Page 21 of Grave New World
“I plead the fifth,” he replied.
As she took her first gulp of morning perfection, she noticed her phone on the coffee table. A line of texts filled the screen.
Oh! Beau must’ve sent what he’d learned about Maggie Johnson. Jane returned the mug to Conrad and swiped up the phone to read. Whoa. Beau wasn’t her only messenger.
“I need five minutes,” she muttered, scrunching her features. “I’m a popular girl today.”
“You’re a popular girl always. But don’t concern yourself with me. I’m highly entertained watching your expressions.” He was grinning as he sipped from her mug.
Why Guy: I know you’re busy, that’s why I’d like to come up this weekend. Conrad mentioned camping is out, so the three of us need to sit together and talk all things wedding parties. Boundaries, that sort of thing. It’s no problem, I’m happy to do it. Yay!
“Wyatt wants to stay with you this weekend,” she muttered. “Or us, since I sorta moved in. He’s eager to learn our boundaries for the bachelor party.”
Conrad scrubbed a hand over his face. “I’ll speak with him.”
Jane canted her head. “What are our boundaries for the parties?”
“Sweetheart, I’m not interested in a farewell party for my single life. My celebration begins after I make you mine.”
Good answer. Honestly, it was as if he’d stepped straight out of a romance novel. Maybe they could do a joint event? She was grinning as she read the next message.
NewsKatz: Come on. Let’s meet up. You want this tidbit, trust me, and I want the scoop.
Jane’s lips pursed. “Ashley Katz claims she’s got info on Hannah. I’m setting up a meeting for us. Does today work for you?”
“Sure. Make it for ten.”
Type, type, type.
Jane: All right. This morning. 10. But this better be good!
Next order of business.
Tiffinator: You know what will really make your wedding invitations stand out? Adding shakers. I can picture it now. A flower or something behind a little window, with sequins and teeny tiny beads. Maybe even tiny bells. Wedding bells. Get it?
Oh, good heavens.
Jane: I think it’s time for you to start dating again. And you’ve come to the right person for help. Other people’s relationships are my sweet spot. Let me solve this case, and I’ll find your ideal match. Be thinking of your must haves in a SO and nothing else.
Next.
Fionality: I’ve been considering your bestselling story. What if you add a ghost? I did a little search and I’m pretty sure the paranormal stuff is super-hot right now. If not a ghost, berserkers. Yes, yes, I’m loving berserkers more and more. Or double down and go with a ghost berserker.
“Do you have any desire to meet a ghost berserker?” Jane asked Conrad as her brows drew together.
He rubbed his fingers over his mouth. To hide a grin? “In what capacity?”
“A fictionalized nonfiction autobiography slash cozy mystery slash true crime slash rom-com slash paranormal romance. Never mind, I know how to respond.”
Jane: Done!
She envisioned it now. In chapter two, that ghost berserker would emerge from the talking tree and help the hotshot detective piece the clues together. And then, a slow-burn love story would unfold…
Next.
Beaudyguard: Where’s that chapter? I got the goods. Do you?
Dang him!