Gone Before Goodbye (Love &Mystery in the--6-oh-3 Book 1) by Nora Leduc

say goodbye. Never mind, keep truckin’ in the same direction.”
    Teagan leaned toward him while keeping her gaze on Stacey’s disappearing figure. “Did you think she’d answer in Latin if she sent my threat?”
    “Sometimes an unexpected move works.” He faced her. “You forgot a word when you described Stacey.”
    “Blonde?”
    “Flirt. She’s the church secretary?”
    “Matt hired her because she had trouble finding employment and needs guidance in her life. Her route seems…bumpy. She’s had a number of jobs but hasn’t held one for long. I don’t have much patience dealing with her, but she was always nice to Lisa. I try to remember that fact when I speak to her but often forget, like today.”
    “She’s interesting. By the way, are you a linguist?” He raised one brow and waited for her answer.
    She relaxed her shoulders. “I looked up my Latin threat on the Web. I’m not multilingual though I took Spanish and my aunt kept an old missal with the Mass in Latin in our bookcase.”
    “Light reading.”
    “What about you, Mr. Vale?
    “I’ve been brushing up for a conversation. You never know when I’ll meet a Roman.” He laid a hand on her arm when she started forward. “Once you’re home, stay locked in your house.”
    “In other words, continue what I’ve been doing since Lisa disappeared.” No, she was done being a hermit. “I’ve been thinking that Travis taking Latin makes him a prime suspect.”
    “I bet several people can look up or learn a simple foreign phrase, including Father Matt.”
    What? Her temper rose, but she swallowed her protest when she noted a gathering of Muffy’s employees standing near the dumpster watching Noah and herself. She turned her back to them. “What’s up between you and my priest?”
    “He’s a person of interest. Lisa worked at his church. He was close to your family. Both gave him opportunity.”
    “That’s just stupid.” She struggled to manage her anger. “Matt doesn’t hurt people. He helps them.”
    “I’ll keep your opinion in mind.” His voice was quiet, controlled and unconvinced.
    “Matt was like a father to Lisa. He wouldn’t kill an ant.” She blew out a breath and gained control of her emotions.
    “Teagan, I suspect everyone. I get paid to think that way. When I have time, I’d be interested in how you two became such good buddies. Now you should go home.”
    “Well, I have a suspicious nature, too. I inherited it from my mother, and I can be useful. I’ll confirm the phone you found belonged to Lisa.” There. He’d need her to stay. She tilted her chin up.
    “Your presence isn’t required at the moment.”
    Someone shouted his name from across the lot, and Teagan recognized the local TV channel’s anchor.
    “I’ll be back after I take care of the media. Wait here.” He turned on his heel, strode to the other side of the tape, and disappeared.
    She tapped her foot and became aware the crowd had grown, and the majority was staring at her like she was a reality star in an action shot. Bet they were hoping she’d break down crying and add to the entertainment.
    Teagan closed her eyes as pain stabbed at her forehead. She needed to rest for a bit. Wandering to the yellow tape, she waved and attracted an officer’s attention. “Please inform Detective Cassidy that Teagan Raynes left.”
    She headed for her car. On the way, she stayed alert for Seth Bodell’s return, but he must have found other people to taunt. Thank goodness.
    Stacey Smith was lingering near Teagan’s hybrid as she approached. She slowed and breathed deeply while she adjusted her attitude. Today, she’d had little patience to deal with the secretary, who might mean well, but never, censored her thoughts.
    The young woman trotted to her. “Did they get a clue or a lead?”
    “The police aren’t releasing information. They’re investigating.” Teagan dug into her pocket for her keys. She winced as another ripple of pain pounded above her