The Sleeping Beauty Killer

61

Laurie called Paula Carter from the sidewalk outside Sean Murray’s house. Paula picked up after one ring. “Oh, Laurie. Please say you’ve changed your mind. Is there any way you’ll cancel the show?”

“No, but it may be better than that, Paula. I may have found a lead on the missing picture. But I have to ask you a question. Two nights ago, Casey called me at home, asking me not to mention the details of the photograph missing from Hunter’s house. She said that withholding that detail from the show was something she, you, and Angela discussed.”

“That’s right. Of course, I tried once again to get her to call the whole thing off, but she ignored me as usual.”

“But the idea of not mentioning the picture of Hunter and the President: Exactly whose idea was that? Can you remember?”

“Oh, sure. That was Angela’s. She said that’s how they do it on all the detective shows. Do you want to talk to her about it? She’s down in Brooklyn getting ready for Ladyform’s fashion show, but I’m sure you can call her cell.”

Laurie assured Paula that wasn’t necessary and asked her not to mention her call to anyone else for now.

As Laurie hung up the phone, she knew exactly why Angela hadn’t wanted Sean Murray to speak to Laurie. She didn’t want anyone to know that she was the one who removed that picture from the nightstand after she murdered Hunter and framed the woman he’d chosen over her.

Charlotte had described Angela as panicked about stopping the television show today-desperate was the precise word she’d used. But contrary to Charlotte’s belief, Angela wasn’t desperate to protect her cousin from humiliation. She was desperate to protect herself.

Laurie called Charlotte’s cell phone, but the call went directly to voice mail. She tried twice more, with no luck.

She didn’t want Charlotte to be caught in the crossfire when Angela realized that she was going to be arrested. She had to warn her. She pulled up her Uber app and requested the nearest driver.