Page 28 of Deadly Sins: Envy

“I mean, I’ve never met the guy in person. I’ve only spoken to him on the phone.”

She’d never met him, and yet I was supposed to believe she’d gossiped to him about private information Willow didn’t even know about.

“Well, I will say one thing about you, Kendra. You’re a lousy liar.”

“What?”

“You lied to me again just now. You didn’t tell Alex about Willow’s family’s money. Why would you? You don’t even know Alex. I bet you haven’t even spoken to him on the phone.”

She pressed a hand to her chest, shocked at such an accusation. “I just told you I—”

“Admit it, Kendra.Youdidn’t tell Alex anything. Beck did, and I’m guessing you overheard the conversation.”

We stared at each other for a moment, and then she frowned and said, “You’re right. ItwasBeck. I just don’t want him to get in trouble for opening his mouth. He’s a good person.”

“You like him a lot, don’t you?”

“Too much, I think. I know it’s early and all, but I—”

“Can I give you some advice? Be careful with him. Looks like you’ve made something for yourself over the years. You deserve to be with someone who appreciates you instead of taking advantage of you.”

“You think he’s taking advantage of me?”

I thought the guy was a cockroach.

She could swish him away, and he’d still come crawling back.

He recognized a money train when he saw one.

“I don’t know him,” I said. “It’s just an impression I got when we met today. Keep an eye on him—what he’s doing, where he goes, who he talks to—if you notice anything suspicious, let me know.”

I gave her my details, we parted, and called Coop.

“Any word on Danny Jackson?” I asked.

“He’s still not talking,” Coop said. “He’s asked to speak to his lawyer. How are things on your end?”

“I talked to Beck Slater. He may or may not be responsible for what happened to Willow. I don’t get a good vibe from him. He has a new girlfriend—Kendra Kennedy. I think she’ll call me if she has any reason to believe he’s connected with Willow’s disappearance.”

“Sounds good.”

“Before I go, there’s something else,” I said.

“Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like it?”

“I found out Stanley Davidson, the man who sent The Wild Honeybees on tour, didn’t approach them because he thought they had talent. He was paid to set the tour up for them.”

“I don’t understand. Why?”

“Ask your brother.”

“My brother?”

“Dale paid for it.”

There was a long pause.

“Coop? You there?”