Page 128 of Seven Deadly Sins

Chapter Nine

“I’m tiring ofthis game, Detective. I feel as if my time is running out.”

Harper showed Liam the text the next morning. Do you think he’ll skip straight to anger?”

“Who knows? The man is clearly losing it which, in my opinion, makes him even more dangerous.”

She leaned into him and closed her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her. “Unless he makes a move, we’ve nothing. For him to make a move, someone is hurt. It’s a toss-up of who is more tired of this game, him or me.”

Her phone buzzed again. “I think, my dear detective, that we will speed through our sixth sin of slovenness and race toward anger.”

Then again. “I once read a quote that said,a slowness to applaud betrays a cold temper or an envious spirit.” Then, “Why do you not applaud my efforts, Detective?”

Harper glanced up at Liam. “Is he accusing me of envy?” Her mouth dried. If Robert laid another sin on her shoulders, he might come after her before the last sin. He’d already accused her and Liam of lust.

“I’m not liking this. He’s spiraling down faster than I thought.”

“Not as fast as he’s texting.” She held up her phone to show him another. “I’ve decided there is no joy in one way texting. I’ve unblocked my phone. Oh, not so you can track me, you’ll never be able to do that. But so that you can respond to me. What’s the point to a one-way conversation?”

Harper frowned. “He wants to carry on a conversation? I’ve nothing to say to him other than he’s nuts.”

Liam’s brow furrowed. “He’ll be expecting a reply.”

“Okay.” She stared at her phone. “Maybe I should play along with the sin of envy. Draw him out of hiding before he reaches anger.”

“As much as I want this to stop, I don’t think that’s a good idea. It’s too dangerous.”

“I’ll risk my life if it saves the people of this town.” Her gaze clashed with his. “That’s my job.”

His eyes flashed. “Then what will you say to him?” He crossed his arms as if daring her. “That you really do applaud his actions? You have too much integrity to do that.”

His phone buzzed. “Guess I’m getting in on the fun now. Robert says since you aren’t willing to speak with him, he’s going to send us on a quest, a scavenger hunt. If we fail, someone suffers or may die.”

“Another one?” Her shoulders slumped. “I’d better hurry and get dressed. I’m sure the first clue is coming soon.” She glanced at the clock. A few minutes before eight. Far too early for dangerous games.

“First clue came through. I’m often called an ambulance chaser.”

“That’s easy. It’s a lawyer. No lawyer office is open this time of the morning.”

“We have ten minutes.”

Harper sped for her room and dressed faster than ever before. In two minutes, she stood in the living room and strapped on her gun. “There’s only one lawyer in Oakdale. I’ll call him on the way.”

Liam snatched the keys off the foyer table and sprinted for the jeep. Harper followed close on his heels.

“The lawyer is on vacation. He said to do whatever we needed to do. He has insurance on the building.”

Liam laughed. “I’ve never had anyone give me permission to break into their place of business before.”

“There’s always a first time.” She stared out the side window. She hated these games so much a fire burned in her belly. It wouldn’t surprise her if she ended up with an ulcer when this was all over.

They had five minutes left to find the next clue by the time Liam shot the lock off the back door of the building. “Send the chief a text letting him know what’s going on. We don’t need anyone showing up and slowing us down.”

She sent a quick text. The chief replied with a bunch of symbols. “He’s mad.” There was no help for it. They were puppets, and Robert pulled the strings.

They found the next clue taped to the women’s restroom door. Not hard to find, thankfully. “Ladies use these so as not to spread germs.” She pursed her lips. “Antibacterial spray? Kleenex? Oh.” Since he hadn’t given them a time limit, it had to be close. She opened the door. On the toilet seat cover dispenser hung another note. “How about some Chow Mein?”

“He’s making this scarily easy.” Liam huffed. “Do we have a Chinese restaurant in town? He’s given us thirty minutes.”