Zoe cleared her throat. “Once in a lifetime is too much.” She reached over and squeezed Casey’s hand. “I still can’t believe all you went through.”
“Neither can I,” Raven said, motioning the server over. “To think nerdy, soft-spoken Devin is the town strangler. It boggles my mind.”
“And he killed his mother and sister. A sister no one knew he had,” Zoe added.
“Would you like something?” the waitress asked.
“A Caffè Mocha and an almond biscotti,” Raven replied, tucking the laminated card back into its stand.
“And here we were wondering who it was when it turned out to be one of my friends.” Casey groaned. “It’s still too surreal.”
“Now that I look back at some of the things he said and did, like that book that magically appeared on your desk. I guess heleft some clues.” Raven leaned back. “But then Curtis acted odd as well.”
Casey’s eyes snapped to hers, her mouth sagging. “Don’t tell me you suspected your own husband.”
“I won’t, but I bet you did.” Raven smiled. “Come on, ’fess up. You thought Curtismaybe the one stalking and killing those women.”
Heat tinged her cheeks. Looking down, she tore the paper straw wrapper into tiny, jagged pieces. “The thought did niggle at the back of my mind at times.”
A throaty laugh escaped from her friend’s mouth. “I wondered about it too.”
“You did?” Casey looked up.
“He spent a lot of time walking the streets at night.” She shrugged. “He’s always liked walking late at night when the town is quiet. He tells me he’s more comfortable in the dark than in the light.”
“That’s kinda creepy,” Zoe said, then quickly looked away.
“Don’t be sorry you said that,” Raven said. “You’re right it’s creepy as hell, but it’s also a load of crap.”
“Here you go,” the server said, placing a steam mug and a china plate in front of Raven. “Anything else I can bring any of you?”
“Nothing. Thanks,” Zoe and Casey mumbled.
Raven waited well after the waitress had scampered away. A faint smile whispered on Casey’s lips, knowing her friend loved dramatic effects.
“Well,” Zoe said. “Why is it a load of crap?”
“Because”—Raven dipped her almond biscotti into her coffee and took a bite—“he was having an affair.”
“An affair? Curtis?” Casey said.
“Yes,” Raven said, her eyes narrowing. “Is it that unbelievable?”
“Actually, yes. I mean, he didn’t seem like the type,” Casey said.
“All men are that type,” she replied.
“Ryan doesn’t seem that way,” Zoe said, dabbing her finger into the crumbs left on her plate. “Does he seem that way to you, Casey?”
“No. He seems to only have eyes for you.”
Raven waved her hand. “You’re in the beginning stage. Everything is wonderful, exciting, and perfect, but check in with me in about eight years.”
Zoe’s eyes widened. “Is that the way it is?” She glanced from Raven to Casey.
“Yes,” Raven said, just as Casey blurted, “No.”
Zoe’s shoulders sagged slightly.