Page 33 of Bring Them Home

The woman came into view, and he said to her, “And you wonder why I can’t trust you? The police are at the door looking to talk with you.”

“The police?”

“You hard of hearing, Noelle?”

Amanda winced and couldn’t bring herself to look at Trent again, though she saw he was facing her through her peripheral vision.

Noelle came to the door and pulled it shut to her side. “I’m Noelle Fisher. What is it?”

“I tried calling you,” Trent said, earning Noelle’s gaze.

Her cheeks shot red, and she let out a deep sigh. “I’ve been kind of preoccupied.”

“Not to worry, we’re here now.” Trent gave the woman a tight smile. “We’re here because a friend of yours, Phillip Daily, is in some trouble.”

“Phillip?” the man called out from somewhere inside the house. His steps started pounding toward the door.

Noelle stepped outside and shut it behind her, held on to the handle. The man tugged on it, and she relented.

The man stepped outside. “Who is Phillip Daily?”

“Sir, this is a police matter that involves your wife,” Amanda intercepted.

“Uh-huh, I’m sure it does. Just as I’m sure this Phillip guy is screwing my wife.”

“You know what, Mack? I’ve had it up to here with you.” Noelle flailed a hand, gesturing toward the sky. “Yes, Phillip is some guy I’m screwing.”

Amanda stepped back wishing she were anywhere else. Nothing was more uncomfortable than being given audience to a marital spat. “Listen, you two can discuss the future of your marriage when we leave. For now, sir, you need to go back into the home, so we can talk with your wife.”

“To hell with that.” The man disappeared inside the house.

“Sorry about him. What’s wrong with Phillip?” Noelle rubbed her arms and jutted out her chin.

Amanda gave her props for regaining her composure so fast. “Phillip is a person of interest, and he provided you as an alibi.”

“Alibi?” Noelle choked on the word. “What do you think he’s done?”

Amanda considered how much to disclose. There was a fine line to follow, and she would like to draw out some information from Noelle. Her thoughts were interrupted by the garage door opening, and Mack roaring out in a Mazda.

Noelle shook her head. “He’s such a jackass.”

Yep, this marriage is done for… “How long have you known Phillip?”

“For two months. We met at a bar. Our friendship grew from there.”

“Then you can’t really testify to his character?” Amanda asked.

“I guess not, but he always treats me well.”

“Where were you on Saturday afternoon between two and four o’clock?” Trent asked.

“At the Motor Court with Phillip.”

“And you’re sure it was during that time?” Amanda wanted to be certain.

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

Trent wrote something in his notepad and put it away. “Okay, thank you for your time.”