Page 59 of It's a Wonderful Knife

River’s gaze flickered. “Okay?”

Lucas looked like he was trying not to laugh.

“You seem like you already have a lot of friends,” I said, taking a step backward.

Girdy gave another one of those nervous laughs.

She was worried, which made me worried. I knew I wasn’t saying the right things, but I wasn’t sure how to fix that. Even if I liked River, which I didn’t, the way he flirted with Royce grated on me. How was I supposed to be his friend when I was pretty sure he wanted to replace me in workandin my boyfriend’s bed?

I shifted my gaze to Lucas, who watched me like a cat. He raised his dark brows as our eyes met. Maybe what was needed here was the truth? How could that hurt, right? River wanted to be my pal—shouldn’t I clear the air? “I suppose there’s a lack of trust between us,” I said quietly.

River frowned. “Is there? But why? I’ve opened up my clinic to you. Haven’t I tried to be helpful?”

“You have.” I frowned. “You’ve said many times you don’t want to replace me as GP of Rainy Dale.”

“That’s right,” River said softly.

“I guess I can’t help but wonder why Lucas is still in town? Since I’m not leaving.”

Lucas started coughing, and little cookie particles flew out of his mouth. He patted his chest and managed to swallow. “Uh, I’m still in Rainy Dale because I like it there.”

I narrowed my eyes. “No other reason?”

He shook his head, but he dropped his gaze.

Royce and Leo returned at that moment. The door slammed open, and the wind howled into the room. Napkins blew off the table, and Girdy chased after them with a yelp. I was relieved the conversation with River and Lucas had been aborted, but also frustrated. I’d have loved to hear more from Lucas aboutwhyhe was still in Rainy Dale. He was a GP like me. How did he intend to support himself if he wasn’t replacing me?

However, Royce’s expression made me forget all about River and Lucas. His face was grim and his eyes hard. He came farther into the room as Leo shut the door behind them. Royce’s coat dripped rainwater onto the floor as he scanned the room.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, because it was very obvioussomethingwas wrong.

“Did anyone leave the house?” Royce rasped.

“Leave the house?” I frowned. “Not that I’m aware of.”

He shifted his gaze to the group of people staring at him. “Did anyone leave the house recently?”

Everyone shook their heads.

A muscle jerked in Royce’s cheek as if he was struggling to control his emotions. “I’d like to start questioning specific people.”

Hermina clutched her throat. “Oh, my.”

Royce’s hard gaze swept the group. “Richard, I’ll start with you.”

“Me?” Richard bugged his eyes. “Why me?”

“I have to start somewhere.” Royce met my gaze. “Max, I’d like you to sit in and maybe take notes?”

“Uh, sure.”

“Mona, I’ll need to use your office. We need somewhere private.”

“Of course.” Mona moved toward the hallway. “Follow me.”

Royce stared at Richard. “Coming?”

Richard slowly got to his feet. “This is stupid. I didn’t kill anyone.”