Free Sarah Woods Mystery Series (Volume 6) by Jennifer L. Jennings

there any way you could find out who Mick's Parole Officer is?”
    Carter shrugged. “Wouldn't hurt to try.”
    “Also, Detective James needs to find a witness who can corroborate Mick's story, that he dropped her off yesterday afternoon near the Irving gas station on Islington. She might have been walking home and someone picked her up.”
    “Let's not forget our biggest clue to this whole thing,” Carter said. “Claire's murderer felt compelled to dump the body in your trunk. So, whoever this animal is, he's got his eye on you, Sarah, and I'm not comfortable with that.”
    Lois excused herself. “Sorry to be rude. I need to lay down until these Tylenol kick in.”
    “Maybe you should have some food,” I said.
    “Thanks but I'm afraid I'll throw up anything I put in my stomach. I'll be fine. You guys are welcome to stay as long as you want. And Sarah, please take my car if you need it. I won't be going anywhere.”
    After Lois disappeared down the hall toward the bathroom, Carter and I shared a wilted lettuce and turkey sandwich I bought at the pharmacy. Note to self; never buy a turkey sandwich at a pharmacy.
    “Give me your honest opinion,” I said to him. “You don't really think Claire's killer wants to do the same to me as he did to her, do you?”
    “I don't know but, if I have any control, I won't let anything happen to you. Problem is, you won't let me follow you around like a bodyguard.”
    “That's why I carry pepper spray.”
    He gave me that look. “Pepper spray won't always get you out of a tight spot.”
    I leaned over and kissed him tenderly on the lips, letting him know that I appreciated his concern about my well-being.
    “It's getting late,” he said. “Why don't we head home? Lois probably wants a little privacy anyway and you look exhausted.”
    “You're right, I am.”
    “I'll give you a little neck massage before bed.”
    I liked the sound of that. “Why don't you head back now? I want to say goodbye to Lois and make sure Peter is still coming over to spend the night.”
    “Okay. I'll see you at home very soon.”
     

Chapter 11
     
     
     
     
     
    F ive minutes after Carter left, Peter showed up with a bag of groceries. He set them down and offered me a hug. I could feel the nervous tension in his body.
    “I'm still in shock about Claire. And I can't imagine what you must be going through after you found her this morning.”
    “I'm fine,” I said. “I'm worried about your sister though; she's not been feeling well.”
    He looked around the room. “Where is she, in bed?”
    “Yeah. I didn't want to leave until you showed up.”
    He removed his jacket and said, “By the way, there's this guy sitting in his car, parked across the street. Looks like he's watching the house. Is he an undercover cop, or something?”
    A chill ran up my spine. I rushed over to the window, pushed back the curtain, and peered outside. I let out a sigh of relief and smiled. “That's my partner, Carter. He must be waiting for me to leave, to make sure I get home safely.”
    “That's the guy you just moved in with, right?”
    I chuckled. “Yep, that's him. Lois told you about him?”
    Peter ignored the question. “I guess that means you can't stay to talk.”
    “I have a few minutes.”
    Peter gestured for me to follow him into the kitchen, where he helped himself to a beer in the fridge. “Want one?”
    “No thanks.”
    He pulled out a chair for me to sit, then he moved his chair close to mine and sat down.
    I noticed the lines on his face; the stress in his life had taken it's toll. I wanted to know more about his ex-wife, but this wasn't the right time.
    “Have you spoken with anyone from the police department, yet?” I asked.
    After taking a few sips he let out a long sigh. “I'm supposed to go into the station tomorrow and talk to the detective in charge of the investigation. I hope one of our customers at the Bakery isn't a suspect.”
    “I can't confirm or deny that, but there is one