Page 20 of Angel

Detective Sloane is writing in his pocketbook and Monty asks, “Is there any evidence that links my client to the crime? It appears that Miss Clere saw Giovanni off at the door and retired to bed. She told you the time he left, and I’m guessing the time of death will be established. It happened several miles away by all accounts, so surely that clears my client of any involvement. Perhaps you should concentrate on CCTV and witnesses, as it’s clear that Miss Clere can be of no further help.”

“You say you went to bed shortly after midnight, Miss Clere. Perhaps you won’t mind if we take a look at your security cameras to verify that fact.”

Detective Garner ignores Monty, who seems mighty pissed at that.

“There are no security cameras inside my house, but if you like, go ahead.”

As I say the words, the doubts creep in because there may be none inside, but there are some outside. I’m aware they are minimal at the back of the house because the beach is private with no public access, making it safer than most. However, I’m nervous they may catch sight of Angel and even more worried they somehow have reports of us on the beach. It’s doubtful, but you can never be sure.

“I’ll send a team to retrieve the footage. Please don’t go far, Miss Clere. You are the last person to see Giovanni alive, as far as we know, and may need to ask you more questions.”

They stand, nodding with respect as they follow Rosita out of the room, and only when they leave does Monty comment.

“They’ll be back.”

“But why? It’s true I did send Giovanni away at midnight.”

“Then you have nothing to worry about.”

Why don’t I feel happy about that? Something is brewing that is out of my control, and it’s as if a storm is heading my way.

Frankie sighs. “I’ll attempt to calm the rumors. This is going to be a fucking long day.”

“I’m sorry guys, but I have nothing else to add, and a man is dead. Let’s not forget that.”

They nod, but their minds are somewhere else entirely as they leave me to mull over what happened last night. There is only one man I need right now, and as I head to my room to retrieve my phone, I hope he answers the call.

CHAPTER 6

ANGEL

Gabriel is deep in thought. His expression is ominous as I sit across the table from him, breakfast uneaten, coffee pot drained.

“I don’t like it.”

The sun has barely risen in the sky and yet is already beating down on the terrace. I hate that I was summoned here so early. I have a packed day, and this shit is all I need.

“Do we know who killed him?”

I ask the one man who may have the answer, and my heart sinks at the slight shake of his head.

“None of the usual suspects. It could be a lone wolf, someone off the radar.”

“Anyone threatening him, enemies perhaps?”

“None that we are aware of, but it’s possible. There are many skeletons concealed in closets, and some are never found.”

His gaze pierces me from across the table.

“You went there last night. What happened?”

“Do you want a diagram?”

“Can the attitude.”

I sigh.

“She sent a message. She wanted to talk.”