Page 137 of Over Her Dead Body

Emma Calloway concluded her assessment ahead of schedule.

One employee is dead. Another is receiving treatment for a gunshot wound to the leg. Two others were treated for OC exposure. Miss Calloway left the property on foot.

Approximately ten minutes later, she stopped a private motorist by standing in the road with a handgun.

I continue reading.

The motorist’s first account was that an armed American woman entered his vehicle and demanded transportation.

His second account included an offer of cash and Miss Calloway explicitly stating, twice, that sex would not be required.

His third account contains considerably more sex.

I expect this trend to continue.

I read that part again.

The writer continues.

The motorist drove her to the hotel, waited, then drove her to the airport. He describes her as barefoot, bleeding, inadequately dressed, and “very beautiful considering.” I did not ask considering what.

Hotel reception confirms Miss Calloway returned alone, requested a replacement key, changed clothes, collected her things, declined both police and medical assistance, and left within minutes.

She paid the motorist in cash and gave him the handgun before entering the airport.

The other guest taken from the hotel has been released.

She has purchased the first available routing to Austin.

I call the house in Lisbon.

He answers immediately.

“Where is Emma Calloway?”

“She left.”

“That portion of the evening is unusually well documented.”

“She brought a thief into my house.”

“Did she?”

“She confirmed he worked with her.”

“After your staff let him inside.”

“He knew about the appointment. He knew her name.”

“And apparently that exhausted your security protocols.”

He starts explaining.

Adams arrived early. Adams knew why Emma was there. Adams was shown upstairs. Adams needed privacy for a telephone call.

I let him reach the part where Adams was left alone in the office.

“She set me up.”