Page 98 of You'll Be Sorry

Now it was Mandy’s turn to be troubled. “When did you last visit this place?”

“Thirty years ago. August. As for a precise date…Do you know where you were three decades past?”

Of course she didn’t, no one did, which provided a perfect out for new interviews of people involved in old crimes. She turned to Adams for assistance.

The man remained dazed and confused, however. Flu bug, bad breakfast, whatever. A chainsaw-wielding madman could burst out of the woods right now, and the investigator would most likely stare blankly. Mandy sighed.

“Come on.” She jerked her chin in his direction. “I’ll take you home.”

“No. I’ll take him.”

Isla again. Goddammit.

“I thought witches only boiled small children in their cauldrons.”

“Or I could administer a tea that aids with nausea. Also, you have more pressing matters.” Isla pointed up the hillside.

Where, fuckety fuck fuck, Mason had materialized on the wooded path, black wool coat flapping over his tweed as he stood with his hands on his hips, glaring at her.

Mandy couldn’t help herself. “You got a tea for that?”

“Don’t I wish,” the Witch of the Woods murmured. “Don’t I wish.”

“Is it them?” Mason demanded without preamble. “The Dixons?”

“Too soon to tell.”

“What happened to them?”

“Too soon to tell.”

“Why are they way out here? That makes no sense. The house is at least a mile away.”

“I know geography, Mason.”

Fresh scowl. “I want to see them.”

“Absolutely not. It’s an active investigation.”

“Austin’s there. If he can be on scene, why can’t I?”

“He’s a first responder. You’re a…” Pain in my ass. “Civilian.”

“I do not care for your attitude,” Mason informed her.

“And I do not have time for this.”

They’d reached the road by now. Thank God. She was hoping Mason would take the hint and drive off. In a huff, outraged, either of those options worked for her. No such luck.

“I don’t think you appreciate the magnitude of this situation. People want answers. Your community wants answers. You have till the two p.m. town hall.”

Now Mandy was indignant. “What the fuck, Mason?”

“I told you, this is beyond a mere new development in an already too-cold cold case. The entire town is vested in the outcome. These are the people you’re appointed to serve.” An obnoxious sniff. “Which is something your father always took seriously.”

Mandy’s temper flared. Damn self-righteous prick. “Hey, Mason, how did you know it was a cave?”

“Everyone knows. It’s part of the buzz.”