Page 69 of Real Good Love
“Then someone set this up. It’s no fucking accident.”
Granger’s mouth settles into a grim line. “I think you’re right. It might not be an accident, but it was definitely some kind of setup, if you truly don’t believe it was Jock or Rick.”
“I’d bet my life on it.”
“Well, buddy, then you’ve made an enemy who wants to make it look like you’re cookin’ meth.”
Cody cuts through the crowd to stand beside Granger. “What do you think? Timmons is up my ass, wanting information.”
Granger tells him everything he just said to me, including the fact that this doesn’t look like it was an accident.
“This shit is escalating. We need someone with means, motive, and opportunity.”
I’m racking my brain to figure that out. “Julianne was there, but there’s no way it was her.”
“I don’t think we should be ruling anyone out at this point,” Cody replies.
“I’ll go give Timmons a report,” Granger interjects. “It’ll get him off your ass at least, and let him know I’m making a call to the state. They’ll be down tomorrow morning to take a look and start their investigation.”
“I know you said not to leave town, but everything I’ve got left of my business is riding on me delivering that car to Boone Thrasher in Nashville. It’s not something I’m pawning off to anyone else either.”
Cody meets my stare. “I’m telling you not to leave town, Logan, but what you do with that order is up to you.”
“Stop being a hard-ass, Cody. You know you’d do the same,” Granger argues.
“If Chief Timmons comes looking for you tomorrow and can’t find you, that’s not on me.”
“Like he works on Fridays or weekends if he can help it. He’s too busy drinking, and sleeping his way through the women in this town.”
I jerk my gaze to Granger. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
Cody’s expression hardens. “I’d watch what you say. Spreading rumors like that isn’t going to win you any friends.”
“The mayor is the only one who can fire me, so Timmons can go fuck himself. Everyone knows he’s off screwing someone different every week.” With that, Granger Ryan turns away to go deliver his report to the man, and I’m left with more questions than I have answers.
“Who the hell would do this?” I ask Cody. “You’re the cop. You gotta have some kind of lead.”
“You know I can’t give you details about an ongoing investigation.”
“Now that I’m part of the investigation, I’ve got a vested interest in you coming up with something right the fuck now.”
He gives me a hard look. “I’m working on it. I’ve got leads. I’m hoping to have answers soon.”
A car door slams, and we watch Memphis Lockwood and her cameraman drive away from the Four Corners in the direction of the Sleep Over.
“If you don’t, my money says she will.”
* * *
My phone rings as I pull the Olds 442 into my driveway an hour later. Banner looks over at me when I pull it out of my pocket.
“Boone Thrasher.”
“I bet he’s heard.” She reaches for the door handle. “I’ll get out of your way. I need a shower.”
“I’ll meet you inside.”
I answer the phone. “Hey, Thrasher.”
