Page 39 of Between the Lines

Maude leaned back and folded her arms, eyes on the screen. This part was always the hardest. People revealed themselves by how they responded when they thought they were in control.

Maude felt like she’d be able to tell if it was Darcy based on the reply, even if Darcy didn’t introduce herself.

If the reply came back polished and vague, that would tell Maude one thing. If it came back warm and personal, another. If it came back fast—too fast—that would be interesting all on its own.

Her laptop chimed. She sat up.

It was just a calendar reminder she’d set weeks ago to bill a customer, which she’d already done. She dismissed the reminder.

She took a sip of her coffee, grimaced at how cold it had gone. She got up, got a fresh cup and thought about breakfast. Maybe she’d just have some yogurt. She peered into Pixel’s tank. He was making a new bubble nest.

If this group was Darcy Lane’s doing, she was moving quickly and with intention. But what was the intention?

Maude refreshed her inbox.

Sooner or later, Darcy, or whoever was behind that post, was going to answer. Then the fun would really begin.

She took the big tub of vanilla yogurt from the fridge and spooned some into a bowl. She added a big handful of granola and a long drizzle of honey. Simple and good, all she needed, even though blueberries would have made it better.

She ate sitting in her recliner, scrolling her phone with her free hand. A couple of messages from her Nightforge guild had come in overnight. There was loot drama, a scheduling question from someone who didn’t know she wasn’t in charge anymore, and a newbie complaining about lag. Like that was anything different.

She was about to log on and answer the questions when her laptop chimed.

Maude froze, spoon halfway to her mouth. She took the bite, then set the bowl down on the side table and went back to her desk.

She went to her inbox. There sat a reply to her new undercover email account.

It had come from a MsColony9 email address and there was no greeting beyond a bland Hello. There was also no acknowledgment of her specific questions, just information laid out like a flyer.

Thank you for your interest.

The group will be focused on connection and conversation among women at the Colony. The first meeting will be informal and introductory, with time for discussion and ideas from attendees.

We’ll be meeting this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Hall. We hope you’ll join us.

Interesting that the meeting was being held at the same time the Queen Bees book club usually met. Not just the same day, but at the same time.

Maude read the response again. There was no signature and definitely no warmth. It was a statement of facts more than something that had been written to her. More like a cut-and-paste response that was sent to anyone who asked.

Which told her something.

She leaned back and laced her fingers together behind her head, staring at the ceiling for a beat. The Community Hall. Of course that’s where it was being held. That made it feel a lot more official than if it was at someone’s house. It was also neutral ground. Maybe an attempt to avoid scrutiny? Holding it at the hall would make it feel like something that had the Colony’s seal of approval, even if that wasn’t the case.

Thing was, rooms like that didn’t reserve themselves. Someone had gone through the admin office. Filled out a form. Put down a name. Possibly an address and telephone number. Maude had never reserved a room at the hall, but there would definitely be a paper trail.

She smiled faintly. Cece had friends there because of writing for The Buzz. She would know exactly how to pull that thread.

Maude reached for her phone and opened her messages, thumb already moving.

Cece, she typed. Quick question. Do you know who in the admin office handles room reservations for the Community Hall? I think I’m on to something. Darcy Lane may have booked space to host a new group. Anyway, I’m curious whose name is on the reservation. I’ll forward you the info.

She hit Send, then sent Cece a screenshot from the forum showing the announcement and forwarded the email Maude had gotten back.

She had no doubt Cece would get some new information for them. Maude went back to her chair, picked up her yogurt, took a bite, and smiled to herself.

Things were about to get interesting.

Chapter Sixteen