Don't Scream

Chapter 8

And that was rule number 1. Everyone lies everyone.Criminals, witnesses, victims, sexy young mothers with cute little girls.

Wives.

"The caller we are wondering about came two nights ago twelve-oh-nine, Phil said "Was it a friend of yours?"

"No"

"Then who was it?"

"Look" she said "I got an obscene phone call late Wednesday night. that's all."

Brian cracked a smile."That's a good story; stick with that."

She glared at him and Phil cut in "The call lasted eighty two seconds, Mrs Jane. That is a long time to listen to an obscene phone call."

Her jaw closed. Brian could almost hear the click of it locking . He glanced at Phil. Ten bucks buddy.

"So what did the caller say?"Phil asked

"He said the normal things an obscene caller would say. I didn't take notes.

He?

Phil frowned "Are you afraid of this man?"

"Of course I'm afraid. I told you it was an obscene phone call. Its creepy."

"Then why didn't you call the police and make a report?" Brian asked

She crossed her arms."Last I heard, being creepy on the phone isn't against the law."

She was right. Reports of obscene  phone calls came into police stations everyday, and were generally blown off by the front line of desk cops before the complaint could consume paper. But Sarra's attitude didn't make any sense. A single mother who received a frightening call in the middle of the night should of been oozing cooperation, She should of been relieved to have a couple heroes knocking on her door.

"How long have you worked for Foster's Phil asked digging mode now.

"Six years.full-time before that part time in the Seattle gallery.

"Seattle" Brian mused.

She crossed her arms. "I haven't been back there in years Brian. I moved here right after I finished my degrees."

"Degrees in what?"

"I have a BA In American History and a Mfa in Art history."

She was almost defiant when she said it, a little jut of her chin and solid eye contact as if daring him to find something  untrue. Good Liars did that-told the truth wherever possible to minimize errors. She was good. And she had fascinating eyes., The kind a man could fall into if he wasn't careful and not even realizing he was drowning. Brown eyes with high slashing brows and thick lashes.Exotic but something else to.

Exhausted. Brian would bet his good hand she hadn't slept much lately.

"Do you travel in your work?" Phil asked.

"I sometimes attend antiques exhibitions usually long weekends at holidays." She paused "Not Seattle"

Brian pointed to her face."So it isn't jet lag that put those bags under your eyes?"

She pulled back "Abby wasn't feeling well was up last night with her. and I wasn't aware that answering the phone in my own home was a crime. Do I need a lawyer?"

Brian's patience slipped its leash she was lying  plain and simple. he moved to the telephone on the counter"Well you just might." Should I call the public defender's office for you? He purposely fumbled with the phone pushing a button. "Oh sorry he said sweetly and Phil cursed his breath.