UP IN FLAMES

“Drug cartels? Money laundering?” Chloe shook her head, her voice full of simmering anger. “How could you possibly believe Christopher was capable of such awful, illegal things? He was an upstanding business leader with political aspirations. He would never have done anything that might jeopardize his chance of becoming governor! He believed in what he was doing and wanted to make a difference.”

Vanessa couldn’t tell if the other woman truly believed her words or had become a damn fine actress. “Whether you like it or not, it would appear Christopher was involved in all this,” Vanessa began. Their catfish arrived just then, and she had to wait until the waitress left before continuing. “I have someone making threats and demanding this missing money. Christopher cleaned out our joint bank account before he was killed. Someone shot out my back window and ruined my car and apartment. So don’t sit there and try to make me believe you’re completely in the dark. You were Christopher’s assistant and campaign manager.” She took a deep breath, noting Chloe’s shocked expression. “Why don’t you think about it while you eat,” she said, stabbing the perfectly cooked catfish filet with her fork. “But know this. I’m going to find out the truth whether you tell me or not.”

Chloe pushed her plate away. “I just lost my appetite.”

“Suit yourself.” Vanessa shrugged, putting her first delectable catfish bite into her mouth and chewing slowly.

“But you’ll be missing a dang good meal.”

Eyeing her, Chloe finally reclaimed her plate and started slowly eating, though she continued to watch Vanessa the way a trapped mouse might a hungry cat. Finally, after eating about half her filet, Chloe put down her fork. “I didn’t know what to do,” she whispered.

Vanessa leaned forward. “Has it ever occurred to you that you might be in danger from the cartel too? Especially if you knew about the missing money?”

Chloe’s eyes widened. “But I wasn’t involved in any of that. Yes, I overheard bits and pieces of conversation- enough to put two and two together-but Christopher never asked me to do any of the legwork for that part of his business.”

“Knowing makes you complicit. I wonder what the FBI would think about that.”

Face flushing, Chloe stood. “Are you threatening me?” Her strident tone caused several other diners to glance their way.

“Of course not,” Vanessa said. “Sit down. Please. I have a lot more I’d like to discuss with you.”

Though Chloe sat, she didn’t look happy about it. “Discuss or question?” she asked, her voice as tight as her mouth.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

“Both.” Vanessa sighed. “I’m not your enemy, you know. And if Christopher was having an affair with a woman named Chris, what difference does it make if I find out now? Christopher’s gone. We weren’t even together when he died.”

“I don’t know anything about that,” Chloe replied quickly. Too quickly. “I tried to stay out of Christopher’s personal life as much as possible.”

“I’m sure you did,” Vanessa said, even though she was anything but. “Except you worked for Christopher for a long time. You know stuff.”

Chloe started, jumping slightly when the waitress appeared, asking if they wanted dessert. Both women declined and asked for separate checks. Vanessa tried to think of something to say, anything that might get Chloe to open up. “I’d like to stop by Christopher’s office after this,” she said, slightly gratified by Chloe’s horrified expression.

“Why?”

“Because I can.” Vanessa sighed. “And judging by your reaction, you do have something you want to hide.”

“I promised Christopher…”

“Promised him what?”

Chloe bit her lip. Instead of responding, she shook her head.

“Okay, then.” Vanessa stood and grabbed her check. “I can follow you to Christopher’s office, if you’re going that way. If not, I’ll just let myself in and poke around a little.”

“You can follow me.” Chloe jumped up so quickly she knocked her fork onto the floor. She hurried toward the cashier, paid and waited for Vanessa, tapping one high heel impatiently.

“What are you driving?” Vanessa asked her once they got outside.

“That white Volvo.” Chloe pointed. “I’ll meet you there.”

Which Vanessa took to mean Chloe hoped to have enough time to hide a few things. Once again, Vanessa didn’t understand why.

“Sounds good.” Hopping into her vehicle, Vanessa waved as she backed out of her spot, pulling out into the road before Chloe even reached her car.

Christopher’s office wasn’t but a few blocks away, so Vanessa had already made it to the lobby before she spotted the white Volvo pull up. Briefly, she debated rushing upstairs. Instead she waited at the elevator for Chloe to appear.

The other woman hurried inside, slightly out of breath. “There you are!” she said brightly. “Is there anything in particular you’re looking for that I could help you find?”

Vanessa gave her a sharp look. “Stop. I’m just trying to get some answers. Apparently, there is a lot about my husband that I didn’t know. A lot. I intend to get answers whether you help me or not.”

Chloe opened her mouth and then closed it. They rode the elevator up in silence, standing side by side. Once they reached the third floor, they exited.

Vanessa waited while Chloe unlocked the door to Christopher’s suite of offices.

Stepping inside, Vanessa stood, taking it all in. She’d been here only a few times over the course of her marriage and not recently. Christopher had hired the same interior designer here that he’d used to decorate the house, so the reception area as well as his and Chloe’s offices reminded her of his office at home. Elegant and masculine. It struck her as she stood there that Christopher would never again come striding through that door. She felt it like a punch in the gut. She might not have loved the man, but he’d been part of her life for the last few years.

Chloe must have seen something on her face. “I’m sorry, Vanessa,” she said quietly. “I know it must be difficult.”

“It definitely would be a lot easier if he hadn’t been involved in illegal money laundering and who knows what else,” Vanessa replied, her voice brisk. “And if as a result of him stealing money from criminals, I didn’t have someone calling me demanding I repay them. Or shooting up my house and threatening me.”