Lakeview Protector

“You’re sure?”

“Young man, I may be recovering from hip surgery, but I assure you there is nothing wrong with my brain. I’m very sure that I can’t help you get in touch with Mary.”

Did Eli notice the odd phrasing of Sarah’s response? Jazz dared a quick look in his direction, saw the tightness of his jaw and the frown that added more than a hint of danger to his hard-angled face. “A woman is missing. If you know anything—”

“She already said she doesn’t,” Jazz cut in, then wished she hadn’t as Eli leveled the full force of his gaze on her.

“Sometimes things we don’t think are significant are very important.”

“Sarah either knows how to get in touch with Mary or she doesn’t. She says she doesn’t.” It might not be the truth, but Jasmine had to assume Sarah had good reason for her subterfuge.

“Since you two seem to be doing quite well having this conversation without me, I think I’ll go lie down. Maybe a little rest will strengthen my feeble memory.” Sarah smiled as she rose to her feet, but her face was drawn, her eyes shadowed.

“I appreciate your time, Sarah, and I hope you know I wasn’t implying—”

“That I’m a feeble-minded old lady?” Sarah arched a brow, and Jasmine was reminded of years gone by. Years when she’d been a teenager dating a handsome first-year college student, years when she’d been newly married and unsure, years when one raised eyebrow from Sarah would make her cringe and run for cover.