Now That She's Gone Read Online Free PDF Page A

Birdy on the other side of her desk where they could watch the video clip at the same time.
    The images were black-and-white and slightly grainy, but certainly clear enough for any viewer familiar with the women to identify them. Brenda wore dark pants and a white top. Janie had on a skirt and patterned blouse. Glasses hung on a chain around her neck.
    â€œIt just occurred to me now, but what’s Brenda doing in Janie’s office, anyway?” Birdy asked.
    Kendall looked at her drafted partner. “Special privileges, I’m told.”
    â€œOf all people in the prison,” Birdy said. “Brenda Nevins? She should have a tattoo on her face that says ‘Get the F Away from Me.’”
    Kendall half smiled. “I know. It’s utterly crazy that anyone would give her any special privileges whatsoever.”
    â€œBut someone did. Her ,” Birdy said, tapping her fingertip on the screen.
    â€œYes,” she said. “She was the only one who could.”
    â€œDo we need popcorn?” Birdy asked. “I’m hungry.”
    â€œYou’re always hungry. And no, we don’t. Not unless you want to puke it up later. Just watch, okay?”
    â€œSufficiently intrigued, Kendall.”
    The images unspooled across the screen. At first it was as Kendall admitted when she called Birdy to join her for a screening—“A whole lot of nothing, but wait until the third act.”
    When the third act came it was everything that she’d promised.
    â€œWhat’s Janie doing?” Birdy asked.
    Kendall looked at her friend. “She’s taking off her clothes.”
    Birdy made a face. “I can see that. But . . . oh crap, she’s not . . . Yeah, she is.”
    â€œRight,” Kendall said. “She is.”
    â€œI can’t get a man to do that to me,” Birdy said.
    Kendall glanced at her friend. “That’s borderline TMI.”
    â€œI’m just saying,” Birdy said, turning her head a little to improve her viewing angle. “Just saying.”
    â€œYou sound like a teenager,” Kendall said, still riveted to the video, even though it was her third viewing.
    â€œBlame that on my nephew, Kendall. Elan’s influencing me more than I’m influencing him.”
    The clip went on with Brenda doing what she was extremely proficient at—writhing in ecstasy. Tossing her head back. Running her fingers through her beautiful hair.
    â€œHow is it that I can barely get a date and Brenda can turn these women like it’s nothing?” Birdy asked.
    Kendall let out a short laugh. “I have no idea.”
    â€œAt least you’re married, Kendall.”
    Kendall almost said “for now” in response, but she held her tongue. She wasn’t going to go there. Not until she heard something definitive from Steven. Why doesn’t he call? What is he up to?
    The video finished and Kendall looked at Birdy.
    â€œWell?” she asked.
    â€œI hope that Janie pulls herself together before Brenda decides that she’s no longer worth the trouble,” Birdy said.
    â€œI figure Janie has the shelf life of an already ripe banana.”
    â€œI hope Janie’s family doesn’t have to see this.”
    â€œI’m almost glad that it’s not our case just because of that,” Kendall said. “I wouldn’t want this played in a Kitsap County courtroom either.”
    Kendall’s landline rang and she picked it up.
    â€œReally?” she said, looking at Birdy with a strange expression on her face. The caller did most of the talking. “All right. I’ll bring Birdy. She’s with me now. I see. All right.”
    â€œWhat was that all about?” Birdy asked.
    â€œBrad James says I have a visitor.”
    â€œHe’s getting on my nerves, Kendall. He asked me to speak to a kindergarten class at Mullinex Ridge about autopsies. As if I could or would do that. What’s he making you