A Killing at the Creek by Nancy Allen Read Free Book Online Page A

by me, Tanner.”
    Ashlock intervened, a commanding note in his voice. “Ms. Mason, I believe it would be best if Mr. Monroe sits in this folding chair right here, facing me.” Ashlock placed his hand on the metal seat of the empty chair. “I’ve set the recorder up already, and we need to make sure he comes through loud and clear.”
    Maureen shrugged. “Whatever.” She tried to grasp Tanner’s hand as he walked by. “How are you today, Tanner?”
    The boy snatched his hand away from her. Turning to Lisa, he asked, “Will you stay by me, Lisa?”
    Elsie’s radar went off. Sounds like Ferris Bueller playing sick.
    But Lisa was moved. “You bet, Tanner; I’ll set my chair right by you, and I’ll be here the whole time.” Lisa shot an inquiring glance at Maureen, but the older woman ignored her.
    Ashlock walked the teen through the rights forms, first reading his Miranda rights. He and his guardian signed off on the form.
    â€œOkay, shoot,” Tanner said.
    â€œNot quite yet,” Ashlock said. Pulling out another form, he advised Tanner again of his right to remain silent and right to counsel. He then said, “The offense you’re being questioned about would be a felony if committed by an adult. Do you understand?”
    The boy nodded. Ashlock handed him a ballpoint pen, and he checked “Yes” on the form.
    Ashlock continued, reading from the form, “ ‘If you are alleged, at any age, to have committed First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, First Degree Assault, Forcible Rape, Forcible Sodomy, First Degree Robbery, Distribution of Drugs, or if you have committed two or more prior unrelated offenses which would be felonies if committed by an adult, a hearing will be held to determine if you should be prosecuted as an adult.’ ”
    Ashlock paused. Monroe met his look without flinching.
    â€œDo you understand?”
    â€œYou bet.” He marked “Yes.”
    When Ashlock finished reading the form, he handed Tanner the pen again. Tanner took it in his right hand, but leaned over to Lisa and placed his other hand on her shoulder.
    â€œWhat do you think I should do, Lisa?” he asked in a low voice.
    She shook her head. “I can’t advise you, Tanner. It’s like that paper says, I’m your adversary, I’m not your advocate. I really wish your parents were here. But you’ve got a guardian, and she’s a lawyer.”
    He sighed and cast a scornful look at the guardian. “I’m definitely not taking advice from that fat bitch,” he said.
    Maureen blinked, taken aback. “Mr. Monroe. You realize that the Juvenile Court appointed me to look after your interests in the absence of your parents.”
    The teen tipped back in his folding chair, rocking it precariously with the toe of his left foot. “I know what you’re interested in. Food.”
    â€œTanner!” Lisa said.
    â€œShe needs to go on The Biggest Loser ,” Tanner said in an aside to the juvenile officer.
    â€œDespite your insulting attitude,” said Maureen coldly, furrowing an angry brow over her reading glasses, “I’d advise you that it’s in your best interest to shut up. Don’t answer any questions. In fact, it would be wise if you refrain from speaking entirely.”
    The boy gave the guardian a look of appraisal, then shot them all an ironic half grin.
    â€œIf Fatty thinks I should shut up, then I’m definitely talking. Abso-­fucking-­lutely. Ask me whatever you want.”
    Lisa looked anxious. “Tanner, are you sure?”
    â€œYeah. Bring it.” He stretched his arms and folded his hands behind his head.
    Lisa gestured toward Maureen. “What do you say?”
    With irritation still etched in her face, she shrugged. “It’s his decision.”
    â€œOkay, then,” Ashlock said briskly. “Mr. Monroe, we’d like to know how you