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Her mom nodded. “I can see that, but think of it this way. You were both young. Eighteen-year-old boys are not as mature as girls. They’re still finding themselves. Cole was about as mature at the time as any kid I’ve ever known, and I have no doubt he loved you, but it’s also not hard to imagine him scared out of his mind worrying you didn’t love him back. I bet he was extremely nervous about buying a ring and asking you to marry him at eighteen. It’s not hard to believe that someone could easily convince him that you would say no. Especially not that conniving bitch, Violet. Pardon my French, but that girl was jealous of you all through high school. And let’s face it, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Her father is a piece of work.”

April couldn’t help chuckling at her mother’s language. “You have no idea.” She was not about to get into what the mayor was up to this morning. She didn’t have the energy.

JoAnn reached over to squeeze her daughter’s hand. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I know this sucks. But it will get better. I promise. Don’t let Violet Chamberlain ruin any more of your days.”

April groaned. “Why listen to her of all people? Why not ask me himself? He left town and never looked back because some gossipy bitch told him a pile of lies. That hurts.”

Her mom nodded again. “I get that. It’s heartbreaking. But it doesn’t change the fact that he loved you then and still loves you now. He was devastated when he left here last night. Pulled on my heartstrings. That man would move heaven and earth to fix this.”

April smiled. “I know. I promise I won’t mess this up. I just needed some space.”

“Of course. Totally reasonable.” She turned around and grabbed the toast from the toaster, buttering it and then handing it to April on a small plate. “Eat. Shower. Go find him.” Her voice was firm.

April nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

Her mother’s cell phone rang on the counter, and JoAnn turned to grab it. “Bill?” she said to April’s father. It was unusual for her dad to call in the middle of the workday.

Her mother’s eyes shot open wide and she put a hand over her heart before pointing at the living room and running in that direction.

April jumped down from the stool to follow her mother, watching in confusion as her mother turned on the television. “What is it?” The question was immediately moot. Whatever station was on didn’t matter. April dropped down onto the edge of the sofa, her legs giving out as she read the caption running across the bottom of the screen under the chaos of news people and sirens and police cars.

Breaking News: Police Chief Reginald Clarkson and Mayor Richard Chamberlain both dead in apparent murder-suicide.

April couldn’t blink or breathe. She stared in total shock as the reporter elaborated on the caption. “… So far there is no motive, but sources familiar with the mayor say that he was involved in multiple shady dealings in an effort to purchase all of the businesses needed to build the planned strip mall just north of town. Was there a connection between his attempt to buy out the local store owners and Chief Clarkson? ...”

April gasped. “My God. I can’t believe it. I should call Cole.” She rushed into her room to grab her phone and returned, noticing there were several missed texts. She hadn’t checked it when she got out of bed. It had been sitting on her dresser plugged into the wall in silent mode.

As she returned to the living room, she scanned the texts. None of them were from Cole. They were all from Rodney. April’s stomach dropped as she started reading.

April, I know it’s early but I need you to call me as soon as you get this message.

April. Are you there? Call me ASAP.

I hope you’re not ignoring me. This is important. Call me.

I don’t know how to tell you this, but in case you’re ignoring me, I’m going to have to text this to you. Cole was picked up this morning for questioning in the deaths of Richard Chamberlain and Police Chief Reginald Clarkson. The police need you to come in for questioning too. You were one of the last people to see the mayor. Please call me the moment you get this.

“Oh God,” April murmured.

“What is it, sweetie?”

“Cole was picked up in connection with this crime, and they need to speak to me too,” she murmured as she dialed Rodney’s number.

Rodney picked up after less than half a ring. “April. Thank God. Where are you?”

“I’m at my parents’ house. I stayed here last night. I just woke up and heard the news. What the hell happened?”

“It’s complicated and total chaos here. Can you come to the station?”

“Yes. I just need to put some clothes on. I’ll be there as fast as I can.”

“Good. Ask for me.” The call ended, leaving April standing in the living room, her hands shaking so badly that her mother had to take the phone from her before she dropped it.

Her mother spoke calmly. “Get dressed, sweetie. I’ll drive you.”

April nodded in a daze and then spun around and headed back into her bedroom, never more grateful than now that she kept clothes here. She quickly tugged on a pair of jeans and found a T-shirt, sweater, and tennis shoes. Not bothering to deal with her hair or makeup, she rushed back to the living room to find her mother ready to go, purse and keys in hand.

April followed her out to her car, beyond grateful once again. There was a solid chance April would have driven straight into a tree if she had to drive herself to the station.

As soon as they pulled up, her mother turned to her and grabbed her hand. “I love you, sweetie. Everything is going to be