Cypress Nights by Stella Cameron Read Free Book Online Page B

this town are suggestin’. And why would they bring it all up now, anyway? You tell me that. If they think I could…do what they’re suggestin’, what would Sam or George have to do with it just because they’re good to me?”
    He had refused iced tea and now regretted not accepting a glass. Despite fans slowly turning overhead, the big room stifled him. “Beautiful roses,” he said. He had to get past thinking Kate was too fragile to be questioned. He didn’t have the luxury of waiting to work on this case.
    â€œI pick them myself,” Kate said. “I’ve got a beautiful rose garden. Jim made sure of that.”
    â€œWhen was the last time you actually saw Jim?” Spike said.
    â€œYesterday,” Kate said, sniffing. “He stopped by at lunch, because I was worried about a mold George found on one of my trees. Jim knew all about those things.”
    â€œHow did he seem?” Spike asked. “Anything unusual about his behavior?”
    She shook her head. “He was his usual sweet self.”
    â€œHe didn’t mention any plans for later in the evening?”
    Kate bristled. “What are you suggestin’, Sheriff?”
    He sighed. “These are routine questions. They don’t mean anything but what they say.”
    â€œNo, then. Jim always came home after he’d been at St. Cecil’s.” Kate raised her chin.
    â€œSo after he left you yesterday lunchtime, you never saw him again?”
    Tears popped into Kate’s eyes, and ran down her cheeks. “So cruel,” she said. “So harsh. I don’t need you to squeeze my heart for me.”
    She meant he was cruel and harsh?
    Exasperated, Spike said, “Would you feel better if you had a friend with you, Kate? Someone you trust.”
    â€œI’ve lost the people I trust. Lil Dupre was a good friend but now I know she’s as bad as the others and that husband of hers is nothin’ less than evil.”
    Spike let those comments pass. “Do you think you can manage talking to me for a few minutes? We can always do this at the station if you’d feel better there. Neutral ground can be helpful.”
    Kate flashed her palms. “The idea. The police station? I will not go there, not under any circumstances. I can just hear the tongues waggin’ over that. Only it’s not goin’ to happen, Sheriff.”
    Spike propped one booted foot on the opposite knee and put his hat on top. He settled back, deliberately making himself comfortable. “I don’t blame you. I just wanted to make the offer. I came on my own, because I thought we could have a friendly little chat. Nothin’ too official.”
    She opened a pink lace fan and fluttered it rapidly before her face. “Thank you. You’re very kind.”
    â€œWould it be all right if I took a few notes?” Spike asked, trying not to tense visibly.
    â€œI suppose so. If you want to.”
    He slipped his book from a breast pocket and slid out a pen. “Now. Jim was home for a bit yesterday, because you wanted him to check mold on one of your trees.”
    â€œHe surely was. Just as well. George was goin’ to spray the wrong stuff.”
    â€œThen, Jim left and you went about your business. Did you go out in the afternoon, Kate?”
    â€œI never go out when it’s so hot.”
    â€œSo you were here all afternoon?”
    â€œThat’s what I said. And all evenin’, although there will be those who are disappointed by that.”
    He gave her a questioning stare. “Disappointed?”
    â€œDon’t ask me how they think I would do such a horrible thing, but—” she let out a shuddering sigh “—but you know it’s been said I wanted Jim to die. Can you imagine that?” Her voice climbed the scale and shook. She cried without attempting to hide the tears.
    Spike looked around for tissues, but Kate produced a white handkerchief