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I think I know, but I need someone to corroborate. Who else, besides Jim, would want those men dead? Whose business might they know too much about? He raised his eyebrows. Her heart somersaulted. She put a hand to her chest as if to hold it steady. Grant Karak. He couldn t bail them out again after they assaulted you. The community would be in an uproar. Nathan paused as Polly Flint passed by on the sidewalk, casting a curious glance at them. When she was gone, he continued. I believe he d kill them rather than take a chance on them talking. So the question is what does he have to hide? Everyone knew Karak had swept into town and bought everything so he had a stranglehold on commerce, but although his business practices were reprehensible they weren t illegal. Catherine s eyes widened as a thought struck her. The McPhersons fire? That and maybe a lot more. I need you to find out what Jim knows. Nathan resumed walking, and Catherine hurried alongside him. If he knew something about the fire, he would ve told someone by now. You re the only one he communicates with and maybe he only suspects something and isn t sure enough to share it. Or maybe he s just plain scared of Karak. All I know was that he looked shocked to see those men dead, but not too surprised, if you know what I mean. There was a moment of & recognition. They were nearing the sheriff s office. Catherine was out of breath from nervousness and from walking so fast. So you ve had him locked up since yesterday! The realization hit her and she imagined Jim spending the night where men had just been killed. How frightened he must have been, not knowing if he was accused of the murders and might stay locked up forever. You knew he wasn t guilty. How could you do that to him? Nathan paused with his hand on the doorknob of the office. A suspect can be held for twenty-four hours before being charged with a crime. I wanted to put a little pressure on Jim, give him the opportunity to see that it s better for him to tell what he knows. You should have gotten me right away. Her jaw clenched as he held the door open for her to enter. She sensed smugness in his voice. Perhaps what he said was true, but he d also enjoyed making Jim suffer. She hadn t imagined jealousy could make Nathan so mean-spirited. The sheriff wasn t in the office as they walked through it. I waited until I knew Tate would be gone for a few hours to bring you here, Nathan explained as he unlocked the back room. Karak s got him pretty well in his pocket. Jim s only safe so long as Karak doesn t know I ve been questioning him. The stench of bleach in the holding cell area stung Catherine s nose as she entered the room. Whatever had happened here yesterday, someone had cleaned up. There were two cells, barred on three sides, a brick wall at the back and a cot and a bucket in each. Jim rose from one of the cots and walked toward the bars, grasping them and gazing at her as if she was an apparition. Pain lanced through her at the expression in his sad eyes. She felt his fear as if it was her own. Ignoring Nathan s presence, she went to him and wrapped her hands around his. His knuckles were hard and his skin cold. The white bandage was now a dirty gray and frayed at the edges. It s all right. You re all right. She looked deep into his eyes, offering all her love and support to strengthen him. She glanced at the deputy. Let him out! I can t talk to him like this. He moved to obey her order, unlocking the cell and beckoning Jim forward. Catherine noticed the bleached patch in the corner and the rusty shadow which still stained the floor. Give us a few private moments, if you want me to convince him it s safe to trust you. She glared at Nathan. You can keep watch for gunmen and your corrupt sheriff while you re waiting. All right, but I need to be a part of the questioning. Nathan walked from the room, not quite closing the door behind him. Jim stared after him for a second, then at Catherine. She crossed to him and hugged him, burying her face against his shoulder. His arms slid around her back and held her [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |
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