Page 63 of Intrigued

The day after Christmas, after returning from Philadelphia, I’d received a call from Kylie. She had told me that the address Gina had given me in Chattanooga belonged to an old, abandoned, dilapidated house that was last officially owned by the Greer family.

“The Greers were poor as dirt and had six daughters. That’s all I could figure out so far.”

“Thanks,” I said.

“Holly, that didn’t sound enthusiastic at all.”

I sighed tiredly. “Listen, I’m over the Christmases. I really don’t care about them anymore.”

“Shit,” she said with fervor. “Which one were you fucking?”

Of course I denied having sexual relations with any of them. I basically told Kylie that they were a weird family and I just didn’t care anymore.

She remained silent for a while then said, “I see. Well, I’m going to let you cool off for a while and then get back to you. I’m unable to investigate the Christmases, but you are, and I want to get to the bottom of this.”

I had agreed so I could get her off the phone, go to bed, crawl under the sheets, and cry.

I was surprised she hadn’t gotten back to me as of yet. I hadn’t changed my mind. I wanted nothing to do with the Christmases. Then I stopped scanning the AP newswire as my eyes remained stuck on the details of a story. Bryn Christmas was considered a missing person. Her Mercedes was found along a California highway, keys still in the ignition, and her cell phone and wallet in the passenger seat. Authorities were led to question a man they considered to be her boyfriend, Dale Rumor, a clerk who worked for Judge Robert Kristoff, but he was unable to be found. Blood was found in Bryn’s car, hers on the steering wheel and his in the back seat. Crime scene investigators believed foul play was probable.

I coughed because I had forgotten to breathe. “Shit.”

Bryn and Dale murdered?My mind quickly put the pieces together. I sprang to my feet, feeling as though I had to do something. Then there was a gentle knock on the door. I pressed my hand over my heart, hoping it was Bryn.

“Come in,” I said impatiently.

The door opened, and the shock of who it was made me lean back. “What are you doing here?”

THE END

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