Humpty Dumpty: The killer wants us to put him back together again (Book 1 of the Nursery Rhyme Murders Series) by Carolyn McCray, Ben Hopkin Page B

the airport into his ears and turned toward the window, shutting out the rest of the world. Had, on the other hand, began greeting everyone that passed, apologizing for his carryon bag and making cooing noises at the babies. Sariah was sure she had never seen a greater disparity between personality types in her life.
    As they neared Had’s seat, his phone rang with the theme music to Psycho . He whipped out his cell, using his other hand to try to get his bag into the overhead compartment. His tone was exasperated, but less pressured than the last time Sariah had seen him answer a call.
    “Mama, I’m on a plane right now. Not a good time to talk.” He made a face at Sariah, apologizing with his gestures for the call. “I know you told me about dinner, but… No! Why would I be at home? I’m working for the FBI And I don’t sit around in my tighty-whities.” There was a pause while he listened, then he spoke again. “That was one time. And it was one hundred degrees. Inside the house .”
    Sariah was about to move down the aisle to clear the walkway when Had waved at her to stay. There were passengers lining up behind them, so she moved down into her row of seats to let them past. Had was now seated in his aisle seat, still talking to his mother.
    “No, I don’t want to talk to her. Well, I’m sorry , but I told you not to invite her over. Mama. Mama …” He looked over at Sariah and spoke to her. “Would you please talk to my mother? I don’t think she’s gonna let this one go until she has some proof.”
    She took the phone from Had and lifted it to her ear. “Mrs. Hadderly?”
    “ Ms . Hadderly, honey. I’m not married.”
    “Of course. Ms. Hadderly. This is Special Agent Sariah Cooper speaking.”
    “Uh huh.” It was clear from her tone that she didn’t believe a word Sariah was saying. “You datin’ my boy, Special Agent Cooper?”
    “No ma’am, I am not.”
    “Well, why not? You’re helpin’ him lie to me, might as well get some lovin’ on the side.”
    “I’m not lying, ma’am. I really am an agent with the BAU”
    “Right. So, what’s your badge number? Huh? Gimme the name of your supervisor. Then we can get to the bottom of this. Y’all think you’re so smart.”
    “I don’t—” Sariah began.
    “Sweetness, I am sittin’ here in my house with a lovely young woman and more brisket than I can shake a stick at. Now who do you think’s to blame for this situation here?”
    “Ma’am—”
    “Sugar, you better just hand the phone back to my son. If he wants me to believe his stories, he’s gonna have to do better than you .”
    Sariah handed the phone back to Had, wondering just what the hell his mother had meant by that last statement. Did she not sound like she could be an agent?
    Once the cell was back in his hands, Had ended the call with, “Mama, have fun with my date. Love you. Bye.” And the call was done.
    He looked over at Sariah. Sariah stared back at him. After a moment she lifted an eyebrow at him.
    “You wear tighty-whities?”
    Had blushed. “Boxers are weird. It’s like you’re putting on clothes under your clothes. I never understood how anyone could wear them.”
    “Well, I hear the others can make you sterile.”
    “Really?” His eyes got big. “Is that true?”
    “Who knows? Maybe you should look it up.” She grinned at him, then gave him a much more serious expression. “Now, it’s time for you to get some sleep.”
    “Right. Right. Sleep. On it, boss.”
    Now that most of the passengers had boarded, it looked like Sariah’s row was unoccupied except for her. So rather than put her carryon above her in the overhead bin, she placed it on the seat next to her. If someone else were to sit down, she could always move it. She settled into her chair, doing what she could to get comfortable. She hated flying so much.
    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Had was striking up a conversation with the Mexican woman next to him. She was laughing