Columbus Day Conundrum (Holiday Cozy Mystery Book 10) by Tonya Kappes

Author:Tonya Kappes [Kappes, Tonya]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tonya Kappes Books
Published: 2024-09-22T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

“You’ve got to be kidding me?” Steve stood behind Darren after Kristine had called Chief Strickland to tell him her maid had found the ring in the hallway right in front of Steve’s inn door. “I didn’t kill him.”

“Shh, let me take care of this.” Darren used his hand to gesture Steve to tone it down. “Dad—Chief,” he corrected himself.

“Listen, I’m not going to let you or anyone else tell me to keep my mouth shut,” Steve demanded, garnering a lot of attention from other guests at the inn.

“Why don’t we go on down to the station and talk about this.” Chief Strickland was using his best inside voice to persuade Steve to leave the public area.

Steve turned to Darren, frustration etched on his face. “I was just on the phone with some of my people back home, and they said you just passed the bar exam. Are you sure you are the right man for my case? Because it sure does seem like they are wanting to arrest me after I already gave them a statement.”

Before Darren could respond, I stepped in, unable to hold back. “Watch it, Steve. Darren is the best lawyer in town. Now that he’s here, he makes the second lawyer and by far your best chance.”

Darren shot me a look, trying to signal for me to quiet down, but I pressed on. “He’s been working hard on this case, and you’re lucky to have him. And for the record, I’m the best at uncovering evidence and clues. So having both of us is your best shot at proving your innocence.”

Steve looked between Darren and me, clearly taken aback by my fervent defense. Darren, sensing an opportunity, nodded in agreement. “Violet’s right. She’s got an incredible knack for finding the truth. With both of us on your side, we’ll get to the bottom of this.”

I blinked in surprise, still processing Darren’s unexpected support. Just earlier, he had told me to stay out of it, but now he seemed to need me on the case. It was a moment of clarity, showing me that despite our differences, we made a formidable team.

Chief Strickland cleared his throat, breaking the moment. “All right, let’s move this discussion to the station. Steve, we need your cooperation.”

Reluctantly, Steve nodded and followed Chief Strickland out of the inn. The crowd of onlookers began to disperse, their curiosity satisfied for the moment.

Darren turned to me, a mixture of apology and gratitude in his eyes. “Thanks for backing me up, Vi.”

“Anytime,” I said, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “We’re in this together.”

“Definitely,” Darren agreed. “Let’s get to work and solve this thing.”

“We are, but you’re not getting let off the hook that easily for how you treated me earlier,” I said, making it clear that I wasn’t going to let anyone talk to me the way he did. Even if he might’ve been right and I should stay out of things, there were nicer ways to phrase it than he had.

Darren gave me an understanding nod.

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