“Max, come on. If heisthe killer, do you know how hard it is going to be to protect you?”
“Okay? Quick question. If he’s the killer, why hasn’t he... oh, you know…killed me?”
“Not sure.”
“And another thing, why is it thatonly yoususpect him? What about the captain? The other officers?”
“So far there’s no physical evidence directly connectinghim, no DNA, no digital footprint. Nothing. Nettles wants to avoid a wrongful arrest, especially with someone that’s got the potential of societal influence. Bad press has been known to help steer the precinct in a different direction before.”
“Oh, my God. Seriously? I’m beginning to think they’re useless…”
“Been there a long time, honey. So nice of you to catch up.”
She let out a small laugh, more breath than anything.
“I’m texting Derek, now,” I said, my thumbs moving lightning speed over the keyboard. “I want him with you when I can’t be.”
Maggie needs protection at the manor.
Derek: Why?
Later.
I’ll bring Trix.
Trix?
You know. My girlfriend.
News to me. But, yeah. Fine. Whatever. Just get over there first thing in the morning.
“Derek will be over first thing in the morning.” I said.
“Yeah, like that’s gonna fly.” Maggie wasn’t amused.
“It’s going to have to,” I said, straightening. “I’m headed to the precinct to look him up.”
“Hunter’ll be gone ‘til 2pm. Graham, this is?—”
“Text me the moment you hear his car in the driveway. I want to see something.”
“Okay, but you’re wasting your time. You’ve got your guy.”
I let out a breath. “Bishopdidn’tdo it. And it’s stupid that Nettles held him on a technicality.” I ended the call.
chapter 13
CARROTS & CORPSE ICK
Maggie
Like clockwork,a knock at the door signaled that Derek had arrived. I opened the door and found him with his arm around a petite woman with a cute black shoulder-length bob and chunky glasses.
“Derek?”
“Hey, Mags. This is Trixi.” He smiled, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
My eyes flared and a slight heat crept into my face.
