Tell Me True (Call Me Cat Trilogy #3)(21)

Another student, a freshman by the looks of him, was leaving the office as I arrived. Professor Cavin smiled warmly when he saw me and came around his desk to hug me. "How are you holding up, Catelyn?"

"As well as can be expected," I said. "Better than Bridgette." I filled him in on what happened at the art auction.

He shook his head sadly. "This murder has caused ripples of fear through our community. Especially for those who knew him."

He filled a mug with coffee, adding three sugars and enough cream to turn it light and handed it to me.

"Thank you," I said, taking in the aroma. "I actually came by today to invite you to our rescheduled wedding." I handed him a note with the details on it. "Not as fancy as the first batch, but it'll have to do. Many of my mom's closest friends will be there. The Davenports and Beaumonts, Maxwell Fisher… "

"I understand. I'd be honored to attend. Anyone who was close to your mother would be thrilled to see you happy and in love."

After making his own coffee, he settled behind his desk and stared at me for a moment. "It's good that you're not putting it off. Love shouldn't have to wait at the hands of death."

"That was our thought, too," I said.

"Do the police have any leads? Any ideas why he was killed? Or by whom?"

"No, none. I can't believe they have nothing. It worries me. What if they give up and the case goes cold?"

"Your mother knew Ash and Jon. In some ways, she was close to them. What if Jon found something? What if he found the book she was working on, or someone thought he did? Maybe he was killed for it."

He didn't know I'd found my mother's notes and I couldn't tell him. Couldn't risk someone hurting a man who had been a mentor and guide to me. But I couldn't help but think the Midnight Murderer wasn't done with me yet.

Cavin leaned in, his hazel eyes intense. "Catelyn, did Jon have your mother's book? If he did, you must tell me. It could have meant death for him. And it could mean death for you."

***

I didn't tell my professor about Jon and the book. My stomach tightened as I considered how at risk everyone I loved was just by knowing me.

My next stop led me to the illustrious Maxwell Fisher, Esquire. My attorney. Every girl should have an attorney on hand for when they're accused of murdering their best friend. It saves time.

Maxwell was in his office, but I had to wait while he finished up with a client. Caffeine buzzed through me from my meeting with Cavin, so I refused the offer of coffee and took water instead as he told his secretary to hold his calls.

I sat in the plush leather sofa in his office while he took a chair across from me. "What can I do for you, Catelyn?"

I handed him the note I'd written up. "It's a makeshift invite to my wedding. The new one. We'd like you to be there."

"Thank you. Of course I'll be there. I wouldn't miss seeing Alice's daughter getting married."

"Speaking of my mother," I said, "what can you tell me about her relationship with Jon Davenport? You were close to her. You exchanged many letters. Surely she confided in you about her work with the Davenports?"

He leaned back, thinking. "I think you already know that Alice was responsible for putting Ash in juvie."

I nodded.

"Before that, she also did some work for his family. Helping them out with legal matters. At one point she also helped defend Jon when he got into a few scuffs from his temper. She made sure it stayed off the books. He was always getting in trouble."

"Could that trouble still be around?"

"Maybe."

"Enough trouble to get him killed?" I asked.

He glanced to the left. "Apparently."

"You knew Jon some, didn't you? You've worked with the Davenports for years as their legal counsel?"

"I mostly do work for Ash, but yes, I knew Jon." He adjusted his tie, holding eye contact with me.

"Did he have any secrets?" I held my breath as I waited for him to answer.

"Everyone has secrets, Catelyn.” He paused. “Even your mom had her secrets."

I left the office with more questions and few answers. Max hadn't elaborated. I didn't think he knew much more than that, but I couldn't be sure. I'd have to keep digging. I felt like I was missing something that was painfully obvious and staring right at me.

I heard someone call my name and turned to see Jim standing under a tree by the parking lot, smoking. I hesitated, then closed my door, wondering what he wanted. He gestured for me to follow him.

And so I did.





Chapter Eighteen


My Business


ONE MONTH AGO


I PACKED MY golf clubs into the back of my car and slammed the trunk shut. Jon had already left, but I'd stuck around to practice a bit more. My swing was improving, but I knew I'd never love the game like my dad had. Maybe if he were still here to play with me, it would have stuck more.

When a man's hand landed on my shoulder, I turned, startled, and nearly punched Ash's private investigator in the face. He grabbed my fist with faster reflexes and smirked. "Your reflexes are getting better. That's good."

I sighed, my heart still beating too fast as adrenaline coursed through my veins. "What are you doing here?"