of her claims. He tried not to judge the things consenting adults did, but this one hit him hard.

“When did yourrelationshipbegin?” Blue asked.

The mayor’s chin went up a notch. “He was old enough to know what he was doing.”

“That isn’t what Detective Blue asked,” Royce stated.

“It began last year after he graduated college.”

“Is it possible that someone knows about your relationship with Ryan?” Blue asked.

“No.”

“He hasn’t told anyone?” Royce asked.

“No, Sergeant,” the mayor said stubbornly. “He was just as shocked as I was this morning. First the letter in the paper, then the confirmation that we’re expecting a baby, and now the fire and latest letter left behind.”

“Left behind where?” Blue asked.

“On the desk in the living room. I discovered it once the smoke cleared.”

“Did you touch it?” Royce asked.

“I did, yes. I know it was wrong, but it just caught me off guard, and I picked it up without thinking.”

“What about Ryan? Do you recall if he touched the letter?”

She thought about it for a second, then shook her head. “Just me.”

“There are no signs of forced entry, Mayor. Did you leave a door unlocked?”

“No, but we kept a key under the flower planter on the porch. So stupid.”

“What about your security alarm system? It never went off?”

“I must have forgotten to set it. My life is pretty hectic, and I’m guilty of doing that sometimes. If Skip…” Her voice trailed off again. “If Skip is the last one up, the alarm is always set.” Mayor Goodwin dropped her gaze to the desk. “He takes care of everything,” she mumbled softly but Royce still heard her.

“Taking care of everything implies a level of dedication Mr. Goodwin hasn’t shown today,” Royce said.