“Or someone very cunning who knows exactly what he’s doing.”
“I don’t care for your accusing tone.”
“No? That’s unfortunate.”
He leaned forward, veins bulging in his face. “What possible reason would I have for killing Kyle? Or Liam? Or Lincoln?”
“Not sure yet.”
“No? So, you have no proof or even theories? Oh, yeah, I remember now, that’s how you operate. You just try to bend people’s stories to the scenario you come up with in your head. Just like you did with Archie’s murder. You tried your best to incriminate me and my wife.”
“I solved that murder by talking to people. You and your wife were really the only ones who got their panties in a bunch about being asked some questions.”
“Well, me and my wife aren’t the sort who murder people. So go trump up some charges on someone else. Your days are numbered anyway. This time next year, you’ll be on the unemployment line.”
“In your dreams. I believe the people of Rainy Dale trust me and know I’m doing my best for them.” I wasn’t sure of that at all, but I was dammed if I’d let him know that.
“Nah, Rainy Dale is changing, and you’re not going to be around to see it. I’ll find another candidate to destroy you in the recall election. Then you and your faggot boyfriend can skip off into the sunset.”
“You should watch your mouth.”
“Why?”
“Are homophobic slurs really the best you can do?”
He sneered. “If it grinds your guts it’s worth doing.”
“You’re truly a petty man. You hate me with a vengeance because I dared to ask you a few questions about your son-in-law’s murder. Why is it you think you’re above the law? Better than everyone else?”
He laughed. “Because I am.”
Anger burned in my gut, and I stood. “I think I’ve had about as much of you as I can tolerate for one day.”
He also stood. “Pussy. You’d have never made it as a Marine. You’re soft. Weak. I’m going to enjoy watching you leave town with your tail between your legs, Sheriff.”
I inhaled, hanging on to my temper by a thread. “Have a nice rest of your day, Mr. Raiden. Tell your wife I look forward to talking with her again.”
“Again?”
“Yeah. I already had a nice little chat with your wife right around the time Liam went missing.”
He stiffened. “What?”
“She came in to talk to me. She was really worried about Liam. Beside herself with worry, to be honest. I got the feeling they were extremely… close.”
His face turned red, and he looked like his head was about to explode. “She came here to talk toyou?”
“Yes.”
He turned, and I thought he was going to throw a punch at the wall. But he seemed to gather himself. He gave a deep, guttural laugh as he faced me again. It made the hairs stand up on my nape. “Angela alwayshas been dramatic. I wouldn’t pay too much attention to anything she said.”
“She got my attention. I look forward to getting a lot more details out of her.”
“Is that right?”
“Yep.” I moved to the door, opening it. I didn’t want to spend one more minute in that little room with him. “I’ll let you know when I want you to come back in.”
“No. I’m done talking to you. From now on, you can talk to my lawyer. I’m done wasting energy on you.” He turned and stomped down the hallway toward the exit.
