Murder of a Royal Pain

As usual, I-55 was under construction, causing random lane closures and unexpected braking. Skye sneaked a peek at Wally’s profile, and noted that he was fully focused on the highway. Normally she would keep quiet, not wanting to distract him from the hazardous conditions, but this might be the perfect moment to tell him about her flat.

That morning when she had gotten her tire fixed, the repair shop had confirmed that it had been slashed. If she told Wally now, while he was concentrating on the traffic, he was less apt to fuss about her safety and Kurt’s role in helping her.

Wally was usually easygoing, but every once in a while a teeny streak of jealousy surfaced, and Skye had a feeling that Kurt Michaels might bring it out. Or maybe she felt a tad guilty for enjoying Kurt’s attentions.

It was possible Wally hadn’t met Kurt yet, and didn’t know how handsome and charming he was, but the likelihood of that in a town as small as Scumble River was practically nil.

How could she bring up the flat without setting off any alarms? She needed a good segue. Turning slightly so she could watch Wally’s body language, Skye said casually, “How have things been at the PD lately?”

“Pretty quiet.”

“That’s good.”

“How about school?” he asked without taking his gaze from the road.

“The usual.”

“How’s the new social worker working out?” Wally concentrated on passing a semi, then added, “What did you say her name was?”

“Jackie Jennings. Haven’t you met her yet?”

“Not yet.”

“Then you’re the only one.” Skye tried to keep the rancor out of her voice.

“Is there a problem with her?”

“She seems really eager to fit in and do a good job.” Skye clenched her teeth. “She’s even teaching the computer class the student newspaper is funding.”

“I bet Justin is pleased.”

“Yes. They seem to be getting along very well.” Skye pulled her seat belt away from her neck. It felt as if it were choking her.

“That’s great. It’s nice to see him doing better with adults.”

“Yeah. It’s great.”

Wally glanced at Skye. “You okay?”

“I guess.” She sighed. “I need to adjust to her being there. I was basically doing her job as well as mine for the past four years.”

“I’m sure it feels weird to have someone doing the stuff that you’re used to doing.” He reached over and squeezed her hand. “In a month or so you’ll be thrilled to have the help.”

“Probably.” Skye stared out the windshield, then said as nonchalantly as she could manage, “Oh, I almost forgot to tell you—I had a flat yesterday after school.”

“Why didn’t you call me? I could have come over and fixed it for you. Did you forget your cell phone again?”

“I had my cell, but I didn’t want to bother you while you were on duty.” Skye wrinkled her nose at him. “Besides, I know how to change a tire.”

“Did it take you very long?”

“Well, no.” Skye worded her answer carefully, “As it happens, a jogger did it for me.” She went on quickly, “Anyway—”

Wally interrupted her. “Who was the jogger? Did you know him?”

“The new reporter for the Star. We’d met once before at a meeting.”

“Kurt Michaels?”

“Yes. I think that’s his name,” Skye hedged. “Have you met him?”

“Yes, and there’s something about him I don’t trust. I think he’s up to something.”

“What makes you say that?”

“I’m not sure, but my gut says he’s not what he appears to be.”

“Well, he seems harmless to me. And he was nice enough to fix my flat.”

“Any decent guy would change a tire for a woman.”

“Then you’re saying he’s a decent guy?” Skye raised an eyebrow. When Wally didn’t respond, she went on, “As I was saying, I brought the tire in to be repaired this morning and the guy at the shop said it had been slashed.”

Wally shot her a sharp look. “You think one of the high school kids did it?”

“Could be. There are some troublemakers this year, and I do sit in on most of the more serious disciplinary hearings.”

“Anyone else you can think of who might want a little instant revenge?”

“One of the parents was pretty mad at me that morning.” Skye pursed her mouth, tapping her bottom lip with a fingernail. “And there was a note under my wipers that sort of sounded like something she said.”

“She a hothead?”

“Oh, yeah.”

“I don’t suppose you’ll tell me her name?”

“Can’t.” Skye’s tone was matter-of-fact. “Confidentiality. But I can give you the note when you take me home. It wasn’t signed or anything, though.”

“Yeah, let me have it. It won’t do us much good now, but I’ll start a file just in case anything else happens.” Wally blew out an irritated breath. “Another possibility is that that Michaels guy did it so he could come along, play Good Samaritan, and get into your good graces.”

“Why would he want to do that?” Skye asked, trying to maintain an innocent expression as she remembered Kurt’s last words: I’ll look forward to collecting the rest of my payment.

“You’re pretty, smart, single, and extremely well connected in town,” Wally said.