Chapter Seven
Monday, 3:17 p.m.
Once word got out about Barry’s death, my phone started ringing. My mother, Bigmouth Britney, Ashwood Advertiser reporter Lily Fowler… Basically everyone who had my number decided to come up with an excuse to call. After withstanding the initial barrage, I programmed my phone to send everyone except Tara, my mom, and Detective Sharp directly to voicemail. Even though everyone seemed eager to offer their condolences, I knew they were fishing for information. Word had already spread that Barry’s death was under police investigation, but no one knew about it being based on the latest Marie Clifford novel, and I intended to keep it that way for as long as possible.
I had posted a notice on the front door of the bookstore immediately after returning from Barry
