Twisted (Burbank and Parker 1)

Sloane waited long enough to print out Gary’s attachment and to forward the entire e-mail to Larry so he could have a heads-up on the new information. Then she took the hounds out to do their business. Once they were back inside, comfortably snoozing on the living-room sofa, she gathered up all the material she needed to go over with Larry, left the house, and hopped into her car. Across the street and right on cue, Denny Sparks, her daytime security guard, started up his silver Toyota Corolla and waved at Sloane, letting her know that all systems were go. Sloane waved back.

First stop, Elsa’s, she thought as she drove next door. She wanted to check on her neighbor, and find out why Elsa had been alone these past few days.

Pulling up to the top of the Wagner driveway, Sloane got out and rang the doorbell.

A redheaded woman with a kind smile and a professional air answered the door, along with Princess Di, who was barking protectively—until she saw Sloane. Then she jumped up, front paws on Sloane’s leg, and began wagging her tail and pawing Sloane for attention.

“I can see you’re not a stranger,” the redheaded woman said with a twinkle. “May I help you?”

“I’m Sloane Burbank.” Sloane pointed toward her house as she bent forward to stroke Princess Di’s ears. “I live next door. And you are…?”

“Charlene DeSoto. I’m a registered nurse. Mr. Wagner hired me to look after his mother part-time, while he’s working at his bookstore.”

“I see.” Well, that explained Burt’s absence. “Is Mrs. Wagner worse?” Sloane asked. “Does she need anything? Because I was just going out, and I’d be happy to pick up groceries, or medication, or even food for Princess Di.”

“That’s not necessary, Sloane.” Elsa’s voice, weak but reassuring, echoed from the living room. “And, no, I’m not worse. If anything, I’m improving. The pain is better and I was able to come downstairs today. So stop sounding so anxious. Please come in.”

Nurse DeSoto stepped aside and gestured for Sloane to comply. She did, going straight to the living room, Princess Di at her heels.

“As you can see, I’m feeling better. Just not at peak strength.” Elsa was lying on the sofa, a crocheted afghan draped over her. She looked pale and tired, her face drawn. “Burt is just a worrywart. He doesn’t like the idea of my being here alone. And your friend Luke was kind enough to help us find an excellent nurse whose services would be covered by our insurance.”

Sloane relaxed. “I’m glad to see you’re out of bed, and looking more like yourself. But I don’t blame Burt for worrying. I do, too. Why didn’t he call me to help out? I’d gladly have come over and kept you company.”

“After what you’ve been through this week? We wouldn’t hear of it. In fact, it’s you I’m concerned about, not me.” Stiffly, Elsa winced and struggled to ease herself into a half-sitting position.

Charlene hurried over, skillfully assisting Elsa, then propping a cushion behind her back. “Mrs. Wagner really is much better,” she assured Sloane.

“Indeed I am,” Elsa concurred. “I just need to be given different types of pain medication at specific times. Plus, I need to have my blood pressure checked regularly. That’s why Burt thought a nurse would be beneficial.”

“I understand,” Sloane replied.

With a nod of thanks to Charlene, Elsa continued. “I heard the commotion outside your house on Monday night. Burt said he saw at least one police car turn in to your driveway. He assured me that he’d called you, and that you’d said you had a break-in, but that no one was hurt and nothing was taken. Is that true?”

“Yes.” Sloane was not going to upset Elsa with unnecessary details. “Some items were moved around, and the hounds were confined to the spare bedroom behind a shut door. So they were quite peeved. But that was the extent of it. For all I know, it was a couple of teenagers, playing a not very funny prank.”

“Well, thank goodness that’s all it was.” Elsa sank back, visibly relieved. “I was hoping Burt wasn’t shielding me from the truth. Obviously, he wasn’t. By the way, I asked both him and Charlene if they’d noticed anyone prowling around on Monday, but they hadn’t.”

“Not a soul,” Charlene confirmed. “And I was outside several times, taking Princess Di for her walks. As was Mr. Wagner, when he returned.”

“I appreciate your vigilance,” Sloane responded. “With all the woods around here, it’s easy to come and go without being spotted.”

“Burt has been keeping an eye on your property every night,” Elsa added. “He’s at the bookstore now, but he should be home by midafternoon. Fortunately, it’s a quieter day. He needs a break, given the number of hours he’s been putting in.” A questioning look. “You said you were heading out. Will you be gone long? Because I know Burt would be happy to look after the hounds. He can pick them up and bring them over here. Princess Di would love the company.”

Sloane was about to decline the offer, when it occurred to her that, given her commitments in the city, she might not be home until late. Plus, it would give her a chance to talk to Burt.

“Actually, I’d really appreciate that—if Burt wouldn’t mind.”

“Of course he won’t. You know how fond of your pups he is. He’ll take good care of them. And if you’re running late, just call, and they can stay the night.”

“Thank you, Elsa.” Sloane rose. “I’ll check in with Burt later. In the meantime, you take care of yourself.”

“I am and I will.” A resolved smile. “Those are my doctor’s orders, not to mention my son’s. Between the bunch of you, I’ll be myself again in no time.”

A few minutes later, Sloane said her good-byes and drove off. She was glad Elsa was in good hands.

She just wished that one of Lady Di’s strolls had corresponded with the arrival of her intruder. Maybe then, either Charlene or Burt would have spotted him.

Holland Tunnel