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“We need to talk to you,” she said, indicating Deckard.
“Who’s this?” Todd flicked his chin at him.
His tight muscles coiled more. “Private Investigator Deckard MacLeod,” he said.
Todd’s carriage stiffened. “What’s this about?”
“We need to talk to you about Anne Marlowe’s murder,” he said, not pulling any punches.
“Oh,” Todd said, an odd relief crossing his face. “This is about Miranda, isn’t it.”
“Yes,” Harper said, straightening.
Todd looked at Deckard, a smug expression on his face. “She dragged you into this, didn’t she.”
He rocked back on his heels. “I offered to take the case.”
Todd rolled his head back on a humorless laugh. “What case? She botched the job. End of story.” His small eyes narrowed nearly to slits. “I knew you looked familiar. You’re the one that questioned us at the lab. You and Mitch’s lawyer.”
“Mitch’s? Sounds like you knew him.”
“No.” Todd shook his head. “Why would you say that?”
“Using a first name so casually usually denotes familiarity.”
“It was a big case and a big turnover. I read about it in the news. Wait a minute. You were the one who proved Miranda botched the job and misplaced evidence, so why are you here about her now?”
“I’m working for her,” he said.
Todd chuckled, the sound grating on his nerves. “Playing both sides...” Todd said. “Interesting. You must just take whatever case comes along.”
Deckard’s jaw clenched. “Hardly.”
“Well, I’m afraid you’re wasting your time on this one.” Todd looked at Harper. Was he implying the case or the lady?
“I don’t think so.” In either case.
“Really.” Todd linked his arms over his chest. “I can wager you haven’t found a shred of evidence showing Miranda didn’t screw up.”
“Actually, we have.” Anticipation shot through Deckard, awaiting Todd’s reaction.
The man’s cocky grin faded. “What?”
“Yeah.” He’d unsettled Todd. Time to turn up the heat. “It’s turning out to be a really interesting case.”
Todd tugged the lobe of his right ear. “How ... how so?”
“Don’t you worry about the particulars.” Deckard smiled. He had Todd right where he wanted him. “However, we, of course, want to hear your side.”
“Myside?” Todd tugged his earlobe harder.
Interesting tell.
Todd shifted his stance. “I don’t have a side in this.”
“Your input,” Deckard said. Todd was going to shut down on them if he pushed like this, so he switched tactics. “I’d like your insight on the matter.”
“Oh.” Todd’s stiff shoulders eased a smidge. He glanced at his watch. “I suppose I can do that, but we’ll have to be quick. I’ve got a meeting in five.”
