Page 69 of Lost Hours
“Okay, other than me bringing you up on charges for obstructing a murder investigation, if you don’t pick up the phone and call Ms. James, I’ll be forced to create a scene in front of your clients.” Mina was glaring at the young woman now. “I’m pretty sure if that happens, one of the partners will step out here, and I’ll tell them how uncooperative you’ve been. If I have to do that, you might as well pack your things now as you surely won’t be keeping your job.”
Angela snarled at her. “Fine. But if I get in trouble, I’m holding you responsible for it.”
Nolan wanted to laugh. There was no way this young receptionist was going to hold Mina responsible for anything.
She picked up the phone’s handset and called Janice to explain the situation. She frowned as she hung up, then looked at Mina. “Have a seat. She’ll be right out.”
Mina crossed the room to a plush chair and sat, taking in several deep breaths and letting them out.
Nolan took the chair next to her and leaned close. “What happened to the day when young people respected law enforcement officers?”
She shook her head. “When I was her age, I was terrified of being caught doing something wrong. Not only from cops, but from my parents. Principal. Teachers. That respect seems to have disappeared in a lot of places. More so in the big city, but we still have issues with it.”
“I thought you were very diplomatic with her at first.” He placed his hands on the arms of his chair and settled back. “In fact, I was kind of surprised. The younger Mina I knew would’ve come in here guns blazing.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I guess I’ve changed.” She tilted her head. “Part of it came from having to supervise Abe. Since he ran for sheriff when I did and lost, he can be a challenge at times, so I’ve had to adjust my ways for him. I think it’s made me a more patient person. Perhaps more understanding. In any event, a better supervisor and sheriff.”
“That makes sense.”
“Well, if you ignore how I blew up at him.” She wrinkled her nose.
The side door opened, and a tall woman wearing a black suit and silky gray blouse stepped out. She wore impossibly high heels and looked at Mina with piercing blue eyes. “Sheriff? I’m Janice James. You wanted to see me. How can I help you?”
Mina crossed over to the woman, Nolan trailing her. Mina displayed her credentials and introduced both of them. “Can we step into your office?”
“I’m sorry, Sheriff.” Janice raised her chin. “But I’m rather busy today.”
“I think you’ll want to hear about this in your office. It’s regarding Mayor Sutton.”
“Ernie?” Her perfectly plucked eyebrows drew together. “Did something happen to him?”
“Like I said,” Mina didn’t back down, “I think you’ll want to hear this in your office.”
Janice eyed her for a long moment, then pivoted on heels that Nolan couldn’t imagine allowed her to remain standing much less perform such a quick maneuver.
Mina and Nolan trailed her down a wide hallway lined with closed doors to the last one. She slipped inside the room. They joined her and found her standing behind a glass desk with nothing but a small lamp and phone on it. The walls were lined with bookshelves holding official-looking law books, and the room smelled of her perfume.
She gestured at two black leather-and-chrome chairs by her desk. “Have a seat.”
Mina sat first, and Nolan took a seat next to her, biting his tongue when he wanted to start asking questions. He couldn’t. He’d promised to take a back seat. He might literally be sitting next to Mina, but he needed to keep his promise in mind.
Janice remained standing. “Now what’s this about?”
Mina fixed her attention on the attorney. “I’m sorry to tell you, but Mayor Sutton has been murdered.”
“Murdered?” Janice dropped into her chair and sat unmoving except for her eyelashes fluttering at the speed of hummingbird wings. “But how? Where?”
Mina explained, her tone sympathetic. “Do you know of anyone who would want to hurt him?”
“No.” She frowned. “But then I wasn’t involved in his day-to-day life, especially not his working life, so I wouldn’t know.” She took a long breath. “Poor Becca. I’m sure you told her first. How is she handling this?”
“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to locate her,” Mina said. “Might you know where she could be?”
Janice gave a quick shake of her head. “I wasn’t involved in her daily life, either, so I don’t have a clue. Perhaps she took a trip.”
“Can you think of anyone who might want to hurt her?” Mina asked.
“Becca?” Janice’s eyes widened. “No, she’s the sweetest girl. Always thinking of others before herself. I can’t imagine she would’ve made anyone mad enough to want to hurt her.”
