3 The Chain of Lies Read Online Free PDF Page A

Isabel or of Jethro?”
    “Both. You probably think it’s silly.”
    “No, I wouldn’t say it was silly. As a cop, I know you have to sometimes trust your gut when nothing else makes sense. If you don’t want to leave the boxes with Isabel at this point, then you’d probably better leave them where they are while you hunt for a better place to hide them.”
    “I appreciate the support.” Emily slid off the stool and went to the refrigerator to start her salad. “Still, I feel uneasy.”
    “You’re watching for a tail, aren’t you?”
    “I am, don’t worry.”
    She pulled the lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers out of the vegetable drawer.
    “What’s all the noise?” he asked.
    “The girls are coming over for our weekly potluck and I’m making the salad. I was just pulling the fixings out of the fridge.”
    “Say hello for me.”
    “Speaking of the girls, I did find something in one of Evan’s boxes that I think might have to do with Isabel.” Emily tugged a salad bowl out of the cupboard and cradled the phone against her shoulder so she could rinse the vegetables off and begin chopping them on the cutting board.
    “What was it?”
    “A little leather address book. It had the name Izzy Handler in it, with a phone number.”
    “Izzy Handler? Who’s that?”
    “I think Izzy Handler might be Isabel.” Emily chopped the first tomato and tossed the pieces in the salad bowl on top of the torn lettuce.
    “You think Izzy is a nickname for Isabel?” he questioned. “It does make sense.”
    “Emily! Hello!” came a female voice wandering through the house.
    “Hi, Isabel. It’s good to see you.” Emily wiped her hands on a towel and uncradled the phone. “I’m on the telephone,” she whispered, giving Isabel a quick one-arm hug, the phone still in her hand.
    Isabel was holding a tray of barbecued chicken pieces covered with foil. Although Emily couldn’t actually see the chicken, the savory, barbecued aroma was unmistakable.
    “Colin, Isabel’s here and I’m sure Camille is not far behind. Call me when you get home, okay?”
    “All right. I know when I’m not wanted.” He laughed. “I love you, Emily.”
    “I love you, too.” She clicked her phone off and tossed it in her purse.
    “So that’s where we are, is it?” Isabel said, setting her platter down on the counter. “He finally said those three little words.”
    “Yes, he did.” Emily beamed as she picked up the utensils to toss the salad.
    “I assumed he would take the leap before leaving for Cali. He was acting like a smitten teenager last night at the party. I’m happy for you, girl.”
    “Isabel, there’s something I need to talk to you about.” Emily’s cheerful voice grew serious. “Do you think you could stay awhile after Camille leaves tonight?”
    “She’s not here now. What’s on your mind?”
    “Not now, she’ll be here any minute.”
    “Emily! Isabel! Can someone help me?” a high-pitched voice rang out from the direction of the front door.
    “See.” Emily’s head cocked slightly as she flashed Isabel her I-told-you-so look, and then they both dashed to Camille’s aid.
    Camille had a pan of twice-baked potatoes in one hand and a large clear-plastic covered cake plate with a tall lemon crème cake in the other. “Can you guys help me out? I can’t hold onto both of these much longer. If Isabel hadn’t left the door ajar, I wouldn’t have been able to get it opened.”
    “I didn’t leave the door open,” Isabel replied.
    Emily took the cake, casting a puzzled glance at Isabel.
    If Isabel didn’t do it, who did? And where is that person now? Did they overhear her conversation with Colin?
    “Was the door open when you arrived, Isabel?”
    “No, but it was unlocked.” Isabel leaned over to Emily and spoke in a low voice so as not to rattle Camille. “You want me to take a quick look around?”
    “Please.” An uncomfortable chill rippled over Emily as she and Camille meandered back to the cozy