Free The Darkness Knows by Cheryl Honigford Page B

black-and-gold object that had rolled to the far corner of the stairwell. She picked it up and examined it, holding it out on her outstretched palm.
    â€œA cuff link,” he said.
    Vivian wrinkled her brow. “It looks like ones I’ve seen Graham wear.”
    â€œMaybe he had the same idea about avoiding the press this morning.”
    â€œMaybe…” Vivian put the cuff link in the pocket of her jacket, but something about the idea of Graham avoiding the press didn’t sit quite right. Graham never avoided reporters.

CHAPTER EIGHT
    Angelo’s mouth fell open in surprise when the elevator doors parted and he spotted Vivian waiting impatiently for the express elevator to the eleventh floor.
    â€œMiss Witchell!” he cried. Eyeing Mr. Haverman warily, he held out a protective hand to help her into the waiting car. “What are you doing here? You should be at home resting!”
    Vivian made a concerted effort not to roll her eyes. “I have a show to do, Angelo,” she said, stepping into the elevator and politely shaking the older gentleman’s fingers off her forearm. She set her jaw determinedly. Angelo was the first of many run-ins she was likely to have today, all with acquaintances concerned for her welfare, and all of those encounters a nuisance.
    â€œBut is it”—he leaned in and lowered his voice to a whisper—“ safe for you to be here?” He glanced from Vivian to Charlie, his eyes round.
    â€œDon’t be silly,” she replied, making an effort to keep her voice light. “I’m safe as a kitten.” She glanced at Charlie, who was studying the elevator inspection papers. Then she looked meaningfully at Angelo, willing him to stop talking about it already.
    â€œAh,” he said with a nod toward the detective. “This is the man Mr. Hart hired for you, eh?”
    Before she could respond, someone called, “Hold the elevator!” A harried-looking man hurried toward them, waving his arms. Without a word, Angelo closed the heavy metal doors. He pulled another lever, and the elevator jerked to life. Vivian’s stomach lurched at the sudden movement, and she grabbed Charlie’s arm to steady herself.
    Vivian blinked. “Yes, but how do you know about that?” she asked, surprised.
    â€œGraham told me on his way out yesterday.”
    Of course Graham would have talked about the letter found with Marjorie, Vivian thought. It was his chance to be part of a real-life detective case, not just one written for radio. By now, gossip about the letter’s contents could have spread through the whole station.
    â€œWhat’s it all about?” Angelo asked, as if she would be able to supply the answer right there in the elevator.
    Vivian shrugged. “I wish I knew,” she said.
    â€œThere’s some crazy man after you?” With a self-conscious shrug, Angelo added, “That’s what I hear anyway.”
    â€œHonestly, I don’t know.” Vivian heard her voice crack, and she felt her eyes begin to sting. She blinked several times, warding off the tears that suddenly threatened.
    â€œThe police are looking into it,” Charlie said, his voice strong and reassuring. He placed his hand over hers.
    The elevator jerked to an unceremonious stop at the eleventh floor. Angelo placed his hand on the door lever, but before pulling it, he turned to Vivian and said, “You be careful, miss.”
    â€¢ • •
    Vivian leaned over the ladies’ room sink and let cold water from the tap drip from her fingers onto the back of her neck. She was no longer close to tears, but she still felt that nagging fear in the pit of her stomach. Lifting her head, she met her gaze in the mirror. She looked like a terrified rabbit ready to run at the slightest hint of danger. That wouldn’t do. It couldn’t do. If she wanted to feel confident, she had to look the part. She made herself smile and pinched