Saltwater Secrets - Amelia Addler Page 0,41
think I know him.”
“I mean, he wasn’t fighting me on it. He said it was a shame because it’s important for the county to have a healthy discussion.”
“I see.”
What were the chances that someone else from the San Juan Small Business Association disagreed with Barb’s decision to withdraw her support for the sale of Colby’s land? Hopefully they wouldn’t take any action against her, too; but it wasn’t like she was coming out in favor of Jade’s plan. She was only declaring herself neutral, like Switzerland. Swiss Barb. From now on that’s how Matthew would think of her.
She put her hands up. “I don’t want to be a part of any kind of discussion where people are violent! And starting fires! I mean – that’s just unbelievable. Just unbelievable! Nothing is worth that. I’m going to mind my own business from now on.”
“Alright Barb, it was nice talking to you. If anything comes up, call.”
“I will.”
Barb’s alibi checked out – she’d hosted a party at her home on the night of the fire. He decided that it might be good idea to talk to the county council and see if they had heard any complaints about Barb’s withdrawal from the vote. He was about to call for the phone numbers of the members when his phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Hey babe, it’s me.”
He cringed. He’d forgotten to call Laura back last night like he said he would. “Hey – what’s up?”
“You tell me. I haven’t heard from you all day.”
“I know – I’m sorry. I’m really involved in trying to figure out this case and I forgot to call last night. I just fell asleep when I got home.”
Laura sighed. “I mean I get that this is important, but you already saved the day. Can’t someone else work on this? Don’t you, like, get a break or something now?”
Matthew laughed. “Well – everyone’s pretty busy, and I’m not the only one working on this. I really want to help with it.”
She was quiet for a moment. “Okay.”
“I’ll call you tonight, okay?”
“I guess.”
“Hey – don’t be mad. I’ll make it up to you.”
“Alright. Well – good luck today.”
“Thanks.”
He didn’t know the next time that he’d be able to see her, and she was already not happy with him. If only he could combine seeing her with work somehow…
Oh yeah! Burke Development was throwing another party on Lopez island. Matthew couldn’t miss it. Maybe Laura could be a useful second set of eyes? She’d like that – to be involved. It was hard for her to feel left out. Plus she’d love getting dressed up and going to a fancy party. That was the part Matthew was less interested in.
Perfect – there was the solution. He set a reminder on his phone to call her; hopefully she’d be excited by the idea.
Chapter 16
Jade’s stomach leapt when she saw that Matthew was calling.
“Hey!”
“Hey, what’s up?”
“Oh nothing really, how about you?”
“I wanted to let you know that I’m planning on coming to the party to scope things out, and Laura wanted to help too.”
“That’ll be great!” Jade heard herself speak the words out loud, adding just enough inflection to make them sound true.
“Great! I’ll see there?”
“Yeah, see you then.”
Jade hung up the phone and buried her face in her hands. She had suspected that the conversation would likely be related to her house burning down, and not to like…to ask her out or to chat. But she hadn’t expected the Laura curveball. She let out a groan – what a mess.
“What’s wrong?” Tiffany said, popping her head through the doorway.
“Oh – nothing. Just getting ready to go to that party on Lopez Island.”
“Ah, the one thrown by your competition?”
She nodded. “Do you think it’s a bad idea? Do you think I’m…I don’t know, provoking the enemy?”
Tiffany took a seat next to her on the bed. “I know mom’s worried about that, but I don’t think so. I think that showing up at the party shows you won’t be bullied.”
“Really?”
“Yeah! You have to go. And who knows? Maybe the person who’s after you will do something really stupid and expose themselves.”
Jade laughed. “That’d be great. Because Matthew interviewed a ton of people and he’s still no closer to figuring out who did it.”
“Is he going to this thing too?”
“Yeah, and Laura.”
Tiffany tilted her head. “Who’s Laura again?”
“His girlfriend.”
She made a face. “Oh. So you’re stuck being the third wheel?”
“I guess,” Jade shrugged. “Morgan and Luke would come but they’re busy with a wedding.”
Tiffany’s eyes brightened. “I’ll be your