Free Murder on Sagebrush Lane by Patricia Smith Wood Page B

were watching. It was his contact.”
    “And you say this nameless contact is now dead?”
    “Unfortunately, he is. And I suspect that whoever is responsible for his fate, may have also decided to take out Mr. Rinaldi.”
    “But why? Who would want Michael Rinaldi dead?”
    John Smith reached into his pocket and produced a business card. It was plain, white, with only an out-of-state phone number. He handed it to DJ.
    “That, Special Agent Scott, is indeed the question. When you find out, perhaps you could contact me?”

22
     
    “Lucy, it’s me!” Ginger’s voice rang out as she used her key to gain entrance into Harrie’s house. The best friends had exchanged keys years ago in case of emergency. It often came in handy.
    Katie Rinaldi was happily playing with her newfound toys. Caroline and Harrie had been talking in hushed tones about the latest developments.
    “We’re in here, Ethel!” Harrie sang out. She smiled as she remembered the hours of marathon “I Love Lucy” reruns she and Ginger had watched over the years. The two women had experienced their own “Lucy and Ethel” moments many times since they became friends. Ever since junior high, the redheaded Harrie had worn the “Lucy” nickname with a mixture of pride and dismay. It didn’t help that her middle name was Lucille, an effort by her mother to mollify Harrie’s aunt. But the name seemed almost prophetic. Her tendency for getting into trouble was legendary among her friends. And Ginger’s role as the despairing sidekick “Ethel” had been a natural fit.
    Ginger put her purchase down on a chair, and Harrie looked at it in confusion. “How does one install this monster in an automobile? It’s huge!”
    Ginger laughed. “Don’t worry. Steve’s on his way over. He has lots of experience with these things.” She looked at Katie, playing with one of her stuffed animals. “Are we just about ready to head out of here?”
    “I’m all set. Katie’s clothes are ready. I’ve packed a few things for both DJ and me, and I have Tuptim in her carrier on top of the dryer. All I have to do is pack up Katie’s bag of toys. As soon as the car seat is in place, we’re out of here.”
    Caroline stood and picked up her purse. “All right, then. If you’re okay here for now, I’m going on to my house and get things ready. Call me if you think of anything else we need. I’ll stop on the way and pick up milk and bananas. Katie looks like a banana girl to me.” She grinned at the little girl and gave her a hug. “I’ll see you later, Katie.”
    Harrie walked Caroline to the front door. “Thanks, Caroline. You’ve been a big help. I don’t know what we would have done without you here to keep her occupied.”
    “I loved every minute. I’ll see you soon.” Caroline closed the front door behind her.
    For the first time since Harrie had discovered the small blonde child in her front yard, she felt an overwhelming tiredness seep into her body. She imagined she would look back on this day as yet another milestone in her life. Would they really let her keep Katie? She’d never considered the possibility of instant motherhood. How did this all work? My God! What if she couldn’t do it? She’d never spent much time around little kids—well except Ginger’s twin boys, of course. But just like that, to be responsible for a tiny life, a little child who had suffered the loss of both parents in such a short time. As she walked back into the family room, she looked over at Katie, who was absorbed in one of the storybooks. The child carefully pointed at each picture and chattered to herself. She seemed completely happy in her own little world.
    Ginger, who had been unpacking the car seat from its box, saw Harrie’s expression as she watched Katie with her book. “Hey Red, what’s up? You’re quivering like a Chihuahua who just peed on the carpet.”
    Harrie rubbed her arms. “Don’t you think it’s a bit chilly in here?”
    Ginger’s mouth