Deadly Intentions by Candice Poarch Page A

generations. Since the early sixteen hundreds actually.”
    Brian frowned. His grandfather had mentioned purchasing an antique bowl from a friend who’d had to sell off some of his assets. The friend had bought the bowl, but had fallen on hard times with the recession. He’d asked Brian’s grandfather if he’d buy it and his grandfather had—sight unseen.
    â€œHad a bowl?” Brian asked.
    â€œI believe the people who killed Harriet stole the bowl from your grandfather’s house.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you tell the police that?”
    â€œBecause I wasn’t sure. I don’t have all the facts.”
    â€œHow do you even know about the bowl? This was your first time there.”
    â€œThe bowl was stolen from my family and we’ve been trying to trace it for more than a year.”
    â€œHow do you know it’s your family’s bowl?”
    â€œThere were only four bowls made. The other three are accounted for.”
    â€œAntiquities are found in digs all the time. Who’s to say this wasn’t a recent find?”
    â€œWe know what they look like and it’s so much of a coincidence. Besides a recent antiquity discovery would never be in private hands. Lots of people have died over this bowl. There are identifying marks on it,” Lisa said. “Once the bowl is found, my grandmother will be able to determine if it’s my family’s original bowl.”
    â€œDo you know who killed Harriet?”
    Lisa shook her head. “No. But I’m sure she was killed because of the bowl. I don’t know who’s after it or why they want it so badly. I don’t know who stole it originally.”
    â€œI wish you had told me this yesterday.”
    Lisa looked Brian directly in the eyes. She had the most gorgeous brown eyes he’d ever seen. He was annoyed his thoughts had veered in that direction. He was glad she was finally telling the truth. At this point she had no reason to lie.
    â€œI didn’t know if I could trust you,” she finally said. “I still don’t.”
    â€œSo why are you telling me now?”
    â€œI don’t have the bowl and I have nothing to lose by telling you.”
    â€œHow did you end up working at my grandfather’s house?”
    â€œWhen I suspected your grandfather had the bowl and that Harriet was searching for a cleaning person, I arranged an interview with her. And it’s the reason I’m cleaning his house instead of giving the job to one of my workers.”
    Brian sighed. “Let’s visit Harriet’s family. I can’t put it off any longer. Hopefully by the time we return, the detective will let us back in the house. We can check then to see if the bowl is there.”
    â€œThe thief may already have it.”
    â€œWe’ll deal with that, too.”

13
    The family met at Harriet’s sister’s house.
    â€œWe can’t go empty handed,” Lisa said. “And you need to get a sympathy card.” She pulled into a shopping center. “I’ll get a platter and the card. You can wait in the car.”
    Brian handed her a fifty. Inside the grocery store, Lisa selected a platter arranged with a variety of cheeses and meats. She also bought rolls. Brian had fallen asleep by the time she made it back to the car, but he awakened immediately when she opened the door.
    â€œGot everything?”
    Lisa nodded, storing her purchases in the backseat before she climbed into the front seat, cranked the motor and drove to Harriet’s sister’s house.
    Several cars were parked in the yard. A couple of people were arguing on the porch. Lisa got the platter from the backseat. She and Brian heard snippets of the conversation when they approached the house.
    â€œAunt Harriet said she was leaving me money,” the woman said.
    â€œShe left me the house.”
    â€œWell, we won’t know until her lawyer reads the will.”
    â€œI certainly