Free Killer Cannoli (A Terrified Detective Mystery Book 2) by Carole Fowkes Page B

mention the threat and how the whole thing scared the bloom off my bloomers.
    She kissed my forehead. “You’re right. Better to let the cops do their job.” She grabbed a tissue and wiped her eyes.
    Relieved she wasn’t upset with me, I nonetheless wanted her to feel safe. “You have Dad and me, and when your niece, Josie, comes back from California, you’ll have her. And Angie. Everyone’s watching out for you, even Ed.”
    “I know.” She raised her chin up. “I’ll be fine, especially since you’ll be here every day with me until they catch the killer.”
    I looked toward heaven. “Of course.”
    My father came back to the kitchen first, followed by Angie, who was laughing as she told Ed, “…And there was Lena sneaking out the back door. Her father—”
    Aunt Lena, turning red, interrupted her. “You’re not telling him that story about Johnny Latone, are you?” She addressed Ed. “Don’t listen to her; she’s making up half of it.”
    Angie retorted, “Yeah, but what about the other half?”
    “Ladies,” Dad held up his hands. “Your sniping at each other isn’t getting the work done.”
    Aunt Lena nodded. “Frank’s right. We better finish up so we’re ready for the after-dinner crowd. Cannoli’s is gonna be just as good as before Larry…” Her voice trailed off and she swallowed hard.
    “We know,” I said softly.
    Everyone began working in a heavy silence, but I had something else I needed to do. I whispered like I was at a funeral, “I have to make a call.”
    Without waiting for anyone’s response, I slipped outside and called Corrigan. I wanted to let him know I was off the case, and then maybe, I’d consent to go out with him.
    He picked up on the first ring. “Hi, Claire. Sorry I haven’t gotten back to you, but I still don’t have anything on that threat you received. As soon as I get something, I’ll let you know.” He paused for a second. “Nothing else has happened, has it?”
    His voice was so full of concern it warmed me enough to remove my jacket. “No. Well, yes. My aunt wants me to drop the case.”
    He released a deep breath. “Best news I’ve had all day. Wait. Does she know about the threat?”
    “No, and I don’t want her to know.”
    “Okay, for now.” His official cop voice kicked in. “Anything else?”
    “Well, now that I’m off the case, I’m taking you up on your invitation.” I winced. I was going for a flirty tone, but it fell as flat as a prepubescent girl’s chest.
    “Great. How about tomorrow night?”
    Once I agreed, he chuckled. “It’s good we won’t have Corozza’s murder case hanging over us.”
    “I suppose.”
    He couldn’t leave it at that. “Glad you’re leaving it to the professionals.”
    I tapped my foot. “As opposed to the amateurs?”
    “I meant people who know what they’re doing.”
    I pounded my fist against my thigh. “If you recall, I did solve the Adler case.”
    He snorted, “Just beginner’s luck. You nearly got killed, and look what happened to Ed.”
    I squeezed the phone like it was his neck, took a deep breath and said super-politely, “You know that date we made? Forget it.” I ended the call, fuming.
    My phone rang once more. Thinking it was Corrigan wanting to stick his foot in his mouth again, I almost let it go into voicemail. But it was Alex, who couldn’t have called at a better time. I took a deep, calming breath and tried to relax. “Hello.”
     “Claire, how are you?”
    I felt better by the minute. “Just marvelous.” I pushed my hair behind my ears. “And you?”
    “Good. Glad I got hold of you.”
    “Me too.” I pressed my hand against my chest. Be cool . “Sometimes things get crazy with me.”
    We made small talk until my father came outside to see why I was taking so long. He gave me that familiar look I’ve seen since I was a child. It said, “Whatever you’re doing, wrap it up.”
    I reacted like a kid who’s afraid her phone privileges would be rescinded.