Perfect Alibi. Melody Carlson

don’t always get their facts straight.” She looked at Logan. His eyes were locked on the newspaper and his expression was grim as he stared at the article on the front page.

      “Maybe so,” Winnie said back to her. “But you know what they say...where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”

      “What’s that supposed to mean?” Mallory demanded.

      “It means I think it’s a little suspicious that a murder suspect shows up here while her parents are gone and suddenly their house nearly burns down.”

      “What?” Mallory glanced over at Logan, but he was still intent on the newspaper.

      “Strange coincidence, don’t you think?”

      “I honestly don’t know what to think,” Mallory said in all sincerity. “But I’m pretty sure that the same person who killed my friend is responsible for the fire, too.”

      “Yep.” Winnie gave a victorious nod. “Just what I am saying.”

      “Huh?” Mallory felt slightly dazed now.

      “Sorry if I interrupted your lunch.” Winnie patted her on the back. “But I just thought it was pretty exciting to think that a murderer—from our own little town—has been dating Brock Dennison. And to be a murder suspect and possible arsonist, well, it just has the makings for a real good Lifetime movie.” She nudged Logan. “Don’tcha think?”

      Logan just rolled his eyes. “I think you’ve made your point, Winnie. Now if you’ll excuse us.”

      “You coming back to the station?” she asked as she moved away from their table.

      “Yeah. My shift is over at three. I’ll be back before that to do my reports.” As he stood, he pulled out his wallet and tossed a twenty down. “Come on.” He reached for Mallory’s hand. “Let’s get outta here.”

      Leaving the detestable newspaper on the table, he led her toward the door, but before they could exit, Corkie came out and spoke to Logan in a low voice. “I heard what Winnie just said,” she said. “I thought that was who you were with, but I didn’t want to be rude and say so.”

      “Gotta go,” he said abruptly.

      “You be careful,” Corkie called out.

      “Always am,” Logan called back as he opened the door.

      Mallory felt her stomach churning as they went outside into the hot sun. She hoped she wasn’t going to throw up again. She’d done enough of that on Wednesday night. Logan was still holding her hand as he led her to the pickup. He said nothing as he opened the passenger door and helped her in. His gestures were polite, but his expression was grim. Mallory knew she had some explaining to do.