Ropes and Trees and Murder by Patti Larsen

Author:Patti Larsen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: female detective, cozy murder mystery
Publisher: Patti Larsen

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Chapter Nineteen

I came to a halt outside the bars, grasping them and staring into the cell. Jared’s dark blue t-shirt was torn at the neck, a smudge of dirt on one cheek as he finally looked up and met my eyes. I realized then as I took in the split skin on his right hand over his knuckles and the ashamed expression on his face I didn’t have to give him a hard time over fighting.

He had been doing the job for me all along.

“Hey,” I said, keeping it light despite my previous desire to smack him for being an idiot. “How was your night?”

He snorted softly, expression showing faint amusement before he settled back into self-judgment. A quick glance to his left at the scowling Philip told me he wasn’t over his anger with his opponent however.

“I’ve had worse,” he said. Sighed. “And better.”

“Mind telling me what the hell you were thinking starting a fist fight with a suspect while a murder investigation is going on?” Might have been a stretch. I had no idea if Crew suspected Philip of anything, though personally I had him at the top of my own list. I’d seen him hurrying away from the tree where we found—where I’d found—Lewis Black and he’d appeared out of sorts at the time. Never mind Carmen had been right behind him, so was she complicit or guilty even? Of course, I had no proof. Still, stabbing in the dark was a favorite pastime of mine and I wasn’t about to stop speculating until I had an answer anytime soon.

Jared’s face flinched, flat and angry a moment. “It’s personal,” he said. “Nothing to do with the murder.” Another glare, one that Philip returned before looking away again.

Boys. “Fine, whatever,” I snapped. “But you might want to think about putting your private issues to the side while one of your businesses is in trouble. Not to mention hurting your mother and your girlfriend in the process.” Okay, not entirely fair, but I wasn’t above cheating a little on the emotional manipulation front to get what I wanted.

Jared flinched but didn’t relent. “Please stay out of it, Fee.”

I tsked at him before spinning on Philip. “You’re not talking either, I take it?”

The young protestor flashed me a very rude hand gesture before crossing his arms over his chest again and looking in the other direction.

Perfect. I was done wasting my time on this anyway.

I hesitated as I turned to leave, thinking about Crew. Instead of bothering him directly, I waved to Toby and headed for the street, pausing to text the sheriff instead from the safety of the sidewalk.

I’m so sorry. I had no idea until now what’s been going on. I know you told me you were under pressure. I just didn’t get it. You weren’t kidding. I wish there was something I could do to make it right. I hit send and stood there, chewing my bottom lip, wondering if I should have stayed quiet instead of reaching out, doubting with every passing second before finally hitting regret.

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