A Case of Syrah, Syrah by Nancy J Parra

Author:Nancy J Parra
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC022070 Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Cozy
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Chapter 16

“You know I didn’t do this, right?” I said to Sheriff Hennessey the next morning. He had come out with backup to take care of the traffic and bring my van back from processing.

Since my plea, reporters had returned in droves to squeeze back into the small space at the mouth of the winery. This time, they were more aggressive. It was harder for Juan and Julio to keep them out.

Aunt Jemma had called the police to evict the reporters who didn’t respect the winery’s boundaries.

“I can’t comment,” Sheriff Hennessey said. “I only came out to bring back your van and ensure you were safe.”

“What did you find on my van?”

“There was a partial print, but ultimately there wasn’t anything to use in the case. That’s why I returned it. I see the press is back. Would you like us to leave a police presence in the vicinity?”

“That would be perfect.”

“I don’t want you to think we’re holding you hostage.”

“But you are,” I said. “I can’t do my job. I can’t talk to anyone to investigate what really happened. I’m stuck here with nothing to do but sweat. I hate having my hands tied.”

“My hands are tied as well. The DA is convinced that you are the strongest suspect,” he said. “Come on, Taylor, you know the wheels of justice are already set in motion.”

“You are the law. Figure out who the real killer is, because it’s not me,” I insisted. “What about the three yoga ladies? Did you ask Rashida what happened to the jacket she was wearing at the beginning of the day? Did you ask them about how they were collecting Laura’s students for their own? Did you know that Laura was cutting their pay and charging them more for their classes? It seems to me that their motive, means, and opportunity are stronger than mine.”

“They all have alibis.”

“Yes, each other,” I pointed out. “What if all three of them did it, and they’re each other’s alibis? The only thing I haven’t figured out is why they would frame me for the deed. I mean, they didn’t even know me. Was I the closest person?”

“There’s no evidence that all three did it, Taylor,” he said dryly.

“What about the missing Windbreaker?”

“I can ask about the jacket.”

“You can?”

“I will,” he said. “I’ll look into Laura’s pay cuts as well, but it doesn’t mean anything. You’re grasping at straws.”

“You’re grasping at straws too. By arresting me, you’re letting the real killer get away with murder.”

“Taylor . . .”

“What about the SD card with all the identity information on it? What if someone was angry because Laura was selling his or her identity? Sally claimed she had the card because of her computer failure, but Amy said that Laura would never be so careless with customers’ data that way. Maybe that’s suspicious too! Did you know that everyone in her organization had their identities stolen at some point over the last year? You need to look into that.”

“Taylor . . .

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