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Holt counted on that. Competency meant finding clues and solving the crime, and if someone really was leading law enforcement in Lindsey’s direction, Holt needed to slow that progress down. He needed someone who lingered a step behind, and the deputy seemed like the man for the job. “Let’s hope so, because I have a feeling we’re going to need someone who’s not smart enough to follow obvious clues.”
Lindsey rolled her eyes. “Frank Jr. is perfect, then.”
“Interesting reaction.” Shane frowned. “Sounds like a town called Justice doesn’t have much of it.”
Holt couldn’t agree more. “Which is why we’re here to help.”
* * *
SIMON TOOK ONE look at Deputy Carver and thought it was almost unfair how easy the next few minutes were going to be. The elder Carver was someone Simon understood well. He had a singular focus and knew the world didn’t always break down into easily definable categories of right and wrong. He could not be managed, but his young son could be.
The young deputy was about to fall into a pile of trouble if he didn’t obey the simple rules. Simon motioned for him to take a seat.
“What is it?” Simon asked after growing weary of Frank just standing there, twisting his hands together.
“There’s been some trouble on the Pike property.”
Simon knew all about the body and the chaos. Lindsey would no longer be able to hide, which was exactly the point of the exercise. “We’ve talked about the pros and cons of you coming to my office during the day.”
“I followed all the requirements you put in place. No one thinks I’m here on official business. I made it clear this was a social call.”
Always nice to have rule-abiding people on his payroll. Simon got a special kick out of taking his relationship with Frank Sr. one generation down and influencing the son, as well. Some people proved easy to purchase. “Tell me about Lindsey Pike.”
Frank Jr. lowered his arms and balanced his hands on the back of the chair in front of him. “There’s been a murder and it impacts you.”
Little slowed Simon down. This wouldn’t either. “How?”
“The victim is Grant.”
No surprise there. Simon had given the order. He was just grateful this one had been carried out. “Tell me exactly what you’re saying.”
“Someone shot Grant in the back of the head and dumped his body next to the waterline near Lindsey’s cottage.”
Simon didn’t care about this news. It didn’t impact him at all, except as he could use it to get what he wanted from Lindsey. “What did she see?”
The deputy frowned but was smart enough not to ask too many questions. “Nothing.”
“And Hank?” They’d likely serve as alibis for each other. That didn’t mean they weren’t in it together. Or at least that was the seed he intended to plant...right now.
The deputy shook his head, as if trying to understand the question. “You know about those two?”
The profound lack of faith in him and his skills had Simon thinking he needed to show more strength. So few people even saw him outside camp. Inside he’d become a figurehead and an inspiration, both an example and an ongoing threat. “I know about everyone on my payroll. Every detail. Every secret they don’t want me to know.”
“There’ll be an investigation.”
They’d finally hit on a point that interested Simon. He leaned back in his chair. “Does Lindsey have an alibi?”
Frank Jr.’s hands tightened on the chair until his fingers turned red. “Excuse me?”
“I’ve heard she’s an expert shot.” The woman’s skills in running and hiding proved impressive, but those days were coming to an end.
“As are a lot of people around in this county, including people who live on your property.”
Simon couldn’t afford to let the deputy’s mind wander in that direction. “I wasn’t going to mention this, but Grant had a problem at her house.”
“Meaning?”
Just as expected, he took the bait. Simon had to bite back his smile of satisfaction. “He went over there to deliver some information to Hank about work. Hank and Lindsey took exception. They threatened him.”
Frank Jr. leaned forward. “What did they say?”
“I wasn’t there. I just got the impression Hank made the usual guy threats about staying away from his woman, but Lindsey...well...” Simon tapped his pen against the armrest. Drew out the scene, letting the deputy come to him for each morsel.
“What?”
“She threatened to shoot Grant.”
The deputy’s head snapped back. “Why would she?”
