A Deep and Dark December by Beth Yarnall Read Free Book Online Page B

got sick. “Are you okay?”
    Graham moved closer to Cerie. “What makes you say that?”
    Aunt Cerie started for the door. “I need to talk to Donald.”
    “Auntie, wait.”
    Erin moved to follow her aunt, but Graham caught her elbow. “You stay.”
    She tried to wiggle free. “I have to find out what’s wrong with her.”
    “It’s nothing you can help her with right now and I can’t let you leave before getting your formal statement.”
    She rounded on him, but it was Keith who stepped between them, breaking Graham’s hold.
    Keith put his arm around her shoulders. “Not a word until your lawyer gets here.”
    “My lawyer?”
    “That’s a smart move,” Graham said. “You should have representation.”
    “But I’m just a witness.”
    “We’ll be testing the samples I took from your hands and hair, and sending your clothes to the lab as evidence. They’ll be testing for DNA and gunshot residue among other things.”
    “What other things ?” Keith asked.
    “Signs that Erin might have had a personal relationship with either Greg Lasiter or his wife.”
    Graham said it so casually as though it was a normal thing for him to accuse someone of murdering her lover. Worse yet, accusing Erin of murdering her married lover. Is that what he thought of her? Is that what the whole town would think happened?
    “ What? ” Keith went as white as his shirt.
    “You think I was sleeping with Greg Lasiter?” She could hardly see Graham for the red haze that filled her vision.
    “Or his wife,” Graham added. Was he trying to bait her or Keith?
    “His wife,” Keith repeated, teetering a little on his feet.
    “Actually, no. I don’t think you had a personal relationship with either one of them,” Graham said. “But I do have to run every possibility. And a witness having a personal relationship with one or more of the victims is a possibility. I’m sorry,” he added with a shrug. “It’s what I have to do.”
    She barely managed to control the emotions tripping over themselves inside her. Anger warred with shock, which wrestled disappointment that fought with hurt, all of them brewing a storm to beat the one raging outside. “So basically what you’re saying is that you’re treating me like a suspect.” Her voice cracked, trying to get past the knot in her throat.
    “A suspect? I don’t believe it. Erin wouldn’t hurt a spider.” Keith’s voice was strong with conviction, but his gaze shifted away.
    “Everyone’s a suspect until they’re ruled out.” Graham poked a finger at Keith’s name badge. “Even the manager of Lucky’s Bag N Save. You knew the Lasiters. They probably shopped in your store. Can you account for your whereabouts today?”
    “My whereabouts? Today?” Keith squeaked.
    “Hang on. Let me grab my notebook.”
    “Graham, stop it. You know he didn’t have anything to do with this.” She turned to Keith. “He’s pulling your leg.”
    Keith adjusted his apron. “I knew that.”
    “Hello?” Elmer Farnsworth III, Esquire, shuffled into the room. “I’m here about my client, Ellen December.”
    “It’s Erin , Mr. Farnsworth,” Keith said, ushering the elderly lawyer into the room. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
    Graham pointed at Elmer. “ He’s her lawyer? Is his license still valid?”
    Elmer shook his cane at Graham. “Since before your daddy was a twinkle in his daddy’s eye.”
    Erin pressed her hands to her face. “Tell me this isn’t happening.”
    “He’s the best lawyer in town,” Keith said.
    Graham muttered, “God help us.”
    “He’s the only lawyer in town,” Erin said, dropping her hands.
    Elmer pointed his cane at Erin. “Not true. My granddaughter just passed her bar exam.” He rocked back on his heels. “A proud moment indeed.”
    “Brilliant,” Graham said. “And where is she ?”
    “She’s… ah… celebrating. Just received the good news today.” Elmer checked his pocket watch. “Can we get on with the