Free Birthdays Can Be Deadly by Cindy Bell Page A

claim it on insurance.”
    “I have someone looking into the watch situation,” Samantha blurted out.
    “You do?” Eddy arched an eyebrow. “Who?”
    “I can't really say,” Samantha said uncomfortably.
    “What do you mean you can't say?” Eddy asked again. His investigative nature caused him to grow more interested.
    “I mean, I promised her it would be our secret. She might be able to find out who stole the watch,” Samantha explained nervously. She was beginning to regret saying anything about it. She knew just how skilled Eddy was at getting information out of people.
    “Secrets?” Walt frowned. “I don't like secrets. Secrets lead to messes, and messes are not pleasant,” he settled his gaze on Samantha as well. Samantha took a slight step back as both of the men focused in on her.
    “If she finds anything, I'll let you know,” she attempted to assure them both.
    “You'll let us know,” Eddy countered, his voice growing a little rougher.
    “Excuse me?” Samantha shot back with annoyance. Before she could tell Eddy exactly how she felt about his comment, her cell phone began to ring. She glowered at him and fished her phone out of her purse. She didn't recognize the number, but was happy for the distraction. “Hello?” she asked hesitantly.
    “Sam, it's Jo,” Jo said swiftly.
    Samantha looked from Eddy to Walt, and then lowered her eyes. She turned away from the two men.
    “Did you find something?” she asked hopefully.
    “I have a lead,” Jo replied suspiciously. “Why are you talking so softly?”
    “I'm with my friends,” Samantha explained quietly. “You can tell me if you found something.”
    “This is supposed to be our secret, remember?” Jo said sharply. “You didn't tell anyone did you?”
    “No,” Samantha cleared her throat. “But I might need to.”
    “Why would you need to?” Jo asked incredulously. “I don't want you telling anyone.”
    “Because we're acting as a team,” Samantha frowned.
    “This is ridiculous,” Jo muttered. “I just need a description of the watch so that I can make sure I have the right fence.”
    “Oh, a description of the watch?” Samantha repeated.
    “Who is that?” Eddy asked.
    “Is that your secret friend?” Walt questioned and stood up from the computer chair.
    “Who is that in the background?” Jo demanded.
    “Jo, are you going to see the fence today?” Samantha asked quickly.
    “No, I can't go until tomorrow,” Jo replied shortly.
    “Let's meet tomorrow then. I'll give you the description of the watch tomorrow,” Samantha rushed to say.
    “What? Why?” Jo asked, just as Samantha was hanging up the phone.
    She tucked her phone back into her purse and looked up at the two men who were still staring at her curiously. All three were silent for a few moments.
    “Well?” Walt finally asked.
    “Well what?” Samantha asked in return.
    “Well, who was that on the phone?” Walt asked.
    “A friend,” she replied and lowered her eyes again.
    “Enough of this,” Eddy snapped. “I know exactly who she was talking to.”
    “You do?” Samantha asked with surprise and some guilt.
    “Sure,” he narrowed his eyes. “You said her name Jo.”
    “I did not!” Samantha growled.
    “Oh, that's right she did,” Walt said and snapped his fingers sharply.
    “I didn't realize,” Samantha said with a frown.
    “So, who is this Jo?” Eddy demanded.
    “Well, there's a Jo that lives here in Sage Gardens,” Walt pointed out. “She moved in not that long ago.”
    “You know her?” Samantha asked.
    “Oh no, not really,” Walt said shyly. “I just noticed her and overheard her name.”
    “Who is she?” Eddy asked as he locked eyes with Samantha. “I know I know her from somewhere.”
    “Uh, well,” Samantha felt a ripple of tension rise up along her spine. She knew that she had already revealed too much.
    “Listen Sam, doing something like this, conducting an investigation like this, requires a certain amount of