Judas Kiss: Detective Billie McCoy, #5

By Carol Marvell

Extraordinary jewellery heists in upper-class stores across Melbourne have been baffling the Melbourne police force. Each store targeted was fitted with the most sophisticated security system available, and yet, not a single alarm was activated in each attack. The only clue as to the perpetrator is a small token left behind at each location. The tokens are all identical, found on the forehead of a brutally murdered guard and inscribed with two words: "The Banca".
When a jewellery store in Sydney is targeted next, Detective Billie McCoy's interest is piqued, but her mind is focused on more pressing personal matters closer to home. Jill Kuzac, cousin to Billie's best friend, was lucky enough to receive community work instead of a jail term, only due to Billie's support in the courtroom. Jill has barely finished her first month of service and is already lacking interest, particularly after meeting Harmony Conner.
Billie's instincts make it hard to trust the newcomer, but before she can investigate further, her life is suddenly turned upside down. Incriminating evidence emerges that places Billie as the number one suspect in the latest jewellery heist. To make matters worse, the evidence links her to the murder of a former police officer at the scene. Billie has no choice but to go on the run. With the full force hunting her down, she will need all her skill to prove her innocence. If she's not careful who she trusts, she might just find she's the next person found with a token on her forehead…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carol Marvell
• Release date: Jul 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215797877

Carol Marvell

Carol lives on a property outside the small country town of Childers in Queensland, Australia. Married with three grownup children, she is now retired from working in a primary school as a Teacher Aide, where she also looked after the library and drove the school bus. Most of her life Carol has played in a four-piece band with her husband and they have now formed a duo after the band folded. She loves to travel, both abroad and in Australia, which she is now discovering more of in her caravan. Fishing, camping and gardening are some of her favourite hobbies.

Book preview

Prologue

Henry Jacobs stood at the heavy timber door at the rear of his jewellery store. He placed his left palm on the glass plate of a biometric hand scanner attached to the wall and stared into the retinal scanner above it. It took only a couple of seconds for the computerised system to scan his eye and palm before granting him entry. The door’s lock released with a hollow click. He followed the same routine he used every day to open his shop, the same routine he’d used in the last three years. The one difference today was – he was six hours too early for opening to the public. His watch read 3:08am.

Henry pushed the door open and stepped inside. He crossed to his office and unlocked it with a normal key. Without closing the door, he walked to the control panel beside his desk and punched in a code of numbers on the keypad. He flicked some switches on the wall, proceeding to immobilise all security guarding his exclusive merchandise: cameras, alarms systems, locks on doors and display cabinets as well as the alarm signal to the police. His face showed no expression, no emotion or anxiety to the unusual deed he carried out. Satisfied the system was shut down, he walked into the front of the shop. Long glass display cabinets boasting their expensive exhibits took up most of the floor. Their interior lights illuminating the array of jewellery spilled out to brighten the room. Nestled in the middle of the large cabinets was a short counter. Henry stopped in front of it. Arms by his side, he stared ahead through the glass entry doors to the dully lit street beyond.

Four black cladded figures climbed out of a van parked across the road and walked towards the store, in particular, to the unlocked entry doors. Henry seemed unconcerned. His stare remained focused on the near empty street. The glass doors slid open with a quiet hum, giving admission to the visitors. All wore balaclavas. Three carried canvas bags in their gloved hands. They began emptying the cabinets, stripping them of the expensive rings, necklaces, chains and watches. No one spoke. Henry made no reaction to the happenings taking place in front of him.

The fourth person, the shortest of the group, strolled to him. Show me the safe, Henry. The voice was friendly. Henry turned and guided the intruder to a room beside the office. It was quite small, harbouring a metre high safe fixed to the floor. One of the three black cladded men followed them inside, ambling in on a long stride.

Open it, the shorter visitor said to the shop owner. Henry didn’t argue or object. He leant forward and unlocked the dial combination. Pushing down on the latch, he swung the thick door open, revealing trays of diamond necklaces inside.

Nice, Henry. Very nice.

The taller guy stepped forward and emptied the trays into his bag. Once he was finished, the boss looked at the submissive owner.

It’s been great doing business with you, Henry. Wait here, my man will fix you up.

Henry didn’t respond. He simply stared ahead, uninterested. As the boss strode out, the tall man placed his sack on the floor and dug in under his coat on straightening. Stepping in close behind Henry, in a fast, sudden move, he grabbed the storekeeper around the chest with one arm and swung the other in front of him in a powerful swipe. The eight-inch knife slashed across his throat as if it were paper. Henry gasped a sickly gurgle. His eyes bulged. His mouth opened in a silent scream. Blood flooded out from his severed throat. The tall man released him. Henry crumbled to the floor, the life draining from his butchered body with each gasp. Other than a couple of quick jerks, he settled as the final breath left his lips.

His murderer dug into his pocket and placed a coin-sized bronze token on his forehead. Etched on it were the words, THE BANCA. Wiping the blood clean from the knife on his victim’s shirt, the guy looked around in a final check. Satisfied, he picked up his sack and walked out.

––––––––

Chapter One

Jill Kuzac collapsed in the lounge chair and tiredly pulled off her bulky work boots. Casey sat down opposite her with two glasses of beer. She placed one in front of her cousin on the coffee table.

Beer? she asked with an added smile that highlighted her dimples.

Thanks, Jill muttered with little enthusiasm. Picking it up, she took a long swig. Casey settled back in the seat, watching her. Regardless of being related, they looked nothing alike. Jill carried a heavier build and was taller by a few centimetres. Straight, shoulder length auburn hair hung flat against her rounded plain face. In contrast, Casey’s short blonde hair complemented her cute and alluring good looks. Her slim, eye-catching figure perfected her attractive appearance. They’d been the best of friends as teenagers, hanging together to deal with their broken families and hard times after being thrown out of home. Both had slipped into a life of crime merely to survive. As close as they’d been, it wasn’t enough to stop Jill moving out of Sydney. They’d lost touch over the years, and then, out of the blue, Jill had turned up on Casey’s doorstep a couple of months ago. Surprised as Casey was, she’d gladly welcomed her.

Their happy reunion was short-lived. Unfortunately, Jill’s shady past had accompanied her. Casey was shocked after discovering her cousin was identified in a chemist robbery. Standing by her, Casey offered to help her, only to have Jill turn on her. She chose to back her now late husband, Andy Wilks, who at the time kidnapped Casey and her three best friends, Detective Billie McCoy, Sarah Jones and Jane Walker. Wilks forced Billie to fight in an underground boxing event after learning she was an expert in self defence. Casey never believed she could ever forgive Jill for what she did, not in a million years. Her friends meant the world to her and Jill had put each of their lives in deadly danger. Yet, through uncontrollable events, and Jill’s persistent apologies and efforts to amend her wrongdoings by helping them escape, Casey had found the strength to do just that, to forgive her. And it didn’t stop there. Thanks to Billie’ contribution of support and testimony to the judge, Jill had dodged a jail term. Instead, she’d been sentenced with eight months’ community service and a hefty fine. That was almost five weeks ago.

Taking in Jill’s dishevelled look and dirt stained clothes, Casey guessed her cousin had had a hard day. But wasn’t a hard day better than the alternative? She’d been so happy to avoid a jail term and had put everything into it the first few weeks of her community work, which entailed laying a path in the Botanical Gardens. It was quite a demanding and physical job, particularly with the summer temperatures well up. Casey could imagine how much that would encumber the work, as well as test temperament and stamina. A touch of concern swept across her. Was it more than the physical conditions Jill was suffering from? She seemed extra depressed today. Casey had noticed her diminishing enthusiasm over the last week. A building frustration seemed to be dragging her down. She certainly didn’t like the community work, but hey, it had to be better than being in prison. Keeping up a bright manner, Casey wasn’t about to share her thoughts. Hopefully Jill would get over it.

How was your day?

A sour attitude hung on Jill’s tone. Oh great. I love laying pavers through a park full of gawking stickybeaks in thirty-degree heat. Everyone should do it. And to top it off, none of the dropkicks I work with want anything to do with me. She shook her head. Shit, the days are so long and boring. I sweat more than I can drink, and look at my hands. She stuck out her palms. I’ve got blisters on blisters. I damn well work harder than most of the men there.

No one said it was going to be easy. Come on, you’re doing great, and look how fast the weeks are flying by. You’re getting through your time pretty quick.

Are you kidding? I’ve done just over a month with seven to go. That seems like a lifetime. She shook her head. Shit, Case, I don’t know if I can keep this up. It’s too much.

What are you talking about? Of course you can keep it up.

I’m getting nowhere. In fact, I’m going backwards. I’ve just about used up all my savings, what there was of it, and I can’t sponge off you forever. This bloody community work ties me up, giving me no chance to do anything. I can’t even get a job because of it. No one wants to hire someone doing community work. They look at me as if I’m an alien and want nothing to do with me. It’s so depressing, on top of the shit work I have to do.

It’s only for a few more months, remember? It’s not forever, and I can cover you until then. Once it’s finished, you’re a free agent. You’ll find a job and have all this behind you. Come on, Jill, you’re tired. When it’s over, you’ll have plenty of time to sort it out, now relax.

Her cousin didn’t answer. She turned away and stared at the wall. Casey’s nerves tensed. Uneasiness warned her Jill wasn’t listening to her.

"Shit, Jill, if you throw in the towel now, you’ll end up behind bars, or did that little point slip your mind. It’s not worth it. You know as well as I do, you can’t run from something like this. You have to do it, whether you like it or not."

Jill turned back with a hard-set look, failing to comment. It was obvious she didn’t like her advice. Casey blew out a breath. Doing her best to relax, she offered a smile.

It’s Friday night. Why don’t I see what the guys are up to. Billie’s working but we could go out somewhere with Jane and Sarah, get sloshed together and help you forget your troubles.

A faint smile slipped to Jill’s lips. That sounds good but I can’t. I’m already going out tonight.

Casey couldn’t contain her surprise. Really? With who?

Oh, someone you don’t know.

Well obviously. So tell me. I have a right to know who’s hanging with my best cousin.

Jill’s smile briefly returned and then she sighed. Don’t get any ideas in your head. It’s not a date or anything.

Casey wasn’t put off by the defensive answer. Did I say that? I’m just asking.

Locked in her unwavering stare, Jill relented. Remember when I first moved in, back before, you know, all the trouble started with Andy? I told you I had coffee with a friend one night, a female friend, she quickly added.

Casey’s brow furrowed in a frown while she struggled to recall it, and then it came to mind. Shit, that seems like years ago.

Yeah, doesn’t it. Anyway, you joked about it being my boyfriend before I set you straight.

No I didn’t.

Jill smiled. Well, you more or less implied that.

Casey shrugged, silently admitting it. At least Jill was more at ease. So, what, this girl just happened to run into you again? Invited you out after all this time?

In a sense, yes. She was in the park today and saw me. I couldn’t believe it, nor could she. She wandered over and we got talking, as much as I could without appearing too slack on the job. Anyway, she said she’d love to catch up so invited me to a party tonight.

Casey’s stare intensified. Her smile faded. Jill, is that wise? I mean, you don’t know this woman all that well, or what her background is. Does she know you’re on parole? I mean she must have guessed after today—

Yes, she knows, Jill promptly cut in defensively. She’s fine with it. Come on, Case, it’s sweet. It’s no big deal. I’m a big girl now. I’ll be fine.

Not wanting to put her offside, Casey struggled to keep her concerns under control. Okay, I’m sorry. I worry about you, that’s all, and you can’t afford to jeopardise your parole. One wrong stuff-up and they’ll throw you straight in prison. Remember, you only scraped through by the skin of your teeth as it was and if you—

Case, I hear you. It’s just a party. It’s no big drama. The girl is on the level. She’s okay, trust me.

Casey fell quiet, thinking, assessing Jill’s reasoning. No matter how hard she tried settling her nerves, she couldn’t stop worrying. Getting in with the wrong crowd may see Jill spoil her chances of seeing her parole out. Then again, she badly needed a break from her monotonous job before it sent her crazy. All in all, she had to trust her and give her the benefit of the doubt. Fine. I’m sorry. I do trust you.

Jill blew out a breath, making the effort to relax. Okay.

What’s her name? The question fired out with some authority. Immediately it put Jill back on edge.

"Shit, Casey, is this the third degree or what. You’re not my mother. I am allowed to have a life outside this bloody parole job."

Okay, okay. I’m sorry, honest. You’re right, I’m way out of line. Shooting her a brief smile, she took a swig of her beer. Jill stared guardedly, failing to hide her irritation. She blew out a heavy sigh.

All right, I’ll tell you, as long as you promise not to get Billie to check up on her. I don’t need any dirt dragged up from the—

What? Come on, that’s a bit below the belt, isn’t it? Why would Billie check up on her? Her tone hardened in her defence for the cop. Unless of course there’s a reason to. Maybe this friend—

Excuse me, cous, but she said she wouldn’t dig anything up on me either and she did, didn’t she, Jill reminded her.

"You know damn well that was all above board. It was thrown in her lap because of your carelessness. She didn’t purposely go out looking to find anything, did she. No. It was only because you got sprung in that stupid robbery you and Andy pulled off, and that you were dumb enough to get identified by the pharmacist. Don’t lay your mistakes on Billie."

Okay, fine, you’ve made your point. We don’t need to go back over it. Just promise me anyway, to keep an old crim – ex-crim, she hurriedly corrected with a smile, ex-crim happy.

Casey stared hard while trying to control her stirred emotions. Her protectiveness for Billie left her tense. She couldn’t shake her disappointment Jill had stooped so low to push her point, but it wasn’t worth arguing over, and the fact they’d drifted way of course wasn’t getting her any closer to finding out who Jill was meeting tonight. Maintaining a steady gaze, she considered the request.

"Fine, I promise. You know you can trust me, and Billie. Shit, she’s proven herself to you enough, hasn’t she? I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation after what she did for you and—"

Case, you can back off, okay? I’m sorry. I was wrong to say what I said. I didn’t mean it. Believe me, I trust Billie very much so. Honest.

Casey paused, locked in thought. Jill’s sincere look helped dampen her raised concerns. Good, she simply answered.

Jill nodded. Okay. Her name’s Harmony Conner. She’s studying to be a botanist.

Casey’s eyebrows shot high. Really? The last thing she expected was Jill to be hanging around someone so . . . studious. Well, that’s good.

Yeah. I think she’s in her last year of Uni. The party’s at one of her friends, and before you ask, she’s around my age, not some air headed teenager, and so are her friends. If they’re anything like her, it should be a good night.

Shit, Jill, why didn’t you tell me that in the first place?

You’re the one who got on your high horse and bolted, may I remind you.

Casey smiled. Can I help it if I care about you?

Jill managed a smile. Hmm, keep it up. I kind of like it.

I think I’m spoiling you way too much.

Definitely.

So, maybe you could ask Harmony around some time so I could get to meet her.

Yeah, maybe. I’ll run it by her. A smile flashed across her lips. Anyway, I should think about getting ready. Don’t worry about dinner for me, I’ll have it over there.

Sure, no worries.

Jill stood. An affectionate aura washed over her smiling face. Thanks for the talk, Case. I feel much better.

Yeah, me too. Casey watched her walk to the kitchen and offload her empty glass in the sink. She crossed to the hall, casting her a smile before disappearing into it. Casey sat back thinking. Was it good she was starting to make new friends? Of course it was. Why wouldn’t it be? Then why was she so uneasy about it? Maybe because of Jill’s unstable background and the shaky mess they’d recently scraped through, she expected everything to come crashing down around her, like it usually did. She couldn’t explain it. Like Jill had pointed out, she wasn’t her mother and Jill had the right to live how she wanted. She’d just have to learn to back off and give her cousin some initiative. Sure. How hard could that be?

Jill spent more and more time with Harmony Conner in the following couple of weeks. She was out almost every second night, sometimes not coming home. Casey’s apprehension began to rise when Jill failed to bring Harmony home to meet her. Was Jill purposely keeping her away? Was there a reason she didn’t want her to meet her? Adding to Casey’s uneasiness was the fact Jill seemed to becoming blasé about her community work. More often she grumbled about how she hated it. She was leaving later in the morning and arriving home earlier, using the excuse they’d finished the job ahead of schedule.

Tonight was no different. Jill strode out of her bedroom pulling on a coat. She picked her bag up off the phone table and headed for the door.

I’m off, Case. I’ll catch you later.

Sure. Hey, why not bring Harmony back here Friday night. I’ll see if the guys can make it. I’m pretty sure Billie’s free, I mean not tied up on some assignment.

Jill stopped at the door and shot a look over her shoulder. This Friday night? Her eyes narrowed as she thought it over.

Come on, Jill, we’ve hardly spent any time together lately, especially with the guys. You’ve been out nearly every night with Harmony over the past two weeks. I never see you anymore. How about giving your old friends a go?

Jill carelessly shrugged. I guess I can ask. Depends if she’s got something on.

Try and convince her. Tell her we’re a great bunch.

I already have. After what I’ve told her about you lot, she knows you pretty well.

You’ve told her about us?

Of course I have. She even said she’d love to meet you.

There you go. Friday night sounds perfect.

Jill held her gaze, thinking. Look, I can’t promise anything but I’ll see if I can convince her, okay?

Good, that’d be great.

Jill smiled. Got to go. See ya.

Have a nice time.

Will do.

The door closed behind her. Casey sat staring at it. Would Jill bring Harmony around? She hoped so. Until she met her, she’d never be able to settle her nerves. Sighing, she climbed out of the lounge and headed for the kitchen.

* * *

Detective Billie McCoy sat at her desk skimming over a fax on a large jewellery haul here in Sydney, in Parramatta. Six million dollars in stock had been taken. The robbery was cleanly executed. Not one alarm had been triggered. The owner of the store was found with his throat slit. A small bronze token inscribed with The Banca had been left on his forehead; an identification symbol, or a trademark perhaps. Billie absentmindedly tucked a loose strand of her blonde hair behind her ear while she read about two similar robberies earlier in Melbourne. Like the Sydney break-in, the offenders had left no leads. The guards they’d encountered had their throats cut. A token had been left on only one of the dead guards’ forehead, the same as the guy in Sydney, and just like Sydney, somehow the thieves had overcome highly sophisticated electronic security systems without setting off any alarms. Tried and tested, the newest of their kind and verified foolproof, the systems had been installed for this very reason, yet these people had slipped through them and walked away after cleaning out the shop.

Intrigued by such daring operations, Billie’s thoughts shot to Sarah and the jewellery store she worked in. Roués Diamonds was quite a big store, but was it big enough to attract thieves of this highly cunning quality? There were plenty of bigger jewellery stores in the city with bigger takings, but they had more complex security. Then again, the thieves didn’t seem to baulk at that. This was the third robbery in a month. How were they doing it? Inside help? Impossible from three different areas, and different cities. The Sydney robbery had a slight change to the others. There had been no guards. Only the owner of the store had been involved. Billie sighed. These people were getting away with murder and theft, and the police had no clues to who was responsible or how they were doing it. The question was, was Parramatta the last?

The phone rang beside her, cutting into her thoughts. Distractedly the detective picked up the handset and propped it between her shoulder and ear. She gathered up the fax pages and shuffled them into a tidy bundle. McCoy.

Ah, so you are there sometimes, a familiar voice said.

Billie smiled. Hi, Case.

Hi. Just thought I’d let you know Harmony’s coming over tomorrow night.

So you finally convinced Jill to ask her.

Yeah. She only rang a couple of minutes ago to confirm it.

Good to hear.

Are you still free to join us?

Sure, only I don’t know what time I’ll get there.

That’s fine. Whenever you can is good. Just be here. I’ll see you then.

Sure, bye.

Bye.

Billie hung up and smiled. Casey was like an overprotective mother to Jill. So much she wanted her to get through the community work and put all the bad stuff behind her, start a new life clean and fresh. And Billie could understand where she was coming from. After all, Casey had achieved the very same thing. Coming from the pit of no return, she’d been on a one-way road to a life in prison for her wrongdoings during her occupation as a car thief and then a prostitute. She’d made the effort and crossed the line back into the land of hope. With Billie’s support and guidance, Casey was now a converted law-abiding citizen, and look how she’d blossomed. She loved her job and loved life.

Now she was again asking for support, to help her through this with Jill. The detective was only too happy to give it. Meeting Harmony was merely a small step. She was Jill’s first real friend after being liberated from the dominating clutches of her dead husband, Andy Wilks. Hopefully Harmony would help rebuild Jill’s transformation and boost her self-confidence. Yes, she was happy to assist, both for Casey and for Jill.

Chapter Two

How long have you known her? Jane asked, leaning forward and picking up a handful of peanuts out of the bowl on the coffee table before sinking back in Casey’s lounge. She couldn’t wait to meet Harmony, not after hearing so much about her.

Jill smiled. A while now. I met her... She hesitated. Well, before the trouble started with Andy. When all that was going on, I didn’t give her a thought, not until she ran into me a few weeks back at the park where I was working. I’m sure you’ll like her. She’s pretty easy going.

Jane nodded. I’m sure we will. She glanced at Sarah sitting beside her. Tall and slim, her short dark hair highlighted her fine facial features. Sarah’s eyes flared in acknowledgement to Jane’s words, a sign to say she wasn’t sure what to expect. Sarah turned to Casey as she settled into the chair opposite with a beer in hand.

And what about McCoy? Can she make it for this special occasion?

Casey nodded. Yeah, only she’ll be late, as usual.

That’s our girl, always working way too hard.

We need to work on her harder, Jane put to them. Lay down some stricter rules. No work after five-thirty, particularly on a Friday. More socialising with friends.

Ha, good luck with that, Casey said with a grin.

Sarah smiled and looked from Casey to Jane. Yeah, it sounds good in theory but it’s not going to happen.

Hey, give Billie a break. Good cops always work hard, Jill said in her defence. And we all know she is a good cop. The doorbell rang, cutting into the conversation. Jill hastily put down her glass. That’ll be Harmony. She paused and glanced at the girls. Unless of course it’s Billie.

Casey shook her head. "I doubt it. It’s too early for our hard working, good cop."

A grin lit up Jill’s face. Then it must be Harmony. Halfway out of the chair, she stopped and shot a look at the three watching girls. Now you guys behave yourselves, okay? Don’t go bombarding her with a mountain of questions.

Come on, would we do that? Sarah asked with an innocent look across her face.

Huh, you forget I know what you’re like.

Go and let her in before she thinks no one’s home. Casey teased. Jill looked at her.

Maybe that’s not such a bad idea with you vultures ready to pounce.

Give us a break. We’re not going to pounce, Jane said with an assured tone. Much, she added straight-faced.

Jill held her stare with a look of dread. Jane cracked a grin.

Jill, I’m kidding. Come on, relax.

Jill sighed and then nodded. She cast a look at the smiling Sarah and Casey. Okay, I’m just nervous. Sorry. I don’t want you guys giving her the third degree, that’s all.

Casey looked her in the eye. Jill, I know exactly where you’re coming from. Now you know how I felt when I introduced you to these guys. She briefly glanced at Jane and Sarah. And I had good reason to be nervous. They hammered me with so many questions before they met you, I was sure they’d continue once they did meet you and put you right off.

Her two friends giggled.

What can I say, we were curious, Jane said, the mischief evident in her tone.

Sarah eyed Casey with a stern look. I’d tread carefully if I were you or you might have good reasons to be nervous again. Her warning simply invited a grin.

Jill, unmoved by the humorous exchange, cut in with a nervy reply. Exactly my point, she said to Casey. You had good reason because you didn’t trust them, like now. She looked at the two girls. A touch of an apologetic smile filtered her response.

Come on, what’s not to trust? Sarah asked. We said we’d behave.

Jill’s smile strengthened. Taking no offence, she nodded. I know. I’m sorry. She hurried to the door. The girls watched her with smiles playing on their lips.

She sure is excited about this, Jane said, taking a sip of her Scotch.

Casey nodded. That she is. She never shuts up about her.

Jill returned with a tall brunette by her side. Jane did a sweeping assessment. A little older than them, Harmony’s slender build was almost too thin. The long legs made her appear lanky. Straight hair hung to her shoulders, highlighting clear brown eyes. The Uni student ‘tag’ was strangely obscured, twisting the expected appearance of a conscientious bookworm way off course. Etched on the side of her neck was a colourful butterfly tattoo about ten centimetres in size. The silver nose stud matched the three piercings in each ear. Her low waisted jeans and short shrunken top openly displayed the two studs in her bellybutton, one with a small ring swinging freely. Harmony glanced nervously from one girl to the next as they stood out of the chairs to greet her.

Jane checked her surprise at Harmony’s appearance. Appreciating first impressions could always be disillusioned, particularly when one wasn’t prepared, she couldn’t deny the street clothes, studs and tattoos all made their impression, all made their statement. Jill hadn’t exactly mentioned her friend’s wild fashion sense, but, reminding herself to never judge a book by its cover, respectfully held her tongue and startled thoughts. A quick glance at Sarah and Casey confirmed they too were just as caught out.

Jill looked from her guest to her friends. Harmony, I’d like you to meet Jane Walker, Sarah Jones and my wonderful cousin, Casey Reynolds.

Harmony shook their hands as their names were called. It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you guys, I feel like I’ve known you for years.

Ha. I’ll bet it’s not as much as we’ve heard about you, Sarah said with a chuckle.

Can I get you a drink, Harmony? Casey asked.

Beer is fine, thanks.

Coming up. She flashed a smile and walked off to the kitchen. The girls settled in the lounge.

You found the address all right? Jane asked.

I did. Besides the fact Jill gave me good directions, I had a friend drop me off.

She’s hopeless at directions, Jill