Page 85 of Little Dark Deeds

I clenched my fists at my sides, the urge to strike him so overwhelming I had to dig my nails into my palms to stop myself.

“How unfortunate it is when a woman grows a backbone,” I said.“I can see now why it angered you to the point of verbal harassment and threats.You have a massive narcissistic ego.”

“I didn’t harass her.”

“Who’s the liar now?”

“I was furious that day, I’ll admit.Thinking back, I don’t even remember what I said.It happens sometimes when I’m angry.I lash out without thinking.If it came across as harassment, she twisted my words because that’s not what happened.”

I could feel my heart thump, thump, thumping inside my chest.

Faster and faster.

If I was to retain my composure, the topic of conversation needed to shift before I lost the ability to control myself.

“Have you been visited by an elderly woman about the murder investigation?”I asked.

“Ah, yes.Queenie, I believe.She claimed to be assisting the police with the investigation, which we both know is far from the truth.”

“Did she tell you about the lighter that was found at Tiffany’s house on the day of the murder?”

“She mentioned it.”

“Did she accuse you of murdering Tiffany?”

“She did.”

“What did you say?”

“I found the whole thing comical.The woman was senile.I bet she had no idea what she was getting herself into.If she had, maybe she wouldn’t be dead.”

“I didn’t find her to be senile, though I’ll admit she was out of her depth.”

He blew out a long sigh.“I’m not saying she asked for it, but she brought it on, and someone saw to it that she was shut down.Now then, I’ve enjoyed this little conversation of ours, but it’s time for me to go.If there’s nothing more ...”

Bite your tongue, Georgiana.

He’s not worth it.

“If you’ve done your research on me, you know my track record,” I said.

“I have, and it’s impressive, for a—”

“Woman?”

He pointed a finger gun at me, then clicked his thumb like he’d pulled the trigger.“Your words, not mine.”

“I’m closing in on Tiffany’s killer.I can feel it.If it turns out its you, it won’t matter how many spies you have running around town.I’ll be coming for you, and not even you will be able to stop me.”

Pleased with my parting remark, I spun around, signaling an end to our conversation.I hadn’t taken a single step forward when I felt it—a quick, stinging smack across my backside.

I whipped around.

The time for keeping my composure was over.

Grinning, he said, “I have no doubt you’ll solve the case.That’s the spirit!”

My hand sliced through the air and landed on his cheek with acrack!—red fingerprints blooming in its wake.