Dying for the Truth (A Rockcrest Cove Cozy Mystery Book 4) by Emily Page Page B

this investigation if we want to guarantee a victory in this case. It is my opinion that Connors is determined to push this thing all the way to trial, and we need to be prepared.”
     
    Silence fell around the table as the seriousness of the situation fell on them again.
     
    “So, let’s see where we are right now.”
     
    “Well, at least we know what killed Evan,” Maddie said.
     
    “Really? What?” Eleanor’s curiosity peaked.
     
    “It’s something called glycoside amygdalin.”
     
    “What’s that?” Bailey said, pulling her chair up to Maddie’s computer.
     
    “Apparently it is some type of poison that was put into the cupcakes.”
     
    “Mmm hmmm,” Bailey agreed as she pointed at the computer screen. “According to several studies, it turns into hydrogen cyanide when taken in large doses.”
     
    “Really?” They all crowded around Bailey and the computer screen to gather information about this unusual poison that had killed Evan.
     
    They discussed the case well into the night, comparing notes of information each of them may have gleaned. Bailey shared her discoveries about the affair with Kelsey Orlando and Evan, Eleanor revealed precedents that could be used if the case ever went to trial, and Kyle and Maddie focused on what should be done next in order to make sure that everything was ready.
     
    The meeting was in full swing when the office phone rang. Maddie reached over grabbed it while the rest were in an animated debate on how to deal with Connors the next time they crossed paths.
     
    “Hello.”
     
    “This is the operator. I have a caller online for a Maddie McDougal.” The call caught her completely by surprise.
     
    “Who?”
     
    “I have a call for Ms. Madeline McDougal from Captain Evans.”
     
    Maddie’s heart skipped a beat and her voice went up an entire octave. “Really?” Everyone in the group stopped their chatter and turned to listen to her conversation. Maddie’s face turned a little red and she turned her back to them. “This is personal,” she whispered.
     
    Everyone turned to look at Bailey, who simply shrugged her shoulders.
     
    “Yes, I’ll take the call,” Maddie said into the phone. “But hold on while I get on the other extension.” She quickly excused herself and went to pick up the phone in the kitchen.
     
    “Yes,” she told the operator. “I’m here.”
     
    “All right. I’ll put him on.”
     
    A few minutes later she heard Phillip’s voice come on the line. “Maddie. How are you?”
     
    “I’m doing well, Phil.” She answered a little like a schoolgirl.
     
    “Well, from what I can hear, you’re not doing that well. What’s this I hear about you being arrested?”
     
    “Yes. It’s a pretty ugly situation right now, but my attorney assures me that I have nothing to worry about.”
     
    “Are you sure? From what I read, it sounds pretty serious.”
     
    “Yes, it is serious. But we’re all working on the case as we speak.”
     
    “Listen. If you need anything—anything at all—I can drop everything and be with you in a flash.”
     
    “No need for that Phil,” she said. “I’m really doing fine right now.”
     
    “Are you sure?” he asked, not entirely convinced.
     
    “I’m sure.” She stayed on the phone for a few minutes, trying to reassure him.
     
    “Listen, I’ll be checking on you very soon, Maddie. This doesn’t sound like anything to play with.” His concern was obvious even over the telephone.
     
    “Listen, Phil. There’s no need to worry. Kyle is working right now on getting Connors to drop the charges. He says they don’t even have any evidence to prove I did it. It’s mostly just assumptions. But if anything changes, I’ll be sure to let you know.”
     
    “All right,” he said. “I’ll be expecting regular reports. I can be there in a matter of hours if need be.”
     
    “I know you can, Phil. And I really appreciate your concern, but don’t put your job in jeopardy for my