“I could swing it if need be.” I didn’t bother mentioning the idea of doing that made me nervous. Buying land and a building wouldofficiallybe putting down roots. That felt so serious and permanent. I loved being with Royce, but it wasn’t inconceivable that he might tire of me one day. I could wear on people.
“Searching for a building with land might limit your choices too much though,” she said, apparently unaware of my ambivalence. “I’m not sure how many commercial buildings with land are for sale in Rainy Dale. I guess you could always just buy the land and then build on it?”
“Possibly. I’d be up and running faster if I simply rent a commercial property and do a build-out of that space. I don’t really need to own the land, so long as River isn’t my landlord.”
“It sure would stink if he bought the property you moved to.”
I lifted my brows. “I don’t think he can afford to own all the land in Rainy Dale.”
“Hope not.” She sighed. “I must say, River has really turned out to be a disappointment. He acts so sweet and charming to everyone, but then behind the scenes, he’s scheming.”
“Yes, although I seem to be his main target. Unless I’m missing something, he seems to get along with everyone else.”
“Well, he certainly has the city council eating out of his hand.”
I sighed. “Yes. Although, as I told you, Penelope wasn’t too happy with him when he brought up Lucinda Pratt yesterday. That was probably the first time she ever saw that ugly side of him. He’s always very careful around her.”
“It’s just a matter of time before more people see his true colors.” Girdy scowled. “I’d love to know why he’s so resentful of you.”
“You and me both.” I pushed away from the desk. “I think it’s time to go home. I’m tired and hungry.”
She gave a sly smile. “Plus, you want to get home to your man.”
I exhaled roughly. “I highly doubt Royce will be home. He’s got a murder case to solve.”
She widened her eyes. “Oh, that’s right. I… I forgot.” She winced. “It was a good picture of you and Royce on the front page though.”
I scowled. “That’s another phone call I need to make. That reporter, Janet Rose, lied about talking with me.”
“Oh, thank goodness.” She looked relieved. “I knew you’d never say anything as lame as ‘Marriage is Murder.’ I told Todd that she probably made that up.”
“She most definitely did. I never even saw the woman. I didn’t speak to any reporters at all.”
She shuddered. “It must have been so gruesome.”
I winced. “It was horrible. Brutal.” Standing, I changed the subject. “Has River left for the day?”
“Yes, I saw him leave with Lucas. They went to dinner.”
“Good. Then I’ll make my escape.” I moved around the desk. “Maybe finding a new spot will be a good thing. Change isn’t always bad, right?”
“Absolutely,” she said brightly.
I forced a smile, hung up my white coat, and slipped on my suit jacket. Then I left the clinic, trying not to let the stress of my uncertain future crush me.
Chapter Eight
Royce
The next morning, Janelle came to the station for her interview. Her mother, Angela, accompanied her and wanted to be in the room during questioning, but I nixed that idea. Janelle was an adult. I needed her to be able to speak freely, and I got the feeling she wasn’t close to her mother. I wasn’t sure why Angela wanted to be included. I didn’t think it was protective motherly instincts motivating her.
Needless to say, Janelle was a wreck. While she was no longer hysterical like yesterday, it was obvious she was still struggling. Her usually warm blue eyes were void of emotion and her hair unbrushed. She wore a rumpled T-shirt and jeans, and she looked like she hadn’t slept.
“Thank you for coming in, Janelle.”
She nodded and said blankly, “Of course.”
“I’d like to say how sorry I am. I’m sure you’re in shock.”
