“I know. It’s funny, huh?” Sarah shifted the baby to her other hip and reached for her cup of tea. “So how’s the case going?”
“Too early to tell. We’re still waiting for the forensics results to come in. Until then, all we can do is interview folks and see if any new leads crop up.”
She neglected to mention the lead that had fallen into their laps less than an hour ago. It wouldn’t be appropriate discussing it with a civilian, and besides, she was trying not to think about that damn restraining order. She’d never felt the slightest twinge of peril in Cole’s proximity. No fear, no apprehension. She couldn’t imagine him threatening a woman, not even his ex-wife, and a part of her was extremely dubious of the claims Teresa had made to her lawyer.
“I don’t envy you,” Sarah said, pulling her from her thoughts. “I know Cole Donovan is under suspicion, but honestly, there are so many other people who hated that woman. You have your work cut out for you, that’s for sure.”
“You really weren’t a fan of hers, were you?”
“Not really,” Sarah answered with a shrug.
At that moment, the waitress approached the booth with Jamie’s order. As she picked up half of her sandwich and took a bite, she noticed the expression on Sarah’s face, as if the other woman had more to say on the subject of Teresa but wasn’t sure how to raise it. She decided to do a little prodding.
“Seems like Teresa was nasty to everyone—was that the case with you?” Jamie asked between bites.
“You could say that.” Lucy made a snuffling sound and Sarah stroked the baby’s head again. “The day I came back to town from the city, I ran into Teresa outside the grocery store and let’s just say she was at her very best. She said some callous things, you know, how I had to adopt a baby because no man wanted me.” Sarah shrugged again. “She also implied she was sleeping with my ex-boyfriend.”
It took all of Jamie’s willpower not to gasp. Considering the pained expressions both Sarah and Finn got when Jamie had mentioned one to the other, it didn’t take a genius to figure out they’d been together. Had Teresa been referring to Finn?
No. No way would Finn have slept with the woman.
“Did you believe her?” Jamie asked carefully.
“Not in the slightest.” Sarah’s next words confirmed Jamie’s thoughts. “My ex wouldn’t have touched that woman with a ten-foot pole. Teresa knew it, too. She just liked causing trouble, pissing people off just to make herself feel powerful or something.”
As if on cue, a voice Jamie now recognized interrupted the conversation. She turned her head in time to see Valerie Matthews striding up to their booth.
“Why, hello there, Sarah,” Valerie chirped. Her gray eyes landed on Lucy. “And look, you’ve got your baby with you. Isn’t she just adorable.”
It was the same word Jamie had used, only coming out of Valerie’s mouth, it sounded like an insult.
“Good to see you, Valerie,” Sarah said in a measured tone, and she seemed to clutch her child tighter.
Valerie’s black hair swung over her shoulder as she turned to face Jamie. “We weren’t formally introduced yesterday. I’m Valerie Matthews.”
Jamie reluctantly held out her hand to shake Valerie’s. “Jamie Crawford, FBI.”
Those silver eyes narrowed. “You’re here to send Donovan to jail then.”
“I’m here to investigate your sister’s murder,” she corrected.
“Then why is that son of a bitch still walking free?”
“We’re gathering evidence, Ms. Matthews. These things take time.”
“Gathering evidence?” Valerie smirked. “Looks to me like you’re having lunch with our resident nut case.”
Sarah gave a sharp intake of breath, and the raven-haired woman swiveled her head toward her. “I’m surprised you were approved during the adoption process,” she said in a saccharine voice. “I assume you’re taking your meds then.”
Sarah’s mouth set in a rigid line. “Jamie and I were in the middle of a nice lunch, Valerie. Why don’t you hurry along now.”
The woman looked incensed. “Don’t talk to me like that, you crazy bitch,” she snapped, causing several other patrons to glance in their direction.
Jamie spoke up quietly. “Ms. Matthews, I promise to keep you informed about the investigation. But now if you don’t mind—”
“I do mind,” Valerie cut in. “I mind very much. My little sister was murdered and you’re just sitting here drinking your damn coffee and doing nothing to put Donovan behind bars.”
“Ms. Matthews, I think—”
Valerie’s eyes launched icy daggers at Jamie. “Know what I think? I think you’re screwing him, Ms. Crawford. I saw the way you two were flirting on the street yesterday, and I can guarantee that whatever you think is going on with you and Cole, it’s not real. The bastard is sweet-talking you so you’ll forget he’s a murderer.”