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“The old manager made it clear,” I say with a sigh because it just so happens to be the truth. “And well, we all know what happened to her.” I shrug. “I’m sorry. I owe you both an apology—and Carlotta, and especially my sister. I should have shut down that casino the night Carlotta took possession of the place but—”
“You thought you could catch a drug dealer,” Noah says with a cold edge. “Just like you think you can catch a killer every now and again.”
“Just like she thinks she can?” Everett asks. “I’m sorry your ego has taken a hit, Noah, but Lemon knows she can catch a killer. That’s exactly what gave her the bravado to go after the lunatic pushing drugs through the place.” He turns my way and his eyes soften. “Lemon, I know you’re fully capable of catching whatever lowlife you put your mind to.”
“She caught you, didn’t she?” Noah snips before giving a long blink. “Sorry. I’m tired, and this entire night feels like a waking nightmare.” Noah looks at me intently. “Lottie, are you sure you’re telling me everything?”
Charlie and Max head this way and I lunge on top of my sister with a tight embrace.
“Charlie”—I whisper into her ear—“I swear I will fix this.”
She pulls back with a frown. “I’ve got this.”
“No,” Max corrects. “You don’t got this.”
“I’ve got this,” Everett says. “Charlie, I put a call in to Fiona Dagmeyer on the way over. She’s more than happy to take on your case. I’ll process you through the system as quick as possible myself to make sure you get to sleep in your own bed at night.”
“But it won’t be tonight,” Max sears us with his words. “It looks as if I’ll be sleeping at the station myself this evening.” He looks back at Everett. “We appreciate anything you can do to make this go away.” His eyes meet with mine. “I have more than my fair share of siblings, and I can assure you not one would fall on a grenade of this size for me.”
I shake my head at my sister. “I’m so sorry, Charlie. I swear I’m going to make it up to you.”
A barrage of officers come over and escort both her and Max toward the back, in the very direction where the holding cells sit, and it breaks my heart to witness.
“That should be me,” I say and the words come out lower than a whisper.
Ivy Fairbanks struts up with that smug look on her well-polished, ready for the cover of a magazine face.
She shakes her head my way. “I didn’t think you could do a single thing to surprise me, and yet here I am—surprised.” She cuts a glance to her partner. “Noah, I need to speak with you a moment.”
The two of them step away just as Everett’s phone goes off.
“It’s Fiona.” He picks up. “Hello,” he says as he wanders off a few steps in the other direction.
I’m about to make a beeline for my poor sister when I spot Forest and a few of his cohorts from down at the fire department.
I recognize the dark-haired man as Lou Norris, the man I met the night of the murder. The one Carlotta has the hots for. But then again, who doesn’t she have the hots for?
Forest does a double take my way so I head over to say hello.
“Is it true?” he cuts right to the chase. “Did the big drug bust really take place at Rizzo’s?”
I grimace at the thought. “I’d say no, but I’d be lying.”
Lou shakes his head in disbelief. “It must be true what they say of the place. It must be cursed.”
“It must be indeed,” I say, believing every word. “What brings you both to the station? Don’t tell me there was another fire in the vicinity. But, of course, I suppose your jobs depend on that.”
The two of them share a quick chuckle.
“No fires tonight,” Forest says. “We’re just filling out some paperwork. I’m sorry to hear about the restaurant.”
I nod. “I should have shuttered the place last weekend when that poor woman was murdered on the premises.” And took off my drug-busting cape before I just about lost custody of both of my daughters.
Lou groans, “I still can’t believe that happened. Any news on the homicide case?”
“Nothing that I’ve heard,” I say. “As far as I know, the only progressive thing that’s happened is that forensics identified what kind of bullet did the deed.”
“Well, that’s good,” Lou says. “That might enable them to track down the make and model of the gun. Then all that’s needed is to look up who’s registered to a weapon that fires that type of projectile and they’ll be able to whittle down the suspect list. I’m a pro at guns. I’d offer my services, but I’m pretty sure the folks over in forensics are pros, too.” He gives a little wink.
