Alex Harris 00 - Armed

staring into the fire. Her ink-black hair fell gently around her face, framing cheekbones the same as those that had launched many a successful modeling career. Everything about her face screamed perfection. If ever the term “life isn’t fair” applied, it was now, I thought with envy wondering how come Emmanuelle got all of it: the hair, the eyes, and the perfect, cream-colored, smooth-textured, wrinkle-free skin. She even possessed an artistic hand where makeup application applied.
    She put the poker down and rested her elbows on her knees. “My mother died when I was twelve.” She looked at me and her eyes misted. “I really loved her a lot though I hated her for a long time after because she abandoned me.”
    “Do you have sisters and brothers?”
    “A younger sister. Just a baby when Mom died. I had to take care of her.”
    “What about your father?”
    “What about him? I never knew him. He left. We lived with my mother’s brother and his wife until my mom died, and then went to live with my grandmother.” She reached up and pushed a piece of hair over her ears. “My mother never married the man who fathered my sister. Caused quite a scandal.”
    “Where’s your sister now?”
    Emmanuelle scrunched up her shoulders. “Don’t know. Being so much older I didn’t have much in common with her.”
    “I’m sorry. It sounds like you had a very difficult time.”
    “Yeah, but we managed.” Emmanuelle shrugged again and gave me a little smile before she stood and walked away.
    I was right; life wasn’t fair.
    A loud grumble in the pit of my stomach sent me on a search for something to eat. I found Detective Van der Burg over by the corner of the table getting a cup of coffee.
    “Hi, Alex. Or is it LT? It fits you.”
    I shot him a murderous gaze.
    “I really enjoyed skating yesterday and meeting your family. They seem like a fun group.”
    I lowered my eyes. “Yes, they’re great. I’m very lucky.” My conversation with Emmanuelle made me feel blessed for having all of them. I looked up at John again. “I wanted to mention something I forgot yesterday.”
    “Can I get you another cup of—”
    “Tea. No, I’ve still got a bit left.”
    “What did you want to tell me?”
    The gray eyes stared into mine and I felt my face flush.
    “Did you know Richard Sheridan lied about his whereabouts on the night of the murder?” I said in a hushed tone.
    Detective Van der Burg took a step closer. “How so?”
    “Well, he told me he went shopping. He told his wife—” I stopped speaking for a moment while a young woman stood near us to get a muffin. When she left, I continued, “That he went to the office.”
    John nodded his head. “Did he now? Well, I’m ashamed to say you’ve caught me unaware. Tell me, did you go over and interview the wife? Maybe we need to put you on the force.” He smiled, a nice change from the scowl I usually received when imparting information I probably shouldn’t have.
    “I’m afraid I can’t take the credit. It just kind of fell in my lap.” At the quizzical expression on John’s face, I explained about Mrs. Sheridan and her daughter coming into Always Prepared. “Are you going to question him again?”
    “You can count on it.” He hesitated a second before speaking. “I don’t suppose you would like—”
    “Excuse me, Detective, there’s a phone call for you. They said they’ve been trying your cell. You can take it in there.” Mr. Poupée pointed to the study across from the dining room.
    “I left my cell in the car,” John said when Mr. Poupée left. “I didn’t want to disturb the service. I’ll be right back.”
    I watched him walk away and then let out a sigh of relief, certain he wanted to ask me out. What would I have said? He did occupy my thoughts lately, but I hadn’t taken it to the next level—a date. After a few minutes on the phone, I saw John say good-bye to Mr. Poupée and then he left.

CHAPTER FORTY

    “What are you doing here?” my sister asked a while later when I walked into her office.
    “There’s not much point in going to the factory. Mr. Poupée is staying home. The funeral took its toll; he’s very upset. I thought I might be able to get some work done around here.” I walked over to the window and turned to face Sam. “I think he wants to ask me out.”
    “Who? No, wait.” Sam held up her hand. “You don’t have to tell me. Anyone who saw the way he watched you yesterday would know the answer to