Borrowing Death by Cathy Pegau Page B

that. “I see. I don’t know what Ben Derenov has in mind for the two of them. He’s the only immediate family Rebecca has. If he decides to stay and can make money, she might be able to finish her schooling.”
    â€œI hope that’s the case.” It would be a shame for the girl to quit school because of money woes. Taking her education as far as she could go would be the best thing for Rebecca Derenov, for all young girls and women. Charlotte set her cup on the desk and joined him near the door. “Is his working for the Fiskes their way to help out after Mrs. Derenov died?”
    He helped her on with her coat. “Possibly. Or they needed a handyman and Ben happened to be around for the job.”
    â€œThat could explain it too,” she said, changing into her boots.
    â€œWhy do you always look beyond the simple explanation?”
    â€œBecause the simple explanation is rarely interesting. Or the truth. Don’t you dig a little further with your patients to make sure the simple explanation is the real reason for their illness?”
    â€œOf course,” he said, holding the door open for her. “It’s the responsible thing to do.”
    Charlotte locked the door behind them. “And it’s my responsibility to get the real story when I write, not just what it appears to be at first glance.”
    â€œI’m sure Eddington appreciates your dedication.”
    The sarcasm wasn’t lost on her. She lightly punched his shoulder and he laughed.
    Michael took her arm to help keep her footing as they traversed the slick walkway, wind in their faces.
    â€œThe visitation for Lyle Fiske is tomorrow,” Charlotte said. “Are you going?”
    â€œI wasn’t planning on it. Are you?”
    â€œI’d like to. Will you come with me?”
    He gave her a curious look. “Since when do you need me, or anyone, to escort you to such a thing?”
    Since she decided it might be necessary to have someone who knew more of the people in town than she did to help her identify attendees. But she wouldn’t tell Michael that either. “I don’t know Caroline all that well and figured your standing and recognition would help.”
    â€œHelp get you into the house of a murder victim, you mean.” He shook his head, eyes rolling to the heavens. “Fine. I’ll go with you. If you’ll make dinner for me tonight.”
    â€œThanks, and I will, but I’ll have to cook for you another time. I’m going to meet James for dinner tonight. Care to join us?” It was bad manners to ask him without James’s consideration, but Michael’s presence might make her feel more at ease. Keeping the deputy at arm’s length when they were alone together was a challenge.
    â€œOh, no no no.” Michael held up his free hand, waving her request off. “I wouldn’t dream of intruding on the two of you.”
    â€œIt’s not intruding, it’s just dinner,” she said more defensively than she’d intended.
    â€œRight.” He tugged his hat down over his ears. “I’m sure Eddington would appreciate me horning in on your date.”
    â€œIt’s not a date.”
    â€œUh-huh.”
    * * *
    Charlotte took a quick bath and changed before meeting James at The Wild Rose. The navy blue wool serge dress was something she usually wore for more professional appointments and meetings, not for dinner. But it was too cold and wet for anything else she had with her. Besides, neither James nor Cordova seemed particular about fancy clothing.
    The snow had tapered off, but the slush remained in the streets. Charlotte hurried along as fast as she could while keeping her feet under her. Lights from homes and the few streetlamps helped her avoid the worst puddles, and soon she turned the corner just before The Wild Rose.
    The aromas of roasted meat and coffee, with an underlying bite of the cigar smoke from a table of men,