Page 94 of Hell Hath No Fury

Nell’s pronouncement sucked the air from Emma’s lungs. Part of her wanted to throw her arms around her sister in jubilation. The other part of her had heard these promises more times than she could count, which tethered her optimism solidly to the ground.

Emma looked at her hands clasped in her lap. “How much news from back home have you had access to?”

The question appeared to catch Nell off guard. “None. Why?”

“Are you aware that Eric’s been released?”

“Released from where?”

Emma exhaled before launching into an update of the last couple of days, complete with Eric’s attack and trip to the ER. Despite the crappy yellow glow from the room’s cheap incandescent bulbs, she could see Nell’s skin grow even more pallid.

“Is he all right?” she asked, her voice little more than a squeak.

“He’s fine. He’s back at home, resting.” Although, Emma thought, he would be resting a lot easier after she had a chance to phone him and let him know she’d found Nell. “The judge dropped the charges against him. Even that state trooper seems to have doubts about Eric’s guilt.”

“If only I could get Zeke’s brother to say he saw us at the funeral?—”

“It wouldn’t matter. The police already spoke with the front desk at the Pine Gables Inn, where you stayed, and confirmed Eric was there. But Cleveland is close enough for Eric to have driven home, killed Sonny, and returned to the hotel.”

Nell heaved a weepy sigh.

Emma almost told her Eric would be fine.Almost.“The only person who can prove he was in Cleveland the entire time is you, but you need to be clean and sober.”

“I am.” Nell’s gaze slid to the bathroom. “Give me a minute to put my clothes back on so we can get on the road.”

As tired as Emma was, getting back on the road seemed the best option. She needed rest, but the last thing she wanted was to try to sleep in this crappy motel room. She held up a finger and pulled out her phone. “First, let’s call Eric and put his mind to rest. He’s been frantic.”

Nell’s face lit up. “Yes.”

Emma placed the call. Eric answered immediately. “Emma?”

Before he could say more, she told him, “I have someone here who wants to talk to you,” and held the phone out to Nell.

While her sister chatted with their best friend, Emma rose and crossed to the door. She stepped outside and looked toward Cassie and Denene’s sedan. They must’ve been watching for her. Cassie stepped out and held up both hands in a silent question—Well?

“It’s all good,” Emma called out. “Thank you. I’ve got it from here.”

The same curtain that had fluttered when she’d knocked on Nell’s door was jerked to one side, and an angry male face glared through the window.

Emma mouthedsorryto him, then waved at Cassie, who waved back. Emma glanced at the window. The curtain had fallen closed, so she retreated into the room and shut the door.

Nell was also apologizing, but over the phone to Eric. She insisted she was okay. Emma noted she did not give him the same promise about rehab. After another minute of tearful conversation, Nell returned the phone. “He wants to talk to you.”

“Yes, she’s really okay,” Emma told him.

“Good. Maybe I can finally get some sleep.”

Nell dropped the bedspread, revealing she was only wearing her bra and panties, and scurried into the bathroom. Emma realized Nell had left with only the clothes on her back.

To Eric, she asked, “How are you?”

“Sore. But your cop fixed me something to eat before he took off. I swear, Em, if you don’t marry him, I’m going to.”

She snickered. Then his words sank in. “Matthias took off? Where?”

The silence hung a moment too long. “Um. Back to your hotel, of course.”

“Don’t lie to me. You suck at it.”