Page 87 of Little Hidden Fears

“Is everything okay?” Ramona asked.

“No, I don’t think so. But never mind that for now. What did you just say?”

“I asked you if everything was okay.”

“Before that.”

“Oh, I said sorry for assuming you were a reporter like the last guy who was here, trying to get into Dawn’s apartment. Thought he could get into the place by offering me a piece of Bubble Magic. Who likes that old stuff nowadays?”

CHAPTER 35

Heidi Fletcher had large, doe eyes, a petite frame, and a sweet smile when she met me at the door.

“You’re Clark’s wife, aren’t you?” I asked.

“Yes, I am. How do you know Clark?”

“He and I have spoken a few times over the past week. I’m investigating the murder of Noelle Winters.”

“Oh, right. He told me about you.”

“Is he here right now, by chance? I stopped by Royal Palms, and they told me he had the afternoon off.”

“He’s at a doctor’s appointment.”

“Nothing serious, I hope.”

“Oh, no. Just a routine physical.”

“I was wondering, can we talk?”

“I ... I guess so.”

“Give me just one minute, okay? I just need to run back to my car for a second.”

She nodded. “Sure, I’ll leave the door open. We can talk in the living room. It’s straight down the hall.”

I turned, walking back to the car, where Giovanni was waiting.

“What have you found out?” he asked.

“Nothing yet. She’s agreed to let me come in and talk to her, and I think I’d get a lot further if I did it alone.”

“Where’s Clark?”

“She said he’s at a doctor’s appointment.”

“Do you believe her?”

“I don’t know.”

He tapped a thumb to the steering wheel. “Keep your phone in hand, and if you suspect things are about to go sideways, text me. I’ll be right there.”

I nodded and headed inside, stepping into the living room where Heidi was moving a half-knitted blanket off the couch, giving us both a place to sit down.

Her cheery disposition had changed.

Now she looked nervous, her expression laced with concern and worry.