Sword and Lead (Book 1) by Rhiley McCabe

Author:Rhiley McCabe
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2020-09-05T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

Detective Joy

“You think he’ll show up?” Peyton asks, looking up as the bell above the door jingles.

We had to drive out all the way to where Verity’s ex works to meet with him. It’s easier for everyone, or at least as easy as it gets.

“He has to come to work at some point. Besides he agreed to meet us, so he can’t have anything to hide, can he?” I reason out loud.

Peyton doesn’t believe it – even I don’t believe it – but he nods all the same.

We wait the better part of the morning in the parking lot of the family-owned restaurant where Angel Stuart works until hunger and irritation drive us inside at mid-day. A lanky brunette with a vacuous expression immediately comes to take our orders.

“We’ll have two burgers, one soda water for me and a coffee for my partner here,” Peyton announces without even looking at the menu.

“What kind of burgers?” she asks, pen poised, ready to write it down.

“Surprise us,” he says dismissively, and I feel sorry for the girl at the look on her face. “Thank you,” he adds as she leaves, but she just shrugs in response.

“You good, Peyton?” I ask cautiously.

“Yeah… problem with the missus is all. But I’m good. How are your girls doing?” he asks, changing the topic expertly.

“They’re good. I take them to school every morning and try to come back on the bus,” I’m aware my explanation doesn’t make much sense, but Payton nods in understanding all the same.

We sit in silence before our orders finally arrive, along with our person of interest: Angel Stuart, in the flesh.

“Angel Stuart?” Peyton says, getting out of his chair.

“Yeah, who’s asking?” He drawls, not meeting our eyes.

“We’re from the precinct, we called you earlier to schedule a meeting. You kept us waiting,” Peyton offers, his voice brisk and business-like.

“Yeah, I woke late,” he offers in the way of explanation, giving a nonchalant shrug. I immediately dislike him.

“Well, you’re here now. Why don’t we get to it?” I say, swallowing bile.

“Fine,” he agrees, taking a seat. We both sit up, and burgers are forgotten.

We begin questioning him; age, address, the whole back-story of how he met Verity and what their relationship was like. If he has ever stalked her before. All of his answers are mechanical, not giving away too much – actually, not giving away anything.

“Can you voluntarily offer a DNA sample to us?” I ask, rounding off the questions.

“Why?” he asks, standing abruptly.

“It’s just to cross you off the list as a suspect,” I explain, hoping to ease his apprehension.

“Do you have anything to charge me with? Because if not, I know for a fact I don’t have to give you a sample,” he tells us, flashing a crooked grin. There’s a scar above his lip, making his smile all the more menacing. Peyton and I exchange a look.

“It’s routine. No need to get all worked up,” Peyton offers.

“Ask Verity for her DNA sample. Why not?” He throws out, rubbing his hand through his brown hair, hair the same color as the waitress.

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