Bad Influence (Seven Deadly Sins #2) ✅ Completed

Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Andersen House

The Andersen House

“Come again?”

We were sitting in Andy’s living room. It was elegantly decorated with white leather furniture, light carpet and neutral colors. It was bigger than most of the houses I’d seen so far and far more modern than Chase’s country ranch house. It was more showy than homey and left little doubt that Andy Andersen came from money.

A whole lot of it.

Andy's mother was as impeccably dressed as her house was furnished. She was a slightly overweight, petite woman with short blonde hair cut into a stylish bob. The diamond studs in her ears only accentuated her startling pretty face. It was obvious where Andy had gotten her beauty but that wasn’t the only thing that seemed to be inherited.

There was something hard about Dolores Andersen – as if she’d seen what life had to offer and had found it lacking.  Her lips formed a straight line or pursed tightly. There didn’t seem to be any other shape they fell into. Even when we’d knocked on her door and showed up with Andy, there was no smile of gratitude or relieved happiness. She’d only touched her chest and let Dante carry her upstairs to her bedroom while she went to ring the sheriff.

Now Sheriff Sutter was standing on the other side of the room while Dante and I sat on the long leather couch. I leaned forward a bit, afraid to get the pristine white leather dirty. Andy’s mother set down a silver service tray with steaming cups of dark coffee. She lifted one off the tray and handed it to the Sheriff.

"Forgive me, but I let Anita go home early today. Would you care for some coffee? I have some tea if you'd rather?" she asked formally.

I shook my head. “No, thank you. I’m fine.” I said, not trusting myself enough not to spill any on her white carpet. Dante also denied her offer, making me feel better.  I figured Anita was their cook, possibly their maid considering the size of their house. It was just as well – it was far easier dealing with just Andy’s family. I’d only wished she waited to call the sheriff until after we’d gone.   

Sheriff Sutter watched us over the rim of his cup repeating his question, “Tell me again how Andy came to be in your great aunt’s shop?” he asked before taking a sip of the strong brew.

“Like we explained to Ms.…” I started but it didn’t take long for Andy’s mother to cut me off.

“It’s Mrs. Andersen,” she said, emphasizing the‘s’ in both her title and her surname as she settled down in the chair across from us.

I thought you said Andy’s father was gone, I asked Dante silently.   

Since Jackson had fooled us into believing Andy’s parents were in an accident, Dante did a quick scope of the situation when we pulled up to the driveway. Both of Andy’s parents were definitely alive – and hated each other’s guts. I couldn’t imagine that made for a fun Christmas dinner.    

He is, but she refuses to give him a divorce or let anyone think she’s abandoned her vows.

I nodded as I heard Dante’s reply in my mind, but I couldn’t help my cheeks from growing hot at the pointedly delivered correction.  

“Sorry,” I apologized quietly. I looked back at Sheriff Sutter since Andy’s mother was making me more than a little nervous. I’d already decided on keeping as close to the truth as possible. I figured in case Sheriff Sutter or Andy’s mother were any good at reading people, this might keep them from getting too suspicious about our involvement with Andy.