Page 128 of Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies

I remember someone telling me once that everyone has something to hide and it’s always at the forefront of their mind when they’re being interrogated, whether it’s related to the crime or not. So the first time a question comes anywhere near the subject you’re afraid of, out the secret comes.

This is somehow related to why people confess to crimes they didn’t commit, though I’m not entirely sure how. All I know is I’m supposed to let Inspector Tucci finish his questions before I say anything, and only answer what’s asked.

In other words, be the opposite of how I usually am.

He takes me to a small conference room on the other side of the reception. There’s one big window, a square table, and a couple of comfortable chairs around it. A small black recording device is in the middle of the table.

Inspector Tucci sits and indicates that I should sit across from him. “Ms. Dash, it is a pleasure to see you again.”

“Is it?”

He frowns. “I see that you have not changed.”

“What does that mean?”

“Still hostile to the authorities. Still keeping company with Connor Smith.”

“That’s only because of the book tour.”

“Ah, yes. When in Roma,” he says. “I have read this book.”

I sit in my chair. “Good read?”

He raises his eyebrows. “A lot of facts have been rearranged. And this inspector character. He’s me, yes?”

“It’s fiction.”

“He’s described exactly like me.”

“Are you going to sue me?”

“No, Ms. Dash. Italians are not so quick to go to the courts as you Americans.”

“Okay.”

“You’ve had much success with this book.”164

“Yes.”

“A whole series, many millions of copies sold?”

“That’s what it says on the cover.”

“And Mr. Smith, he’s the hero in all of these books.”

“I’d say more that Cecilia Crane is the hero. Connor’s the sidekick.”

“Regardless, they go together. They are, how do you say, the backbone of the series.”

“Yes.”

“But you are sick of Mr. Smith.”

“In the book or in life?”

“Both, I think.”

“We’ve had our differences. As you know, Connor can be… a lot.”