Fatal Blooms by Harlow Claire

Author:Harlow, Claire
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rowan Publishing
Published: 2023-10-31T00:00:00+00:00

14

Detective O’Malley pulled up to Leonard Riley’s place, his back-up right behind. Getting out of the unmarked patrol car, he stood outside the suspect’s residence with a search warrant firmly in his hand. The gravity of the murder case weighed heavily on his mind as he prepared to question the man accused of blackmailing and killing his ex-lover. Having such serious accusations, Fred knew he needed to approach this interrogation with precision and tact, especially knowing Leonard’s daughter was a Sparrow Haven officer.

With Fred’s team assembled, he took a deep breath and approached the suspect's front door. He knocked firmly, and after a moment, the door opened to reveal a later-middle-aged man with a wary expression.

“Mr. Riley, I’m Detective Fred O’Malley,” he said, flashing his badge. “I have a search warrant and I would like to ask you some questions about your relationship with Eleanor Montgomery and the allegations made against you.” He showed the warrant.

Leonard seemed taken aback but stepped aside, allowing Fred and his team to enter the living room. The scent of fresh paint filled the air, and Fred noticed a couple of scenic paintings on the wall.

“I’ve already told your assistant, Olivia Harper, everything.”

“Yes, but I have some follow-up questions of my own.” Fred looked around the room. It appeared nothing like Olivia had described. Everything was dusted and tidy. “Doing some redecorating?”

Leonard followed Fred’s gaze. “Yeah, it’s way overdue,” he muttered, motioning for Fred to take a seat. “Can we get on with this?”

“Thanks,” Fred said, taking out his pen and pad. “Mr. Riley, we have information that you were involved in a blackmail attempt against Ms. Eleanor Montgomery.”

Leonard’s eyes darted nervously, and he hesitated before replying. “I…I don’t know what you’re talking about. I never tried to blackmail Eleanor. Did she tell someone that?”

Fred raised an eyebrow, taking note of the man’s unease. “No. The information is from a person who knew you both.”

He snorted. “Well, that narrows it down, detective. A lot of people knew us both. I worked for Eleanor for several years.”

“Why would someone accuse you of blackmail?”

Leonard crossed his legs as if trying to appear calm. “It must be a misunderstanding. All I’m guilty of is asking the woman I loved to live with me. I wanted to build a home for us so that we could have more time together. When I wouldn’t drop the idea, she grew to resent me, so it doesn’t surprise me that she made up the blackmail story. Nobody knew this, but Eleanor thrived on revenge. But I swear, I didn’t do anything like that. We had a disagreement, but I would never blackmail her, and I would never harm her.”

Fred pressed further. “And what about the painting you received before her death? The one that depicted a threatening message?”

“Like I told Olivia. I don’t know anything about that painting,” Leonard quickly replied.

Fred leaned in, his voice low and measured. “We know that you have a stepdaughter who’s an artist. It’s imperative you are honest about this.

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