Wiped Out by Barbara Colley

until the coroner does an autopsy.” She paused again, then, with a deep sigh, said, “I almost forgot. The police wanted a list of everyone who was at the HHS meeting on Monday, so I gave them one.” She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry—I hate to tell you this—but I had to give them your name too. So don’t be surprised if you get questioned. Like I said, I’m sorry.”
    â€œNo need to apologize. I would have been surprised if they hadn’t wanted to talk to me.” No sooner were the words out of her mouth than Charlotte heard a sharp rap on her front door.
    â€œAh, June, there’s someone at the door. I have to go now, but I’ll see you in the morning. Nine o’clock.”
    â€œYes, of course. See you tomorrow.”
    Charlotte hung up the phone and walked over to the window. Pulling the curtain back, she peeked out, her gaze scanning the driveway. Even with the pouring rain, she could tell that the car parked there was one she didn’t recognize.
    Another sharp rap sounded at the door, and she sighed. “Okay, okay,” she muttered. “Just keep your shirt on.” She went to the door. “Yes,” she called out, “who is it?”
    â€œIt’s Judith, Aunt Charley.”
    Charlotte frowned. Had her niece bought a new car? No one in the family had mentioned it. “Just a second, hon.” She unlocked the dead bolt and opened the door. “You didn’t tell me that you bought…” Charlotte’s voice trailed away. Standing beside her niece was a man whom she had never seen before. “A new car,” she finished her sentence.
    Judith flashed her a smile. “I didn’t. The car belongs to Brian.” She motioned toward the man. “Auntie, this is Brian Lee. Brian is my new partner.”
    Charlotte nodded at the younger man. She knew for a fact that Brian Lee wasn’t exactly “new.” According to Madeline, Brian had been Judith’s partner for at least three months or so, and also according to Madeline, he was a handsome devil.
    Madeline had been right about him being handsome, Charlotte decided. But then Madeline was a huge Tom Cruise fan, and Brian Lee could win hands down in a Tom Cruise look-alike contest.
    Madeline had been right about the devil part as well, Charlotte suspected. It was Brian’s eyes, she decided, jade in color and jaded by life—old, world-weary eyes that belied his age. And there was only one reason why Judith would show up with him now.
    Charlotte tilted her head to look directly up at him. “I would say it’s nice to meet you, Brian,” she said matter-of-factly, “but I’ve got a feeling that this isn’t a social call.”

Chapter 7
    â€œN o, ma’am, this isn’t a social call,” Brian Lee said. “This is official police business. Can we come in? We’d like to ask you some questions.”
    Charlotte nodded. “Just leave the umbrellas on the porch and wipe your feet.” She pointed at the welcome mat outside the door.
    Once Brian and Judith had obediently propped their dripping umbrellas against the wall of the porch and wiped their feet on the rug, Charlotte motioned for them to come inside. “Can I get you something to drink?” she offered, as she closed the door behind them. “Coffee or iced tea?”
    â€œNothing for me,” Brian said.
    Judith shook her head. “Me neither, Auntie,” she said, as she seated herself on the sofa.
    Brian sat down beside Judith, so Charlotte chose the chair opposite the sofa.
    Brian leaned forward and rested his forearms on his thighs. “We understand that you worked for Mary Lou Adams on Monday.”
    Charlotte nodded.
    â€œWhat time did you leave?”
    â€œMy hours are from nine to three-thirty, but I stayed until around four-thirty on Monday because of the HHS meeting.”
    â€œTell us about the meeting.”
    Charlotte