Page 19 of Hell Hath No Fury

“Is Eric okay?” he asked.

“He sounded fine.”

“What did he say? Where’s Nell?”

Emma looked at the phone in her hand. “I didn’t get a chance to ask. He called right before you walked up.” She met his gaze. “You’re sure it’s Sonny?”

“No doubt about it.” Matthias had only encountered the man once but recognized him the moment the forensic techs exposed the face. The local police and coroner, who’d been well acquainted with the developer, also confirmed Sonny’s identity.

“What happened?” A scowl furrowed Emma’s brow. “Obviously it wasn’t a construction accident.”

“Not likely. I don’t know what happened yet. They’re still uncovering the rest of the body, but I wanted to let you know it’s not Eric.”

“Thanks,” she said softly. “I appreciate that.”

Matthias wished he knew what was going through her mind, but she clearly wasn’t ready to tell him. He thumbed toward the grave. “I’m going back down there to see what’s happening. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. It’s not like Sonny was a friend. Before yesterday, I hadn’t seen him since high school.”

“Right. Well, text if you need me.”

Fran stepped out of the car, her face even paler than before. “Can I go now?”

He wondered if she’d been listening. “No. The police need to speak with you before you leave.”

She exhaled loudly, flopped back into the car, and slammed the door. Matthias noticed the window was open. She’d definitely overheard his news.

“I’m gonna call Eric back,” Emma said. “Keep me posted.”

Matthias strode down the road toward the gathering of law enforcement. A glance back revealed Emma on her phone watching him.

* * *

Emma listened to the phone ring and was beginning to fear that Eric wasn’t going to answer when she heard a click.

“What’s going on?” he asked. “Where are you? Did I hear your hot cop say something about Sonny Jones?”

She chirped a laugh. “You’re a fine one to askmewhere I am. Where the hell were you? You knew I was on my way here, yet you take off, no note, and leave your phone behind? What were you thinking?”

“I know. I’m sorry. You have every right to be pissed.”

“Good, because I am. I was scared to death.”

Eric’s sigh filtered into her ear. “I took Nell to Zeke’s funeral.”

So Matthias had been right. “Did you forget your phone?” she demanded.

“No.”

She felt the blood rising into her cheeks and her head. “Eric?—”

“Nell insisted I leave it behind.”

Emma opened her mouth, but the words on her tongue evaporated, and all she could manage was, “Why?”

“She didn’t want you following us. She figured you and your cop were smart enough to track my phone, and she didn’t want to have to deal with youandthe funeral.”

“Deal with me?” Tears stung Emma’s eyes, and she swiped a hand across her face. “What doesthatmean?”