“They were your prints.”
“What?” The word fell out of her mouth. “My prints?”
“Remember when we got caught tipping the cows over at the McCallym Farm? Old Chief took our prints and said he’d keep them on file just in case? It was a scare tactic, and he probably forgot to delete them, but for whatever reason, our prints were still in the system. When I ran the set from the knife for local matches, yours came up.”
“That’s because the murderer wore gloves. I didn’t touch the knife.”
He sighed as he moved across the kitchen and grabbed something off the counter. He held up a large plastic bag and wiggled it. “I believe it’s from your kitchen.”
Holly got up and took the bag from him. Her throat constricted. “Yes, it is. But I don’t care how long my prints stay in the system, or that this is a knife from my kitchen, I have nothing to hide. I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Okay, Holly.”
“I’m innocent. She was dead when I got there. You didn’t see the man, but he was there. He was.” Her words came out in a panic.
“I’m not accusing you. I believe you. I do.” He held up a hand as if to quiet her.
“But you have to investigate me?”
He hesitated. “I’ll investigate anyone that is related to the case.”
“I’ve done nothing wrong.” Could things get any worse?
He came to her, placed both hands on her shoulders and turned her around to face him. “You’re not a suspect, Holly. I’m only telling you up front what I know. I believe someone snuck into your house and stole the knife, with the intent to make you look suspicious. Why? Don’t know. Who? Have no clue. But, I plan to find out. I’m going to speak to Danielle’s co-workers when I leave here. The way the staff eavesdrops down there it’s hard to believe that no one heard anything.”
“I’m going with you.”
“Oh, no.” He shook his head.
“Oh, yes I am.” She straightened her chin. “I have as much at stake here as you.”
“It’s not safe.”
“She called me, Liam. He, whoever he is, did all of this for a reason. She knew something and we need to figure out what.”
He narrowed his eyes. “I understand what you’re saying, but I can’t allow you to get deeper involved than you already are.” He turned his interest to adjusting his gun belt.
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Whoever took the knife from my grandma’s kitchen, my kitchen, did it to deliberately set me up. I’ll either accompany you or I’ll go alone.” He looked up. She had his undivided attention. “I mean it and you know it.”
“Are you pushing me into a corner?”
“No, I’m only showing you my way of thinking.”
With a long sigh and tightening of his jaw, he said, “There are rules. You don’t abide by them one time, I’ll take you home. If you don’t stay there, I’ll throw in you in a cell and I guarantee you’ll remain out of the way. And you know I mean what I say.”
“I understand and I agree.”
* * * *
Liam pulled the SUV into the parking spot and turned off the engine. He looked at Holly who’d been unusually quiet since they’d left his house. He understood her wanting to solve this case. After all, she seemed to be a target for some sick son-of-a-bitch. He should have held his ground and kept her out of the middle of the investigation. Too late though. She was smack dab in the eye of the tornado and his concern tripled. Murders didn’t happen in Raven. Petty misdemeanors like graffiti and rocks through windows happened, but teens were usually the culprit, and the situation remedied itself after a long talk with the parents.
He wondered why the insane bastard that killed Danielle hadn’t hurt Holly when he’d had the chance? It seemed as if the murderer wanted to spare her. Or, possibly wanting to toy with her. If that were the case, the killer was sicker than Liam could imagine and when the sicko finished proving his point, Holly’s life would be in definite danger.
As long as Liam carried a gun and breathed air into his lungs, he’d protect her.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Holly swiped at her lips and then her nose. “Do I have something on me?”
He shook his head. “I’m just hoping you do as I ask and take a back seat when we go in there.” He pointed toward Betsy’s Diner. “Remember, this is an investigation into a murder case, the murder of a young girl. Not to exile your name.”
“I can handle myself and I won’t cause any problems. I know this is important, not just in my name, but for Danielle’s too.”
They got out of the car and Liam looked around the empty parking lot. No one was eating out or hanging on the streets like usual. An eerie hush had blanketed the town since word got out that one of their own was murdered. The small town rumor mill ran with turbo velocity already. The quicker they came up with more clues than a kitchen butcher knife, and Holly’s fingerprints, the better. If townspeople got wind of that tidbit of info, he wasn’t sure they’d be so happy with Holly. For now, she needed to stay.
Fact was, he needed her to stay.
They walked in and Jenny, the day server, stood at the counter filling sugar containers. She looked up when they approached her. The thick layer of pink blush didn’t hide she was paler than usual.
“Hi, Jenny.” Liam offered her a smile. Jenny was working her way through college and she seemed like a good kid. “How are you?”
Jenny spilled sugar all over the counter. “Damn.” She dropped the funnel and grabbed a towel.
“You okay?” he asked her. The girl was nervous.
“I heard about Danielle. I’m guessing that’s why you’re here because we were close.”
“I’m sure it’s a shock. I’m sorry about your loss. I know you probably aren’t up to talking but I’ve got some questions I need to ask you. Do you have a minute?” Liam was as gentle in tone as he could manage.
Shooting a glance over her shoulder, as if she looked for someone, she turned back and said, “Okay.” She narrowed her gaze on Holly. “Who’s that?”
“I don’t think you’ve met Holly Young. She was Doris’s granddaughter.”
The girl nodded and tucked a strand of jet-black hair behind her ear. “I liked your grandma. She was good to me.” She smiled and it lessened the impact of her stark makeup. “I’m taking beauty school and I did her hair.”
“Thank you. I’m sure she appreciated it,” Holly said.
“So, can we talk Jenny?” Liam asked.
“Sure, but only a few minutes.” Jenny came out from behind the counter and motioned toward the booth in the corner. She slid into one seat and Liam and Holly shared the other. “I don’t know what I can share with you. I don’t know anything.”
Liam knew very little personal details about the girl besides she was going through an awkward stage with her hair and make-up. She’d worked for the restaurant for the last two years and he’d never known her to cause any trouble. “I’m sure you don’t have much to tell, but it’s my job to ask a few questions.” She nodded and squeezed her apron tighter, twisting the material until her knuckles were white. She was definitely edgy. “Did you see Danielle last night, before she left?”
Jenny shrugged. “I wasn’t here. My shift was over at six.”
“Did you two share a shift yesterday?” he asked.
She dropped the material of the apron and placed her hands on the table. “Yes.”
“Did she say she had plans? Maybe she was meeting someone?”
“No,” she answered without hesitation.
This wasn’t getting anywhere. He usually knew within the first few minutes of an interview if he could get information. This wasn’t one of them. “Okay.”
“Sorry I can’t help.” She chewed on her bottom lip.
“Before I leave, can you tell me if you recognize this?” Liam pulled the evidence bag from his shirt pocket and laid it on the table.
Jenny stared down at the plastic before picking it u
p and rolling the object around inside the bag. “Is this Danielle’s bracelet?”
“Yes, it is. She was wearing it when we found her,” Liam answered. A hoarse moan escaped Jenny as she dropped the plastic onto the table. “I researched the bracelet and found that it’s retro vintage solid sterling and the puffy heart has a key that can unlock the charm so that it slides. Interesting thing is, this particular bracelet came as a pair. One bracelet has the heart, the other has the key…worn by partners.” Jenny’s eyes widened. “Now, since you were close with Danielle, I’m curious who has the other half of this bracelet?” Liam felt Holly stiffen. He’d almost forgotten that she was sitting next to him. Almost.
Jenny’s throat bobbed. “I don’t know who has it. She kept her relationship a secret, even from me.”
Liam believed her. He grabbed the bag and put it back into his pocket.
“Jenny? What are you doing taking a break?” The booming voice came from Jimbo Barnes, the cook and manager.
Jenny jumped out of the seat and to her feet. Liam looked at Jimbo. “I asked Jenny to speak to me a moment,” Liam said.
“What the hell for?” Jimbo tossed a dirty rag over his shoulder and used the back of his arm to drag across his nose. “We have customers.”
Liam glanced around the restaurant. There were two customers sitting at the bar. Liam wasn’t getting anywhere with Jenny anyway. He offered the young girl a smile. “We’re done. You can go.” She was gone before his words were out.
Jimbo approached the table. From balding head to scruffy, scarred face to stained white tee, the man was a rough neck. Liam wouldn’t say he didn’t like Jimbo, the man just rubbed Liam the wrong way with his tough attitude and above-the-law character. Although Jimbo liked to push buttons at times, he’d walked the straight and narrow path since he’d gotten arrested a few years ago for drug trafficking and was released from prison on good behavior. The man said he’d found Jesus and was living what he called a “spiritual” existence.
“I’m sure you’ve heard about Danielle’s death. I need to ask you a few questions also. You want to have a seat and we’ll get this over with?” Liam asked.
“Can you come back? I’m preparing for lunch time,” Jimbo said.
“It can’t wait. I won’t keep you long. Just a few easily answered questions, that’s all,” Liam said smoothly. He’d always wondered why the owner of the restaurant kept Jimbo on payroll. Liam heard Jimbo worked hard, but it was a positive thing that the brawny man worked in the back and didn’t meet and greet customers.
“Five minutes,” Jimbo spouted then sat down, elongating his long legs and relaxing his back. He seemed to fill up the entire side of the booth with his large frame. He narrowed his gaze on Holly’s face, then took a visual enjoyment walk to her chest. Liam heard Holly’s sharp intake of breath.
“Who’s the lady, Ryan?” Jimbo licked his bottom lip.
“The lady is Holly Young,” she answered before Liam could.
“It’s a pleasure, Holly.”
Liam wanted to laugh. Jimbo was a man who believed he oozed seduction, but instead it was more like a train wreck.
“You like pie?” he asked.
Holly shifted in the seat. “Depends on what kind.”
“I make a mean drizzled chocolate pecan. I’ll have Jenny get you a slice. It’s on me,” Jimbo smiled, showing off a missing front tooth.
“No, that’s okay. I couldn’t eat another bite after the breakfast I had,” she said a bit too quickly.
“Well, I invite you back. Any time.” He wiggled his bushy brows.
“Thank you. I’ll take you up on that,” Holly said, but Liam knew she held back from saying what she really thought. He was grateful she kept her calm.
Liam cleared his throat. Finally gaining Jimbo’s attention, Liam continued, “What time did you close last night?”
“Same time as always. Ten sharp,” he answered.
“And you allowed Danielle to leave early? Doesn’t she always close?”
“I didn’t give her permission to leave. She said she had something important to do and took off. The little hussy was going to get her ass fired this morning if she hadn’t gone and gotten herself kilt first.”
Holly jerked. Liam placed a hand on her knee and squeezed. “Do you remember her saying anything about who she was meeting?”
“Not a word.” He used his pinky nail as a toothpick then made a loud sucking sound.
“Well, keep in mind, I may have to come back and speak to you further,” Liam said as he started to move out of the seat.
Holly’s voice stilled him. Oh shit! “Are you married, Mr. Jimbo?” she asked.
A sly smile slid over Jimbo’s lips. “I’m flying solo, babe. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious.” Liam noticed Holly’s grin and realized she was on to something. “You like younger women, don’t you?”
A flash of something crossed the other man’s chubby cheeks. The expression vanished before Liam could mark it as anything more than surprise by the bluntness of Holly’s question. “I think the young ladies like me.” He winked.
Holly slid further in the seat until she leaned against the table. “Most young women only like older men when he offers something she can’t get herself.” Her voice was stiff.
Jimbo shrugged which Liam guessed had popped a few of the stitches in the too-tight T-shirt. “Yeah, they like what Jimbo has to offer.”
The man’s laughter grated Liam’s nerves. He wasn’t sure where this headed. He waited, although he’d cut Holly off when necessary.
“It’s not for sex, Mr. Jimbo.” Holly said.
“And how do you know that, Miss?” Jimbo’s irritation grew. His jaw clicked and his lips thinned.
“Do you think it’s for sex? Really? It’s for something else. Drugs maybe?” She wasn’t sugar coating anything. The girl had a backbone, Liam would give her that.
Jimbo scrubbed his jaw with the back of his hand and nervously laughed. “I don’t do drugs, Miss. I’m an ex-con. And I live my life dedicated to the Lord.”
“Hm, okay. I guess I’m wrong. Easy mistake I reckon.” She started to move, but then stopped. “But something is bothering me. What did you toss into the trashcan before you came over to speak to Chief Ryan?”
The man shifted uncomfortably. “Listen here, Missy, I don’t know what game you’re trying to pull, but I don’t like this one bit.”
“What did he throw away, Holly?” Liam asked. This was getting interesting. “Is there something I need to know, Jimbo?” Liam held the other man with a stare.
“Of course not. This has nothing to do with the death of that girl.” Jimbo sputtered and stood up. “I’ve got work to do.”
Liam pulled the bag back out of his pocket and waved it at Jimbo. “I’m going to assume you know nothing about this either?”
Jimbo slightly bent forward and half-glanced at the bracelet. “Have no freaking clue what that is.”
“We’ll let you get back to work, no worries.” Liam stood up. “Come on, Holly. Let’s let the man go.”
Holly slid out of the seat, her eyes narrowed. Liam knew she wanted to say something, but she didn’t. She walked out of the diner and he followed her to the SUV. They were inside the car when she said, “He threw something in the trash. Why didn’t you look?”
Liam started the engine, checked the rearview mirror then jetted out of the parking space and back onto the Main Street. “The place has security cameras. Betty had them installed a few years back when some of the cash came up missing from the register. None of the workers are aware they’re being watched. I helped Betty find the security crew that installed them. I can go back and look on the footage and see what he’s hiding.”
“Wouldn’t it have been easier just to look for yourself?” she asked.
“He’d just say it wasn’t his and then it’d be your word against his. By the way, you were supposed to remain quiet. This is an investigation.” Liam pointed out with a sigh.
“He’s hiding something,” she said.
“Do you think it has anything to do with Danielle’s death?” Liam asked. He thought Holly had great instincts.
“Not really.” She shook her head, sending a cascade of blonde waves down her shoulders. “He’s a creeper, but not a killer.”
Liam turned down another side street. “If he tossed something in the trash, I’ll catch him. If it’s anything illegal, he’ll find himself on the inside of a cell again, I guarantee you.” He drove into a pull off. He shut off the engine and turned to face her. “Why were you asking him about younger women? That has nothing to do with you seeing him toss something into the trash.”
“Something isn’t right about Jenny’s behavior. She was nervous, and stoned. Couldn’t you tell?” Holly asked.
“Yes, I could tell, but I can’t arrest her for being high.”
“I’m not suggesting that she should be arrested. I’m only saying I think there’s more to her relationship with Jimbo than co-worker.”
Liam rolled his hand around the steering wheel, trying to piece together any missing details. “You’re right. She did seem antsy.”
“The staff sure puts off panicky vibes.”
“I agree, I think Jimbo is hiding something. I’ll find out,” Liam said.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the bracelet?” she asked.
He shrugged. “Because I knew you wouldn’t know who has the other half with the key.” He glanced across the seat at her. “You can’t expect me to tell you everything about the case. The more you know, the more insane it’ll drive you.”
“I’m not sure how much battier I can get at this point,” she said with a frown. “Where are we going?”
“I’m dropping you off at the house and I’m going to the office. No complaints.” He shot her a look of warning.
“What makes you think I planned to?”
“You weren’t?” he knew better.
“Okay, I wanted to come too, but I understand,” she said.
“By the way, I know you’re brave and have a lot at risk in this, but don’t make enemies with a man like Jimbo. The truth is, we don’t know what he’s capable of.”
Sin With Cuffs Page 12
