Dead Politician Society

Chapter 65: Annabel

Annabel’s gaze darted around the busy restaurant. Normally she loved night life in the city. Crowds of people buoyed her up and gave her energy. But tonight, everywhere she looked she saw strangers who might want a piece of her. And by piece, she meant vital organ.

Her eyes stopped moving to rest on Katherine’s. “Do you think she’s lying or telling the truth? You work with criminals. What’s more likely?”

Katherine frowned. “Most likely is a combination. Some truth, some lies. She wants you to understand her—deeply and intimately—and she doesn’t want to be caught.”

“So am I in danger right now?”

“You’ve been in danger since she targeted you. That increased when she contacted you. You increased the danger again when you contacted her. And her threats—yes, I’m afraid that ramps it up even more.”

“So what do I do?”

“Go to the police and stop staying in your own apartment. Sleep at my place tonight. And if the police don’t think that’s safe enough, we’ll move you up to Mom and Dad’s in the morning.”

Annabel frowned. “I don’t want to bring this on you. If I’m in danger, then at your house…with Lucy there…and you said Mike’s away this week.”

“It’s still safer than your place, and I’m your big sister. It’s my job to look out for you. And it’ll be fun. We can rent some ’80s movies and pig out on sundaes and popcorn.”

Annabel’s anxiety began to fade. “Can we get the low-fat Cool Whip?”

“Have you tried that stuff recently?” Katherine made a puking gesture.

“Pretty gross?” Annabel motioned for the bill and gave the waiter her credit card.

“The worst. I tried some at one of Lucy’s friends’ birthday parties. Why any parent lets their child ingest those chemicals is beyond me. But I bet it still tastes great with Footloose and Sixteen Candles.”

They went to the Hasty Market and loaded up on the comfort food of their adolescence. By the time they arrived at Katherine’s Gloucester Street townhouse, Annabel had all but forgotten the threat that had motivated the sleepover to begin with. She wasn’t even worried when she heard her phone beep in her back pocket. It was probably Matthew calling back, wanting to hang out.

Except it wasn’t.

Utopia Girl: Fun night with your sister?

Katherine was in the kitchen blending margaritas. Annabel’s job was to figure out the DVD player—normally her brother-in-law’s job, but he was away and Katherine had no clue about technology.

Trembling, Annabel walked into the kitchen and showed the screen to her sister.

Katherine’s face tensed, but she nodded like she was expecting this.

“It’s okay,” Katherine said. “She probably saw us at Mercatto. Tell her yes, thanks for her interest, and ask her how her night is going. You want to keep this about her as much as possible. She wants that, too. She’s just poking you.”

Annabel followed Kat’s instruction, dubious, but maybe she was right.

The response came back when the blender was on high.

Utopia Girl: Cute kid. She your niece?

Annabel collapsed into a kitchen chair. Katherine did a little cha-cha move with her hips as she poured the drinks into two oversized margarita glasses. She set one in front of Annabel.

“Close the blinds,” Annabel said. “And come with me. We’re going upstairs to get Lucy.”

“You’re worrying too much.” But Katherine closed them. “Lucy will be down soon.”

Annabel shook her head. She showed Katherine the new text.

Katherine took the stairs two at a time, Annabel close behind. She pushed open the door to her daughter’s room and a smile took over her body. Lucy was fine.

“Come on downstairs, kid. You can bring Barbie with you. The three of us are going to make a couch fort.”

“Awesome. Hi, Aunt Annabel!” Lucy jumped into Annabel’s arms, which felt amazing for three seconds until Annabel remembered that her presence was putting them all at risk.

In the living room, Katherine gave Lucy the job of fort construction, then pried open a Venetian slat and peered through. She said in a low voice to Annabel, “It’s time for the police. Now.”

“I don’t think I can go to the police anymore. I’m pretty sure I’m already an accessory.”

“An accessory helps commit the murder or cover it up. You’ve done neither.”

“Obstructing justice, then? Aren’t I obliged to give them what evidence I have?”

“Yes. If this is evidence, you could be charged with obstructing justice. But I can help you build an excellent case for this being speculation. Plus, you had a fever last week, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Temporary insanity could work too.”

“Isn’t that reaching?”

Katherine moved into the kitchen and left the door open so she could keep Lucy in her sights at all times. She put the kettle on. Neither woman had touched her margarita.

When the whistle sounded, Lucy padded into the kitchen and said, “Can I drink tea tonight, too?”

Katherine nodded. “Yeah. Kids’ tea.” She pulled out a third mug and a box of chamomile before turning to Annabel. “Yes. It’s reaching. What you did is wrong and borderline illegal. But this is one time in your life—hopefully the only time—you can be glad that your sister is a crown attorney.”

“You mean I might not do jail time?”

“I mean you definitely won’t.”

“Okay.”

“Is Aunt Annabel in trouble?” Lucy asked. She looked soft and fuzzy in her railroad train pajamas. Annabel wished she was still two, and still liked to be picked up and cuddled.

“A bit. But don’t worry.” Annabel ruffled her niece’s hair, which Lucy pretended to hate but her smile gave her away. “I’m going to take off now.”

“No!” Katherine followed Annabel back into the living room.

Annabel put on her black leather jacket, grabbed her purse and phone. “I have to. I can’t believe I was selfish enough to come here in the first place.”

“Stay! I’m selfishly asking you to. I’ll sleep much better if we’re all under the same roof. And we’re making a couch fort.”

“Yeah.” Lucy followed her mom into the living room. “We never get to make forts when you aren’t here.”

Annabel put on her brightest smile for the kid. “I bet your mom will help you finish building this one tonight. But I have to get going.”

“Annabel!”

But she was already out the door.