Cold Case by Julia Platt Leonard

Author:Julia Platt Leonard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 2011-12-11T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XXVII

Before I left the prison visitors’ room, I made up my mind. I wasn’t going back to school. If they hassled me, I’d tell them I’d spent the day with Dave and Archie. I had to get to Chez Isabelle. See if Razor was there. Start doing the prep. Without Dave, we’d be pushed to get everything ready for dinner service. Dave was counting on me, and I wouldn’t let him down.

I was so focused on my plan that I didn’t notice Detective Suarez until I slammed into him.

“Where are you going in such a hurry?” he asked.

“Sorry … I’ve got to …” I was about to tell him I was going to Chez Isabelle. What was I, crazy? Tell him what I was doing? He’d probably arrest me for skipping school.

“Just see your brother?” he asked, but it was more of a statement.

“Yeah,” I muttered.

“I’m on my way to see him myself,” he said. I looked up. He knew that would get my attention. “Hoping he can help me out with something. Actually, hoping he can help himself.”

Now I was hooked. He continued, “We’re tying up a couple of loose ends on the case. Always happens … there are a few questions you can’t answer.”

“Like what?” I asked. As soon as I said it, I could have kicked myself. I was playing into his hands, but I couldn’t help it. Maybe—just maybe—he was having second thoughts … realized Dave was innocent, that someone else had done it. That dream didn’t last long.

“Like who helped your brother,” he said. “Our crime scene guys are pretty sure that two people were involved.”

“Two?” I swallowed hard. I didn’t get it. I figured one person killed Aaron. One person dumped the body in the walk-in fridge. One person got rid of the knife.

“It looks like someone held Sneider down while another one stabbed him,” said Suarez. A shiver ran down my spine. Suarez’s face didn’t show anything. It was like he was talking about a bag of garbage instead of a dead man. “If Dave gives us a name, the DA might go easier on him … then again, his accomplice might come forward himself … realize he’s in trouble and give evidence against your brother.”

What was he saying? I looked up at him. His eyes were cold and steely—staring at me, accusing me. That’s when it clicked. I was the accomplice. He thought Dave and I were in this together. He was offering me the chance to pin it on my brother and save myself.

My mind spun back to when I’d found Sneider’s body. The blood. How the cop found me trying to run away. Suddenly I saw how it looked. How they thought I was guilty too.

Suarez kept talking. “I hate loose ends, but I figure we’ll get this sorted out soon,” Suarez said. “Either your brother talks or the accomplice comes forward … whoever talks first, wins.” He scrutinized me for a second before saying, “You’re close to your brother … any ideas?”

I had a horrible sinking feeling.

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