“Pfft. That girl was always a troublemaker and drama queen. Always had a sob story for everyone she met.”
“Who’s here, Bets?”
That voice. I hadn’t heard it since the trial. My parents hadn’t wanted me to attend, but I wouldn’t let Maddie go through it all alone. And even then, they’d understood the special bond the two of us had. But I’d never be able to unsee the photos. Never forget the testimonies. And through it all, Jimmy hadn’t shown a flicker of reaction. Not a single emotion.
“Fuckin’ pigs, that’s who,” she shot back.
Jimmy appeared from the hallway. He wore a rumpled T-shirt and boxers. His eyes narrowed on us. “Whadaya want?”
“Mr. Byrne, we need to know where you were between the hours of eight p.m. and eleven p.m. last night,” Lawson said evenly.
“Why?” Jimmy’s gaze didn’t stray to my brother; they stayed locked on me.
“You aren’t the one asking questions,” I clipped.
An ugly grin spread across Jimmy’s face. “Shoulda guessed you’d become a pig. Always were an interfering bastard. Even when you were a kid.”
Lawson shifted his stance. “Mr. Byrne, I’d be happy to place a call to your probation officer and let him know that you’re being less than helpful. But be warned that a call like that can increase drug tests and random inspections.”
“You’re a buncha bastards!” Betsy shrieked.
“Shut up,” Jimmy barked at his wife. “Get in the bedroom.”
Betsy snapped her mouth closed, her face paling. But she dutifully walked away.
The whole scene made me sick to my stomach. Most of all because this was what Maddie had lived with for far too long.
Jimmy turned cold eyes on Lawson. “I was home. Shootin’ the shit with a couple of guys. That against the law?”
“Were there drugs or alcohol present?”
Jimmy’s hands clenched. “Not against my parole to be around alcohol. Just can’t drink it.”
Lawson nodded. “Names, please.”
Jimmy rattled off the names of two of his closest friends from back in the day. Ones who would do anything to cover for him.
“You ask Dale or Mitch to do anything for you lately?” I asked.
There was a spark of something in Jimmy’s eyes, and a smile stretched across his face. “I ask them to do lots of things for me. Help me change my oil. Fix that chipped front step. They’re my friends, after all, and pals help each other out.”
Lawson straightened. “You know anything about Maddie’s vehicle being vandalized?”
Jimmy let out a low whistle. “That’s a real shame, but I guess that kinda thing can happen when you’re a snitch.”
I ground my teeth together so hard I swore I felt one crack.
“What about an attack on Maddie last night?” Lawson pressed.
Jimmy’s smile only got wider. “That daughter of mine just can’t stay out of trouble.”
Lawson’s gaze narrowed. “We’ll be checking your alibi. We’re also pulling camera feeds from any shops in the area. If you were anywhere near Dockside last night, we’ll find you.”
Jimmy just laughed and turned those dead eyes on me. “Tell my daughter to be careful. Karma has a way of coming around.”
35
MADDIE
