Framing the Marshal by Sharee Stover

Author:Sharee Stover
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-10-04T23:13:38+00:00

EIGHT

Eliana’s mind raced with possibilities.

“Dude, Noella confirmed they took this picture two months ago.” Graham pointed to the time stamp on the photo.

Curiosity at the implication of that information had Eliana’s gaze bouncing between the men. “We were working the case in Des Moines!” Riker exclaimed.

“Precisely!” Graham gave an emphatic nod.

“But it doesn’t help us figure out Blaze’s real identity,” Captain Ferguson countered.

“No, but it provides reasonable plausibility that whoever Blaze is, he’s got it in for Riker,” Beckham said. “Good work, Graham. Let’s see what else Noella offers.”

“On it.” Graham scurried out and returned to the room where Noella sat tapping her fingernails on the table.

They both glanced up at his approach and Eliana noticed Marvin wore skepticism like his badge. “We have confirmation of an inside job.”

“Can’t say for sure yet, but certainly shifts the focus,” Graham replied.

Eliana grinned.

Graham continued. “Noella, you and Orion are in this picture with Blaze. Are you certain about when it was taken?”

Eliana glanced at Riker. The date stamp was an automated feature. Why was Graham pressing? She also noted he didn’t share the alibi information with Marvin, countering his accusation that Riker was guilty. She suspected his tactics were an intentional move to keep Noella believing they were on her side and swallowing her story.

Graham passed Noella her phone and she nodded emphatically. “That was Orion’s big birthday bash. The whole family was there.”

“You mean the Nites?” Graham asked.

She narrowed her eyes and leaned forward. “That is our family.”

“I get it,” Graham replied. “Why would Blaze kill Orion, especially if they were friends?”

Noella crossed her arms over her chest. “When I saw the news, I did a little digging.”

“Great.” Marvin’s comment dripped with sarcasm. “Everyone thinks they are expert investigators with the internet these days.”

She pinned him with a glower. “Except I’m sitting here handing you the killer while you’re doing nothing.”

He lifted a hand in surrender and Eliana forced away a smile. Go, Noella.

“Anyway.” She reverted her attention to Graham. “The cop’s house where Orion was killed, I looked it up and found the owner’s name. And what do you know? Riker Kastell is Blaze. Must’ve been working undercover—the sneak—except he probably figured he’d just take the money and run. After he killed my man.”

“Wow, we should hire you for our intelligence unit,” Graham said.

Eliana heard no condemnation in his tone. “Actually, she’d probably be a great resource if you could trust her,” she whispered to Riker.

He frowned. “The best CIs are.”

“Blaze called Orion the night—” Noella’s voice cracked and she paused, pressing a hand against her painted lips.

“Take your time,” Graham said.

“Thing is, we trusted him.” Noella shook her head.

Eliana couldn’t tear her gaze from the interrogation. If Noella had found the information on Riker, that meant the press would do the same.

“Are you certain that was the same night Orion went missing? The same night he was shot?” Marvin pressed.

“Yes.” She nodded emphatically. “Orion got a call from Blaze saying he had something big, but he insisted Orion come alone.

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