Page 13 of Killer Knows Best (Fallon Baxter FBI Mystery #4)

13

SPECIAL AGENT JACK STONE

“ D elaney helped organize our signings and discussions,” Brenda Billings goes on here in the conference room behind the library in Blue Creek.

“Grief.” I blow out a breath. “I’ve felt it before, heavy and thick.” It was when my parents both disappeared into the abyss of a governmental correctional facility, but it may as well have been their deaths I was dealing with.

Phillis shakes her head. “I realize it doesn’t sound uplifting. But grief is a part of life. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. And it certainly doesn’t help the process. We both suffered greatly at its hands.” She lifts her chin at Brenda and her friend clasps their hands together.

“I lost my husband not long after she lost her daughter.” That silver streak in her hair shines like lightning as she bobs her head. “Prior to the group, we hadn’t known one another existed. But now we’re closer than sisters.” She lifts their conjoined hands as if to prove her point.

“That’s right,” Phillis says. “I like to say that Brenda is the gift the universe knew I needed. I’m a firm believer that the Almighty brings people into our lives at just the right time. ”

My stomach grows hot as I cast a quick glance at Fallon. For some reason, it feels as if Fallon showed up right on time. I feel that with everything in me, and yet I’m not sure why.

“But again, you’re not here to learn about us,” Phillis says coolly. “Delaney’s death is tragic, and we’re happy to assist in any way we can.”

“Yes, for sure.” Brenda’s voice is softer now. “We’re all shaken by what happened. Delaney was so young. It’s hard to believe.”

“We understand.” Fallon’s voice softens to meet them where they are. “It’s not easy losing someone, especially when they’re so full of potential. We’re here to learn all you can tell us about her.”

Fallon understands loss as well. Her father passed away and her sister is MIA, and the latter seems to be voluntary at this point. I get Fallon’s desire to track her down, though. It’s her little sister. Fallon feels a familial responsibility to take care of her. I’d do the same. Ironic since my own sister is out there somewhere. But in my defense, we last spoke about two years ago. Which reminds me, I should probably give her a call.

“I’m not sure how much help we can be.” Phillis sighs, her orange lips twitching as if they didn’t know which direction to go in. “Like I said, Delaney was lovely, but she didn’t talk much about her personal life.”

“Did she mention any financial troubles? Relationships?” Fallon asks, leaning in just enough to seem concerned, but not overbearing.

Body language is her specialty. And half the time I like what her body is saying to mine. The other half I’m fearing for my safety. Lucky for me, I can appreciate a woman who keeps me on my toes.

Phillis shakes her head. “She didn’t divulge any of that to me. But young women often keep those kinds of things to themselves. Especially if they’re struggling. ”

I watch Brenda carefully as she listens. It looks as if she’s trying hard to look sad, concerned, maybe even empathetic. But she looks stiff, guarded, and it makes me wonder what she’s trying to hide.

Brenda shakes her head at Phillis. “You knew Delaney a little better than me. The two of you were always having private little chats. Surely, she must have said something to you.”

Phillis offers her friend a cold, somewhat vacant stare.

“She mentioned she was from a very poor family.” Phillis shrugs our way. “She heard me speak about my own humble beginnings.” Her lips press together until they glow white. “She did mention the pressure at school to perform well was mounting. Midterms were around the corner; there were many papers to write.”

Brenda sighs hard. “Delaney’s mother is an addict. She confided that to me. There’s a sibling somewhere in foster care. Different fathers. Delaney said she didn’t know hers. She just mentioned that to us the other night.”

“That’s right.” Brenda snaps her fingers. “We were closing out the room after a book signing. The library has been so very kind to me. My book came out a few weeks ago, and they’ve let me host as many signings as I wish. We just finished up with one this afternoon. Delaney was so very helpful these past few weeks, and she was just starting to open up. I hardly knew her, but I’m going to miss her.” She thumps her finger to her chin. “You know, Phillis is giving a talk at Pathways to Paradise, right here in just a couple of nights. You’re both welcome to attend. You might even amend with some of the unresolved grief you might be facing. Perhaps you’ll find it insightful.”

Fallon tips her head as if she were suddenly interested. “I’m sure we would.”

“Thank you for the invite,” I tell them. “It sounds like something everyone can use. ”

Brenda nods enthusiastically. “It’s really something. Phillis has a way of connecting with people. You’ll leave feeling well, lighter .”

The shadows of my past settle over me like a dark cloud and I feel about a million pounds.

“That would be nice,” I say. But what I meant to say was that would be a miracle .

Phillis glances at her watch, signaling the end of our little chat. “I hope you find what you’re looking for, Agents.”

The four of us stand at once and both women give Buddy a proper rubdown.

That dog gets more action with more women than I have in the last six months.

Fallon and I take off with Buddy looking back longingly as if he was already missing the spontaneous massages. Can’t say I blame him.

“What do you think?” I ask as we head out into the frigid night air.

“You first,” she says.

“It’s a start. But I’m thinking we need to deep-dive into everyone that Delaney and Gwen spent time with.”

“Agree,” she says and Buddy lets out a sharp bark. “I think Buddy agrees, too.”

“That sounded more like we might need Mexican food to get the job done .”

Fallon shakes her head. “If a burrito helps solve this case, so be it.”

“I think that hot tub might help, too.”

“Don’t press your luck.” She bites down on a smile and her eyes never leave mine.

I do believe I will be pressing my luck tonight.

I just hope I remember that she’s packing heat.

Our phones go off and it’s Hale .

We’ve just got clearance to search the apartment Delaney and Gwen shared off-campus.

Looks as if that burrito will have to wait.