“Interesting,” I murmured.
“And there was something else,” Justin said, although I could tell he was debating with himself if he should reveal it.He reached down beside his chair, where I realized he had his computer case.He pulled out something, which dangled in the air between us.
It took me a moment to realize it was a plastic baggie with something inside.The setting sunlight cast a warm glow across the room, illuminating the curious object.As I looked closer, I saw it was some kind of jewelry—or, well, I wasn’t entirely sure what it was.I could tell it was metal, filigreed and intricate, almost resembling two small pie spatulas facing away from each other.
“What is that?”I asked, squinting at it.
Justin stared at it too, his brow furrowed.Then he shrugged.“I have no idea, but Nick was clutching it in his hand when we found him.”
“That’s… strange,” I murmured, still studying the delicate patterns etched into the object.
“That’s what I thought too,” Justin agreed.He slipped the evidence bag back in his computer case.
He shifted in his chair.“I’ve also decided to contact the coroner and have them perform a full autopsy on Peanut as well.Two men falling in the exact same spot within two days… It’s strange.On the surface, it doesn’t seem like they had anything in common, but they did have a confrontation recently.And I’m just… curious about the connection.”
“I’m curious too,” I admitted.
“Oh, I have no doubt about that,” he replied wryly.
Oliver smothered a laugh.Justin turned serious again and pointed a finger at me.“But no interfering with the investigation.”
“I won’t,” I assured him.
He stared at me for a long moment, clearly unconvinced.“You’d better not.”
“It’s just strange they were both dressed as a santa.That has to be a coincidence, right?We don’t have someone out to kill anyone dressed as Father Christmas.”
Justin ignored my musings and turned to Oliver.“I’ve already spoken to Cameron and Henry, but everyone staying at the inn will need to remain here while the investigation is ongoing—at least until they’re cleared.Obviously.”
Justin glanced back at me.“That being said, I’d recommend your parents stay with you.I don’t think it’s particularly safe here right now.”
Oliver straightened in his seat, a flicker of alarm crossing his face.“Wait, but I’m supposed to stay here, even though it’s not safe?”
“Well, youarethe innkeeper,” Justin replied with a shrug, his tone pragmatic.
Oliver looked at me again.“This is your fault.”
“How is it my fault?”
“I would never have moved here if you hadn’t inherited Steamy’s and I wouldn’t be forced to make small talk with potential murderers.”
I smiled weakly in response and shrugged.“You’re an excellent innkeeper.”
Justin’s cell phone rang and vibrated on the desk next to his notebook.He immediately reached for it, tapping the screen.“Sheriff Pelletier,” he said in a businesslike voice.He paused, listening to the person on the other end.“Yes.Yes.Thank you for calling.”
He gave me and Oliver a look that silently said he wanted some privacy.I really wanted to hear his conversation, sensing it was important, but he’d already agreed to keep me in the loop, and that was a pretty huge step for us.Normally, he was irritated by my nosiness.Maybe now he was starting to see me as a bit of an asset when it came to my investigating skills.
Both Oliver and I quietly got up and left the dining room.Once we were in the hallway, I stopped.I lingered near the doorway, out of Justin’s line of sight, hoping to catch some of what he was saying, but Oliver caught my wrist and dragged me back toward the kitchen.
“So what are you thinking?”he asked.
“I’m thinking that I was right.Peanut’s death wasn’t an accident, especially now that we know Nick’s definitely wasn’t.”
“No, I mean, who are you leaning toward as your primary suspect?”he asked, then gave me a pointed look.“Plus, it’s a little too early to start the ’I told you so’ game.”
I made a face.“I don’t think it’s too early.”
“Okay.Whatever.”Oliver shook his head and rolled his eyes.“But who’s your primary suspect?”
