Murder by Page One by Olivia Matthews (read aloud txt) 📗

It took me a moment to untangle all of those Misters and Ms-es. “Is Jo a suspect in your investigation?”

Jed pinned me with a cool stare from his ice-blue eyes. “Now, could you maybe just answer our questions, please, Ms. Harris?”

I shifted my attention back to the junior deputy. “Yes, that’s right.”

Errol wrote something in his notepad. “And she stayed with you the entire time?”

“Yes.” Errol and Jed stared at me as though expecting something more. “Yes, she did.”

“You sure about that, now?” Jed pressed. “There wasn’t any time she left you alone or you wandered away from her, even to go to the bathroom?”

“She was always within my sight, and neither of us had gone to the restroom.” I wasn’t comfortable discussing my bladder habits with law enforcement.

Errol cocked his head. “Had Ms. Jolene ever discussed Ms. Fiona with you or mentioned her at all, ma’am?”

“Not before Saturday.” I was certain of that.

Jed pounced. “What’d she say to you on Saturday?”

His reaction startled me. In my peripheral vision, I noticed Errol poised to record my response. “She told me Fiona was in the storage room, collecting her books for the signing.”

Jed stared at me. “Is that all?”

I spread my hands. “Have I disappointed you?”

Jed scowled. “What was Ms. Gomez’s relationship with Ms. Lyle-Hayes?”

The older deputy was asking me the same question in a dozen different ways. Did he think I hadn’t noticed? “As I’ve said before, Jo didn’t have a relationship with Fiona. She was only working with her on the signing.”

Jed watched me closely. “What was Ms. Gomez’s demeanor prior to finding Ms. Lyle-Hayes’s body?”

My eyebrows knitted as I sat back on my chair, searching for the words. I had the impression Jed didn’t believe anything I was saying. “Jo was energized about the event. She was very social and introduced me to several people.”

Errol continued writing in his notepad as he spoke. “And then when she found Ms. Fiona’s body, how would you describe her reaction to that?”

“She was deeply upset.” Jo’s pale, stricken expression filled my mind. I heard again her disjointed words. “We all were. She was shaking so badly, I had to help her from the room.”

“Thanks for your time, Ms. Harris.” Jed gave me a dubious look as he got up somewhat stiffly from the chair. In contrast, Errol popped out of his seat.

My gaze swung to Errol, then back to Jed. “Is there anyone else you want to ask me about, deputies? Members of her writing group, her business partners, or family? They’d known Fiona much better and much longer than Jo.”

“No, thank you, ma’am. There’s no need.” Jed slapped his hat against his right thigh as he prepared to leave.

I stood behind my desk. “Isn’t it too early to be so focused on one person?”

Jed rubbed his upper lip. “You have a lot of experience with homicide investigations now, do you, ma’am?”

I inclined my head, conceding the deputy’s point. I couldn’t allow my concern for Jo to make me lose sight of my limitations. “No, Deputy Whatley. I don’t have law enforcement experience. But I can’t sit quietly when I know my friend didn’t commit this crime you appear ready to charge her with. Have you found the murder weapon?”

Jed sighed. I thought I saw a brief flash of understanding in his eyes. Really brief. “We’re searching the store and the surrounding area again, ma’am. I’m sure it’ll turn up.”

I struggled to contain my frustration. “If Jo had stabbed Fiona multiple times, she would’ve been covered in blood. How do you explain that she wasn’t?”

Jed threw up his arms. “She’s the only one with the opportunity, ma’am.”

“Apparently not.” So this was what it looked like when an innocent person was being railroaded. “The killer had opportunity—and motive. What’s Jo’s motive?”

Errol frowned. “We don’t have one yet, ma’am.”

“That’s because she didn’t have a reason to kill Fiona.” I spread my hands. “Jo’s innocent. You’re wasting your time pursuing the wrong person.”

Jed grunted. “Now, why don’t you just let us do our job, ma’am? Do we come in here and tell y’all how to arrange your books?”

I arched an eyebrow. “If I’d scattered our books all over the parking lot, I’d hope you’d speak up. That’s what I’m doing for you.”

“You have a nice day, Ms. Harris.” Jed smiled without humor. “Come on now, Errol.”

The deputies left my office, taking with them any lingering doubts that Jo was panicking for nothing. It was clear the deputies were fixated on her for Fiona’s murder, and they were determined to make the crime fit the suspect.

“You didn’t have to come, but I’m glad you’re here.” Spence welcomed me into his home Monday evening.

“I want to help, and our dinner guests will arrive soon.” I smiled at his backward red University of Georgia baseball cap and crimson apron. In white block letters, the apron read, I Cook, Therefore, I Am.

Spence returned my smile. “A gift from my mama.”

“I like it.” I’d briefly stopped at my house after work to check on Phoenix, but I hadn’t taken the time to change my clothes. Spence didn’t appear to be put out by this.

He closed his front door, then beckoned me with his arm. “Follow me.” He led me through his spacious living room.

I thought I could see my reflection in his wood flooring. “You have a beautiful home.”

“You say that every time you visit.” Spence tossed the comment and a smile over his shoulder, never breaking stride toward his destination.

“And I mean it every time.”

“Thank you.”

We entered his equally spacious dining room. It had a warm, inviting feel with dark wood furnishings and gold-and-crimson accents. The dining set looked expensive. Its rectangular table was long enough to accommodate eight people. I idly wondered where Spence had hidden the two spare seats. The remaining six chairs featured polished veneers and ladder backs.

“You’ve already set the table. It’s lovely.” I moved my gaze over the gold porcelain plates and matching napkins. I was somewhat disappointed. That was a