Murder Take Two by Charlene Weir

all good conscience expect to play the jealous suitor.”
    â€œCome on, Laura. Stop playing to the camera.”
    It was true, everything was a scene for her. Well, she had to have some way to get through the pain. They weren’t even married yet, and he couldn’t keep his pants zipped.
    â€œI told you the thing with Sheri just happened.”
    She jumped up; the shiny robe swished as she paced. “You couldn’t help yourselves. Love like yours couldn’t be denied.”
    â€œOh, hell, no. She’s a beautiful and determined lady. I had just enough to drink that it seemed like a good idea. I’m sorry.”
    â€œSorry it happened? Or sorry that now she’s got her sticky fingers clutching at you?”
    â€œDon’t be snide, Laura. You don’t do snide convincingly.”
    She stopped in front of him and crossed her arms. “I’m a damn sight more convincing than your girlfriend. She’s a lousy actress.”
    â€œShe’s not that bad.”
    â€œShe’s wood. And just barely managing to get by without cue cards.”
    â€œMy darling Laura, I’ve told you I’m sorry. I’ve groveled at your feet. What more do you want?”
    An ugly bust sat on the table at the end of the sofa. She considered hurling it at him. Better not. She might miss and break it. Or not miss and break his nose. Fifer would never forgive her.
    Nick was watching, waiting to see what she’d do. She turned, swirling the skirt of her robe, and tossed herself in the chair.
    â€œOne thing I could always count on, Laura,” he said.
    He didn’t go on. The bastard was going to make her ask. “What?”
    â€œYour honesty. Behind all your emoting, you’ve always been straight. With yourself, with me, with everybody.”
    â€œWell, thank you very much. What has that got to do with your betrayal?”
    â€œBetrayal, is it? My self-esteem just went up a notch. If you’re betrayed, I’m important.”
    â€œNot anymore, you slime.”
    He stretched both arms along the back of the sofa and crossed his ankles on the coffee table. “Have you ever done anything you regretted?”
    She eyed him warily. “Yes.” Probably lots if she made a list. “So?”
    â€œThis is one of those things, Laura. It was a mistake. It was stupid. I regretted it from the moment it happened.”
    â€œOoohh. All this regret doesn’t keep you from letting her hang on to your arm.”
    â€œYes, it does.”
    â€œOh, really. I suppose it wasn’t her in your trailer this morning. Who was that? Somebody selling Girl Scout cookies?”
    â€œYou’re beginning to piss me off, Laura. I came to do a little more apologizing, a little more groveling, but there’s a limit. I told her there was nothing between us.”
    â€œMaybe you should try words of one syllable.”
    He leaned forward so abruptly he scared her. Her heart started doing that thing again. “Aw, Laura, come on now. Was there ever somebody in your life like that? Who got a scenario in his mind that wasn’t anywhere near reality and wouldn’t give it up?”
    There was, actually. A man who swore undying love. Wanted to marry her. That he was already married never fazed him. He wouldn’t give it up, he even left his wife so they could be together. She eased one slipper off and let it dangle from her toes.
    â€œAll clear? Enough groveling? Can we have dinner now?”
    â€œI’m tired, Nick. And there’s something I need to take care of.”
    â€œYeah? With a cowboy cop? What is it? Unfinished business? Sweet nostalgia? A thing for a man in uniform?”
    â€œHe doesn’t wear a uniform.”
    â€œHe does in that photo you have of him. I knew I’d seen him before. Maybe we should talk about that.”
    â€œTalk about an old photo?” She sighed, weary, stagy. “I can’t deal with this, Nick. Just