The First Victim by JB Lynn Page A

travels fast.”
    “Around here it does. How are you holding up?”
    Dodging the question she replied, “My sister’s a wreck. They held an emergency assembly and told all the students at the school. She was sobbing before she got in the car when I picked her up.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    Emily carefully laid the wooden stirrer across the top of the paper cup. “Me too. Poor kid, she’s been through a lot.”
    “So have you.” Evan reached out and covered her hand with his. “Does Bailey have any idea who did it?”
    She flashed to the last time Evan had grabbed her hand. Fifteen years ago. The fear and pain rushed at her. The room closed in. Her stomach heaved. Yanking her hand free, she sat up straight, fighting for control over her body and emotions.
    Remembering her promise to keep Bailey’s theory secret, she shook her head. She could feel Evan’s eyes boring into her as though he didn’t believe her. Unable to sit still any longer, she jumped to her feet and examined the contents of the vending machine. “What are you doing here, Evan?”
    “Just visiting my old man. Doc says it helps to keep his spirits up. Is that where your sister is? Visiting your dad?”
    Emily nodded. If he heard the tension in her voice, he didn’t comment on it. For that, she was grateful. Recalling that the pretzels were Laurie’s “favorite” she bought a bag.
    “I spotted you sitting here, all alone, looking upset, and I figured I’d come over to check on you.”
    “Thanks.” She turned slowly to face him. “I’m okay.” He was regarding her carefully, almost examining her, searching for chinks in her façade of competence. She lifted her chin. “Really. I don’t need you to watch over me.”
    An easy, flirtatious smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “Could be I was just looking for an excuse to talk to you, Emily. Thinking that maybe I could convince you to have dinner with me.” He must have seen her disbelief. His face fell, and he added in a rush, “Or coffee. Coffee would be good too.”
    Ginny Castle strolled into the coffee shop. “Always the ladies’ man, Evan. Why I heard that just last week you took Rachel Ziss for coffee. ”
    Evan ducked his head, pretending to be chastised. “That’s before Emily came home.” Turning his attention back to the object of his affection he batted his eyelashes dramatically. “So what do you say, coffee?”
    Despite herself, Emily couldn’t help but grin at his antics. “Rain check.”
    He sighed heavily. “Rain check? Story of my life. I’ll hold you to it.” He got to his feet. “Okay, I’m off to see my dad.”
    As he passed Ginny he asked in a stage whisper, “Did Rachel happen to mention whether she enjoyed our coffee? ”
    “She said it was richly satisfying,” Ginny joked.
    Turning back, Evan waggled his eyebrows suggestively at Emily. “See?”
    Smiling, Emily shook her head, waving him away.
    Once he was out of earshot, Ginny slid into the chair he’d occupied. “He is kind of cute, like a puppy.”
    “Puppies are cute for a while…until they pee on your shoes.”
    Ginny chuckled. “True.” Turning serious, she leaned toward Emily and pitched her voice low. “How are you holding up?”
    “Laurie’s a wreck. She—”
    “I didn’t ask about her,” Ginny interrupted. “I’m worried about you. ”
    “I’m fine.”
    “Em, you found a dead body. How can you be fine?”
    “I didn’t know her. She’s Laurie’s…was Laurie’s friend.”
    “Uncle Sam said you were a mess. That you fell apart, and now I find you sitting here, calm as can be, flirting with Evan Swann like nothing happened. That is not normal, Em. I’m concerned.”
    “I was not flirting with Evan.”
    “It sure sounded like you were.”
    “He was flirting with me.”
    Exasperated, Ginny threw her hands into the air. “Who cares? The point is you’re not fine.”
    Emily squirmed uncomfortably in her chair. She hated admitting to weakness of any kind. The winter