He snorted out his disagreement but kept his response to himself.
“Tell me one thing.” She stared up at him through long, thick lashes. “Do you really think so little of me? That’d I’d do these things you keep accusing me of? I told you, I came here to get closure. To really get to the bottom of what happened betweenus so I can finally move on. Why would I hurt your sister, someone I’ve always called a friend, and harass Suzy who seems like a really nice person? What would I get out of that?”
“I don’t know. What did you get out of lying to me about Carl so I’d beat the shit out of him and put him in the hospital? Why would you tell Suzy we lost a child? You need a clinical psychologist to explain those things, not me.” Just listing a few of her lies was enough to make steam billow from his ears.
Tears welled in her eyes. “Those were all misunderstandings. I swear.”
Before he could answer, Spencer strolled up the sidewalk. His brown cowboy hat shielded his face and he wore a thick, tan coat over his uniform. “Afternoon,” he said, dipping his chin in Chrissy’s direction.
Chrissy sniffed back tears and offered Spencer a watery smile. “Hello, deputy.”
Duke rolled his eyes. Of course she’d try to charm her way out of whatever bullshit she’d created.
“I appreciate you sticking around in this cold to speak with me. I have a few questions for you,” Spencer said.
“Anything you need, officer. What’s happened to Heather and Suzy is making me sick to my stomach.”
“Can you tell me where you were this morning?”
She let out a long breath. “Well, after I spoke with Duke I went back to The Tumbleweed and checked out.”
“Then why are you still in Hillmore?” Duke asked.
Spencer shot him a warning look then refocused on Chrissy.
“I was upset for a while after we spoke and I didn’t think it’d be safe for me to drive. I needed to calm down and, to be completely honest, I wasn’t ready to tackle that long drive again. Not so soon after arriving to town.”
“Understandable,” Spencer said. “Can you tell me where you did go?”
“I drove around a little. I wanted to see the mountains, so I went outside of town just far enough to get a lovely view. I mean, really, simply stunning.”
As she rambled on about cafes and vintage shops, the only thing circling Duke’s brain was she didn’t have an alibi. By the time he zeroed back in on their conversation he caught the tail end of their exchange.
“It’d be helpful if you could stay around until we get things sorted out. Would that be possible?”
“Wait,” Duke said, ready to explode. “You want her to just rebook her room and hang out while all this shit’s happening? She should be in a jailcell not a cushy bed and breakfast.”
Chrissy’s face fell and victim energy poured out of her in waves. “I’ll stay as long as you need me to, deputy,” she said, ignoring Duke’s outburst.
Spencer handed her a business card. “Here’s my contact information in case you need to reach me. Will you be staying at The Tumbleweed again?”
“Unless there’s somewhere else you recommend?” She batted her lashes, the tears suddenly gone.
Duke’s stomach heaved. Only Chrissy would have the balls to flirt with a sheriff’s deputy who wanted her to stick around because she’s suspected of foul play.
“Not really,” Spencer said, offering a small smile. “Ms. Sally provides the best lodging in town. I’m sure she’ll be delighted with your company.”
“Thanks. It’s nice to meet an actual gentleman in this place. Oh, and here.” Reaching into the purse dangling from her arm, she pulled out a piece of paper and pen. She scribbled something on it and handed it to Spencer. “My number. You know, just in case.”
Spencer accepted it and shoved it in his pocket.
Without another word, Chrissy folded her long legs into her car and drove away.
“Dude,” Duke said. “That’s it? A little conversation on the side of the road then ask her to stay in town?”
He shrugged. “Sorry, man, but I had no reason to book her. No evidence to tie her. At least this way she’s close, we know where she’s staying, and we can keep an eye on her.”
“No, you can keep an eye on her. I’m getting Suzy and taking her back to my place where Chrissy can’t get her claws on her.”
