Deadly Affair: SCVC Taskforce World Novella (SCVC Taskforce Romantic Suspense Series Book 5) by Misty Evans, Amy Manemann

light on it. And wouldn’t you know it? It just so happens that the tutor still lives in Paso Vallejo. Name is Elizabeth Waters.”
    Grabbing a pen and a scrap of paper, Celina quickly jotted down the woman’s address and phone number as Ronni rattled them off.
    “Ronni, you’re an ace.”
    “Duh,” she returned. Celina smirked, imagining her friend’s eye roll. “I’ll let you know if I find anything else.”
    “Thanks, Ronni.” Something akin to relief crossed Cooper’s face. Celina could relate. She wasn’t exactly relishing the idea of coming back here for more research any more than he was.
    “Anytime. And for heaven’s sake, take a break and go enjoy yourselves. It’s called vacation for a reason, and I’m sure the local cops can handle a cold case.”
    The call disconnected before Celina could voice a reply, not that she had a good one. Ronni knew her well enough to understand that she wouldn’t be able to let this go. Not just yet, anyway.
    The door to the media room opened, and the librarian stuck her graying head in, surprise crossing her face. “Good heavens, you two are still here? I thought you would have been gone by now.”
    While Cooper shut down the computer, Celina gathered the few files she had pulled out and put them away, sliding the drawer shut. “We’re just finishing up, actually.”
    “Did you find what you were looking for?”
    “Possibly. You don’t by chance happen to know an Elizabeth Waters, do you?”
    The woman’s lips parted in surprise, apprehension filling her face. A small town like this, everyone probably knew one another. Having a couple of strangers come into town and start asking questions? Yeah, that tended to put people on the defense. “May I ask why?”
    “We were hoping to speak with her about an old student of hers.” Celina hedged, hoping she wouldn’t have to go into more detail than that. She wasn’t prepared, however, for what the librarian said next.
    “I’m Elizabeth Waters. What is it I can do for you?”
    Celina zeroed in on the woman’s name badge; Lizzie W. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. “Do you remember a girl named Ana Verdoni?”
    Elizabeth’s face fell, shadows darkening her eyes. With a quick glance behind her, she stepped into the room and let the door close.
    Celina’s pulse quickened.
    “I haven’t heard that name spoken in a long time.” Elizabeth’s voice was soft and trembling. “I’m sorry, who did you say you were again?”
    “We didn’t.” Celina answered quickly, averting her gaze when she felt Cooper’s glower. Yeah, he wasn’t going to like what she said next either. “I’m FBI Special Agent Celina Davenport, and this is DEA Agent Cooper Harris. We’re conducting unofficial research into a few local disappearances. Ana’s name came up, but there’s not much information to go on.”
    Elizabeth snorted. “If you knew her father, then you’d know there wouldn’t be. I’m certain he did everything in his power to make certain of that.”
    “And why is that?” Grabbing a chair, Cooper turned it around and had a seat, his forearms resting on the back of the chair.
    Celina knew his tactic. Most people found his larger stature intimidating. With Cooper towering over Elizabeth’s smaller frame, Celina hadn’t missed the uneasiness on her delicate features. When it came to dealing with drug lords and traffickers, The Beast’s substantial size came in handy. For questioning a librarian, it was probably overkill.
    “You obviously don’t know Roberto Verdoni if you’re asking me that.” Her eyes narrowed. “And I probably shouldn’t be talking with you.”
    She turned to go, and Celina reached out, gently touching her arm. A flicker of emotions crossed Elizabeth’s face: worry, fear, regret, and sorrow.
    It struck Celina hard. Those were the same emotions she’d seen the night before on Father Bailey’s face.
    This woman knew, or had seen, something. She’d bet her favorite