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“Seasick?” Kennedy asked suddenly.
Jason looked up in surprise. “Me? No.”
Kennedy’s brows drew together. “You’re white as a sheet.”
His voice was low, but Bram heard him. “Put your head over the side of the boat,” he told Jason.
Jason said irritably, “I’m not going to get sick. I grew up on boats.”
Bram looked skeptical.
Jason said to Kennedy, “I’m fine. Tired, that’s all.”
Kennedy didn’t say anything, just continued to watch him in that steady, serious way.
Jason really wished he wouldn’t. That kindness and evident concern just made it harder.
Bram, still apparently mulling over Jason’s earlier comment, said, “Everyone on the island has an ax. There’s an ax in the toolshed of the lodge.”
If it wasn’t already in the custody of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
“That was a random remark,” Jason said. “Greenleaf was rude and uncooperative, which was why he came to mind. I have no reason to suspect him of any crime. Seriously. Forget I said anything.”
“No, but you got me thinking. Remembering.”
“Got you thinking what?” Kennedy asked.
“Eric is a really weird guy. All the Greenleafs were crazy as hoot owls. If there’s a homicidal maniac on the island, he’d be my first pick.”
“Has Greenleaf ever threatened anyone? Attacked anyone?”
“He’s always threatening people. Especially his ex. Maybe he finally snapped.”
“Why would he kill a total stranger?” Jason objected. “Why wouldn’t he kill his former girlfriend?”
Bram shrugged. “Maybe he wasn’t a stranger. That reporter has been out here a couple of times asking questions about the Durrands and about what happened all those years ago. Maybe he asked one too many questions. Maybe he got on the wrong side of Eric. It’s easy to do.”
“Thanks for the tip,” Kennedy said. “We’ll look into it.”
Bram offered his wide, cheerful smile. “Glad to help.”
On the drive back to the hotel, Kennedy said, “If you’re still worried about being a suspect in Shipka’s homicide, don’t be. I think you’re off the hook.”
“Why would that be?”
“I dropped a few hints as to the likelihood that Shipka’s death will fall under the Bureau’s purview, as part of my own interstate investigation.”
Jason threw him a startled look. “Do you think Shipka was killed by your unsub? The MO is completely different.”
“It’s one hell of a coincidence if he wasn’t.” Kennedy’s expression was bleak.
“It’s one hell of a coincidence if he was, too.”
“My point is you can stop worrying about being arrested for your boyfriend’s murder.”
Jason went very still. “My boyfriend?”
“Forget it.”
