Page 51 of Strict Confidence (Rochester Trilogy 2)
I spread my hands on the table as if to say, what’s next? “If it’s circumstantial, then why are you asking me about it? Do you have some questions that are relevant?”
Challenge sparks in Causey’s blue eyes. “Here’s something directly relevant to the fire. Do you know that Rochester changed his will?”
I glance at Beau, but he’s tense now. And silent.
“No,” I say. “It’s none of my business.”
Detective Moss studies me intently, as if she’s trying to look right through me. To the very broken heart of me. “Actually it has quite a bit to do with you. Only a few days before the fire Beau Rochester added an addendum to his will granting you a large sum of money when he died. You stood to become a billionaire if he died in that fire.”
Something tightens around my throat. He did that? Why would he do that? Why wouldn’t he tell me? I look at him. “Is that true?” I whisper.
He doesn’t meet my gaze. He’s busy glaring at Causey. “I told you she saved my goddamn life.”
Detective Causey makes a show of checking some notes. “As I understand it, the firefighters saved your life. Ms. Mendoza was in the house with you, that’s true. Perhaps she was only making sure that you couldn’t escape.”
Horror streaks through my veins. What if Beau believes that? I look at him, but he’s furious. I’m no longer worried about him suspecting me of anything, but now I’m worried for a different reason. He looks a hairbreadth away from launching himself across the table. This may not be a real interrogation room, but I’m sure assaulting a police officer won’t go over well in any setting.
“Goddamn it,” Beau says. “I told you to look at Zoey Aldridge.”
“We did,” Detective Moss says, looking serious.
“He doesn’t give a shit,” Beau says. “Causey isn’t checking any leads.”
Detective Moss doesn’t even deny it. “I checked out the lead. Thoroughly. I flew out to LA. Found footage from clubs and restaurants that prove she was in the city.”
Causey grins. “Lost your scapegoat, didn’t you?”
Something passes over Beau’s expression. Something venomous. “Hell, maybe we’ve been looking at the wrong people all this time. Women. Always blaming the women, but the person who wants to hurt me the most—it’s you.”
“You think so?” Causey says, a touch of mocking in his voice. “Where’s your evidence?”
“Ignore him,” I say, touching Beau’s arm. He’s vibrating with coiled menace, his muscles bunched. “He’s just trying to scare us. Don’t let him get to you.”
Causey glances at where we’re touching. “Is that how you got him to make you a beneficiary? It definitely worked. How many times did you have to sleep with him? Once for every billion? You must have a nice pussy to go for that much.”
Beau launches himself across the table. He’s stopped short by the lawyer, who’s surprisingly fast for his gray hair and genial demeanor. He leans across the table, catching Beau before he can assault a police officer. “Don’t,” he says, breathing hard. Then he turns to the detectives. “Did we mention we’ve been recording the interview? I think the police chief will have something to say about the way you just spoke to a witness.”
Causey was looking smug when Beau reacted to his taunts, but now he turns red. “You were recording us without consent? That’s illegal.”
“Don’t threaten me,” the lawyer says, low and fierce. He’s transformed into someone intimidating, and I see now why Beau hired him. “We had the consent of at least one person taking part in the communication. In addition, the conversation was audible by normal, unaided hearing. And on top of that, there was a notice that you might be recorded posted at the entrance of the inn. Or did you not read the fine print, Detective?”
Causey glares at the lawyer. Then at Beau. Then his dark, accusing gaze turns on me. His eyes remain focused on me even though his words are meant for someone else. “If she’s worth so much to you, Beau, you should take better care of her.”
Beau lets out a growl. “Leave her the hell alone. I know you’re only threatening her to get back at me, because you’re a goddamn bully. I’m the one you want.”
Causey gives him a half smile. “Don’t blame me. You gave her the biggest motive in the world. And she was in the house. And like the fire chief said, she’s a woman. It’s only a matter of time until we find one more link. Only a matter of time until we get an arrest warrant.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Jane Mendoza
I’m pacing in my bedroom, unable to calm down. I’m breathing hard, sweating, freaking out so bad I’m seeing rainbow colors instead of the calm, quiet room around me.
Beau bursts through the door, his expression dark as a storm cloud.
