Page 56 of Lost Lake
“Well, isn’t that sweet?” She gave him a snide smile. “What happens to the kid now?”
El cleared her throat. “She’s currently missing, and we’re looking for her. But I assure you, just like we’ll find Kenna’s killer, we will find Lucy.”
“And then what? You’re not expecting her to live with me, are you? Because I’m too old to be raising a little kid.”
Way to show concern for the missing grandchild. Still, Gabe had hoped she would say something like this, and he wouldn’t end up in a custody fight over Lucy. “What about Mr. James? Might he want custody?”
“He passed away three years ago. Lung cancer.” Her tone was level, no emotions.
Did this woman even have a heart? She couldn’t, with the way she spoke about the loss of her husband.
He cleared his throat. “Kenna’s will designates me to take custody of Lucy, and I’m glad to do it.”
“Well then, I guess we’re done here.” She started to get up.
El held up her hand. “I’d like to ask you a few questions about Kenna.”
Mrs. James narrowed her eyes. “You can ask all you want about her, but everything I know I’ve heard through the grapevine.”
El didn’t look daunted. “I first need to ask where you were on Friday evening.”
“That’s rich.” She shook her head. “You think I killed her. What reason would I have to do that?”
“I don’t know, Mrs. James, but could you please tell me where you were?”
“Stop calling me Mrs. James. It’s Mary.” She crossed her arms and glared at El. “Friday night my group gets together to play cards. I was the host that night so plenty of people saw me.”
“What time did you meet?”
“We started with a light dinner at six and played until ten o’clock. Then because it was at my house, a couple of my friends stayed to help clean up. Was probably close to midnight by the time they went home. Is that good enough for you?”
El held out a small notebook and pen. “Please write down their names and contact information so I can confirm.”
After a dramatic eye roll and sigh, Mary took the pen and pad and started writing. She got out her cell phone and scribbled down phone numbers before shoving the book back at El. “Is that all?”
El poised her pen above the notepad. “I don’t mean to pry at such a sensitive time, but do you have any idea who might’ve wanted to harm Kenna?”
“Like I said, I didn’t know much about her other than what was on the grapevine. I’m sure you heard the rumor that she was involved in drug trafficking.”
“What?” Gabe couldn’t control his shock, and his outburst made Mary jump. “Kenna was no more involved with drugs than I am.”
Mary pressed her hand over her hair much like a cat would try to flatten their fur when frightened. “Maybe so, but it’s the word on the street.”
Gabe stood and stared at her. “I can assure you that I’ll find out who started such a terrible rumor and make sure it’s corrected.” He looked at El. “I think we’re done here. At least I am. She hasn’t changed a bit in all of these years, and I doubt she can be very helpful.”
Still holding her pen over the paper, El got up slowly. “It would help if you could give us a name or two for who shared this rumor.”
“Sure.” She raised her chin and stared back at Gabe. “You don’t have to look any further than your family. They know the drug trade and who’s involved in it. And they’re more than happy to share information.”
Gabe stormed to the door, but El didn’t follow him.
“Is there someone I can call for you?” she asked Mary, “A friend or family member who can come be with you?”
Gabe didn’t wait for the answer, but pushed out the door and onto the sidewalk, where he pulled out his phone and dialed his brother. “Are you spreading a rumor that Kenna was involved in drug trafficking with you?”
“First of all,” his brother replied in a deadly calm tone. “I have nothing to do with drug trafficking. If Kenna did, I know nothing about it. And even if I did know something like this about her, I wouldn’t tell anyone else.”
Gabe wished he was looking his brother in the eye to see if he was telling the truth. He’d always been able to catch Brad in a lie. “You’re trying to convince me you’re a choir boy now?”
