Summer Reading is Killing Me (Phee Jefferson Book 2) by Amy E. Lilly

Author:Amy E. Lilly [Lilly, Amy E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bella Lilly Press
Published: 2015-04-26T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty Two

I sat there stunned by the Senator’s question. I revisited the crime scene in my mind. The only thing related to Jay Burns was the common tie of painting. “Sir, I saw her briefly before I realized she was dead then ran and called the police. Afterwards, they took over the scene. I’m not sure what I can add to what you already know,” I stammered and plucked at a stray thread on the placemat in front of me.

“Hmm…the sheriff said the same thing. I’m having a difficult time processing that someone murdered my daughter. She was the joy of my life,” Richard said. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. Flipping it open, he held it out so I could see the photo of a little girl with silvery curls and a smile as wide as the ocean. She wore a pink ballet outfit and held the hand of what must have been the Senator in his younger years. “The only thing I have left of my family are my memories and photographs. No grandchildren. No one to carry on the Campbell name. My family’s legacy ends with me and I want to catch the S.O.B. who ended it!” He snapped the wallet shut and tossed it on the table.

“I’m so sorry. I understand your grief and anger. If I knew anything, I swear I would tell you,” I reassured him. “May I ask you a question about Elody?”

“Go ahead. If it helps catch her killer, I’ll tell you anything you want to know.” Richard leaned back and crossed his arms across his chest.

“Elody had been painting a landscape at the park. I found an unfinished picture with tubes of paint next to her. Did she do anything special or have any fancy brushes she preferred?”

“You’re asking about a fancy brush because of the one found in her chest, aren’t you?” He dropped his arms and leaned across the table to stare at me. The intensity of his gaze forced me to drop my eyes. Clint had said they had not disclosed that clue to anyone, but somehow Richard Campbell knew.

“I, uh…why do you say that?” I avoided his verbal trap.

“Young lady, I’ve learned to gain information in more ways than you can imagine. There is one person in every organization who has a gambling problem, owes back child support or has maxed out credit cards. Money goes a long way in greasing the rusty jaws of someone who is supposed to keep quiet,” Richard said and gave a harsh bark of laughter. “I took less than five minutes to discover your entire life history. Oh, don’t look at me like you’re shocked. I had to make sure you weren’t a criminal or the killer. Have no fear. You’re cleaner than a frog’s butt.”

I gulped down my wine. I felt naked and exposed in front of this man I just met. Grief made people do strange things. This man in front of me dealt with his grief through action.

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