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“We’ve compiled a list of residents and some photos of other guests who don’t live there. If you could take a look and see if you recognize any?” the detective says.
I skim through the list, but nothing jumps out at me. Then he pulls up security footage on his tablet and begins swiping through a bunch of pictures. There’s Gary taking his dead potted plant out to the dumpster, and it looks like the ones my dogs pee in all the time. I owe him some new flowers. But he’s the only person I recognize. Maybe the lady from the second floor with the two kids who take nightly laps through the halls and bang on every door with sticks. I’m assuming that’s what they do; there’s no other explanation for the noise. There’s a woman who looks vaguely familiar, but she’s got her head down and I can’t make out much except her platinum-blonde hair poking out from beneath a ball cap. She’s back out the front entrance five minutes later.
“Sorry,” I say after the last one. “I’ve only lived there for a month. Everyone is still a mystery to me.”
The detective slams the laptop closed. “That would have been too easy.” He sighs and scratches his jaw. “Why do you think Justin was at your apartment?”
I thought I already answered this. “He wanted his ring. I told him not to come, then he threatened me. I was worried. And I didn’t want to hear his pleas to get back together one more time.”
The detective leans forward, eyes lighting up with a question. “You said you used to be engaged, what happened?”
“Don’t answer that,” Connor interrupts. “I need a moment with my client.”
“No, it’s fine,” I say and glance at Caleb. His expression is unreadable and I’m not sure if sharing this information will be fine or not. “He cheated on me.”
“Millie!” Connor slaps the metal table.
The detective shifts uncomfortably. I know the feeling. My lawyer is dramatic.
“Cheated on you? And you were angry?” the detective asks, an accusatory tone to his voice.
“Of course. I wanted to kill him.”
Oops. Heard it.
“Millie!” Connor yells again. At this point, he might as well be yelling at a brick wall. All my honesty is going to get me in trouble, but I can’t seem to stop myself.
“So, you killed him?” the detective asks.
“Just because you put ranch on something doesn't mean it's a salad.”
Connor groans. Caleb snorts but covers it up with a cough.
The detective's eyes harden. “Did you put ranch on him before killing him?”
I roll my eyes. “It’s a metaphor. He lied to me. Of course, I was angry. But just because I wanted to kill him, doesn’t mean I did.”
“Millie, why didn’t you tell me at dinner Justin was bugging you?” Connor asks.
I let out a breath it seems I've been holding all night. “Because I didn’t want to worry you. Besides, Agent Don’t-Touch-That has been keeping me safe.”
Caleb coughs and Connor’s eyes narrow in on him. “He’s not doing a very good job since a murder took place in your apartment without him noticing!” Connor’s shout is loud enough to rattle the desk.
“Okay.” Maddie places a hand on Connor’s arm. “I think we should finish with the detective, and then we can very calmly talk about this.”
Connor huffs. “This coming from the woman who tried to strangle me once.”
Caleb and the detective now look very interested in Maddie. It’s nice to have the attention off of me.
Maddie smiles sweetly at them, and not so sweetly at Connor. I’m almost ninety percent sure her smile says she will strangle him for real this time if he doesn’t shut up right now. Oh, to be in love.
“Sorry,” Connor mutters. “Continue, Detective.”
The detective clears his throat and brings his attention back to me. “As I said, you are free to go. But please don’t leave the city. We’ve got your statement but will likely call for more information. Please cooperate.”
I cross my heart. Then mentally slap myself.
“Agent Harris will escort you home to gather your necessities,” he continues, “then take you to a safe location. But please, do not do anything else to the crime scene.”