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“My working theory was Ricky Morris took her, and TJ either knew or suspected it. It makes sense that he wouldn’t want to involve the police. He’s trying to work it out on his own.” I glanced over at him. “Do you know anything about the murder last night north of the laundromat?”
His mouth pressed into a thin line, his gaze still on the house. “Drug deal gone bad.”
“Did Kylie’s cousin have anything to do with it?”
He gave me a sharp look.
“She was asking Louise at lunch, but Louise didn’t have any information.”
“No, although I know he’s mixed up with the Morrises. That boy’s gonna break her heart.”
“Is that why you’re so protective of her?” I asked quietly.
“Who the fuck says I’m protective of her?” he grunted.
“Louise says it’s common knowledge.”
“I’m protective of everyone in my establishment,” he growled.
“But Kylie’s young and pretty—”
“Drop it.”
I did, but I couldn’t help wondering if they were sleeping together. Malcolm said he liked to keep tabs on things. Sleeping with a naïve young woman whose cousin worked for a potential nemesis might be a way to do it.
“Let’s go down the alley behind the Petermans’ house,” he said, rubbing his chin. “See what’s behind there.”
“I doubt TJ would park Eddie’s Jeep in the alley or his garage.”
“If he was stupid enough to pull off that kidnapping, then who knows?”
“But you don’t think he did it,” I said. I agreed, if only because TJ wasn’t stupid enough to leave behind such a messy crime scene.
“Indulge me anyway.”
I drove down the street, then turned into the alley. A few streetlamps were scattered down the one-car lane, but most of it was dark. I drove slowly, trying to figure out which garage belonged to the Petermans. Once I found the white clapboard, two-car garage with newer doors, I pulled to a stop and put the car in park.
I turned to him. “Wanna peek in the windows?”
He grinned. “I thought you’d never ask.”
We got out at the same time and walked over to the window on the side of the structure.
Malcolm flicked on his flashlight and pointed the beam inside. Two cars were inside, neither a Jeep Cherokee.
“Well, neither of us thought he’d be that stupid,” Malcolm whispered. “But to keep things interesting, what do you say we drop by the LaRues’?”
An hour ago, I would have said no. Hell, I did say no, but now I was too committed to let him do it on his own.
Turned out their garage was locked up tight with no windows. Malcolm said that wouldn’t necessarily stop him, but I refused to let him break in to check. Possible Peeping Tom charges were one thing; B&E charges were another.
“Take me back to the tavern,” he said. “We’ll start fresh in the morning.”
I gaped at him. “You think we’re going to work on this together?”
He released a short bark. “Hate to break it to you, Detective Adams, but we already are.”
“I can only imagine what my mother would say if she found out we’ve teamed up,” I murmured to myself.
