Page 46 of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

“That’s a great idea,” he said, sounding relieved.

“I told Belinda I’d let them know if I needed them to stop by on their way home on Sunday, although I suspect I can just fill them in over a video chat.”

“Agreed. So does that mean you’ll be workin’ on the case tonight?”

“Yeah, and it’s part of the reason for this call.”

“I’m listenin’.”

“Thanks to your father, I found out Magnolia’s aunt’s name, and also that she died the year Lila graduated.” Then I added, “Well, I found out her name and that she died from your father, but the exact date and cause of death came from her death certificate.”

“My father knew her?” he asked in surprise. “And when did you see him?”

I laughed. “I went to his place to see him this afternoon. You know, he could start a historical society with all the records he has stowed in his shed.”

“That would definitely give him a hobby to keep him out of trouble.”

“Definitely something to bring up to him and the city council,” I said.

“Seein’ how I’m not Mayor Sterling’s favorite person, I need to stay far away from that project.”

“Good idea,” I said, “but that’s not why I called. Although, in hindsight, I probably should have called Amber.”

“Let me be the judge of that. What’s up?”

“Magnolia’s aunt’s death certificate listed her cause of death as a homicide due to blunt force trauma.”

“You’re wantin’ to see the police report.”

“Yeah. That case and also a car accident her mother died in fifteen months later. I haven’t found the death certificate for Jim Bob yet, so I’m not sure if he died in the same accident or from another cause.”

“They’re pretty old, so it might take some digging.”

“Do you think you’ll be able to get them tonight?”

“Is there any way you’ll be able to get your mind off this case and spend time with me tonight if I don’t?”

“I couldtry,” I said with a laugh.

“You’re like a dog with a bone when you’re on a case,” he said good-naturedly. “So that’s a no.”

“Should I be insulted you just compared me to a dog?”

“One of those cute fluffy dogs,” he said.

“Is that supposed to be any better?”

“Summer, I didn’t?—”

I laughed again. “I’m teasin’.”

“Is Dixie workin’ with you tonight?”

Bill was in town, but Dixie and I were a lot alike. Once we were invested in a case, we had trouble switching it off. Luke had warned me on more than one occasion that it was a surefire wayto burn out, but we hadn’t had a case that sucked us in since August.

“Yeah,” I said, “I’m 99% certain Dixie’s workin’ late too.”

Catching my eye, Dixie nodded enthusiastically.