Page 53 of Peach Cobbler Confessions
“Jealousy?”
“Darn tootin’. It’s the secret sauce we revert to time and time again.” She cranes her neck past me. “Wait a minute. Who is the blonde that Harry is talking to?”
I turn in time to see them sharing a laugh.
“Excuse me, Lot. I’ve got a homicide to tend to.” She takes off just as Kent walks by.
No problem, Carlotta. I’ve got a homicide to tend to as well.
Collette Jenner leans her ghostly self in. “There he is. Get your gun ready to take him down.”
“I think I’ll wait to do the big serial killer reveal until Noah gets back. But I guess it doesn’t mean I can’t have a conversation with him.”
Collette emits a ghostly moan. “I don’t know, Lottie. I’d have the gun ready anyway.”
“Excuse me,” I call out as Kent passes the area in the foyer where a million stagehands are prepping the lights and adjusting the spot where Ridge will stand while he looks into the camera and dissects each of his old cases for the viewers.
Kent looks much more formal today with a suit on, a pressed white shirt, and a black tie that runs down his chest like the blade of a very sharp knife.
“Excuse me?” I call out again as I step over to him. He’s just pulled out his phone as if he were about to make a call as he turns my way.
“Lottie.” He sheds an easy smile.
Collette leans in and whispers, “There is definitely a likability factor about him.”
I try to nod discreetly.
Collette swirls around him like a mist. “I would definitely let this tall, dark, and handsome beefcake lead me into a dark alley.”
What beefcake, I want to ask, but bite my tongue for now.
Although, she’s right. There is definitely something about him that makes me like him, and oddly enough, trust him, too.
His smile widens. “What can I do for you?”
“Uh, I was.” I hitch my thumb back toward the conservatory, unsure of how to broach any subject with this man, thiskiller.
He offers a knowing smile. “If it’s regarding the fantastic desserts you’ve provided, let me tell you, I’ve already attacked.” He gives his stomach a hearty pat and laughs. “And if you must know, as soon as I finish up some work, I’m heading back in here to refuel. I think filming is going to head well into the evening. I hope your mother won’t mind the disruption.”
“Are you kidding? She’s more than happy to have you. And I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the dessert. Please, have as much as you like.”
“Yeah, hot stuff.” Collette coils herself around him like a snake. “Have as much as you like ofme, too.”
He shudders. “I just felt a cool breeze.”
I shrug over at him. “My mother does have the AC pumped up all the way. It’s been a long, hot summer.”
He ticks his head to the ceiling. “You’re telling me.”
“I’m sorry about Dane.”
Kent’s expression falls flat and quickly morphs to grief. “I can’t believe he’s gone. It all feels so surreal. A part of me wants to believe he’s off on vacation. It’s like it’s not possible he’s truly gone. I was just standing with the guy at that awards ceremony.”
“It must be very difficult for you. I’m sure the sheriff’s department will track down the killer soon enough and land him behind bars, for life.” The words come out a little curter than I intended.
Kent gives a disbelieving look as he shakes his head. “I’d like to think you’re right, but I was just talking to Detective Fairbanks. She said the security cameras malfunctioned the night of the murder. Whoever did this doesn’t plan on getting caught.”
I lift my chin. “That must be very disheartening for you.”