Page 121 of Don't Say a Word

He didn’t say anything.

“Nico, it’s important.”

“No, because there is no evidence that the cup belonged to him, and because the case was—”

“Closed as an accidental overdose, yada yada.” I was getting sick and tired of that line. “Can you do it now?”

“No. Even if the detective orders the test, and I could find DNA or prints on the cup, that won’t tell you if he was poisoned or if he willingly ingested the fentanyl.”

“But hedidingest it. I read that in the autopsy.”

“That’s true.” Nico touched my arm. “These cases are always difficult, for cops and for families.”

“He was murdered, Nico.”

“I don’t see how to prove that, not based on the physical evidence.”

“If King had done her fucking job, she may have been able to prove it,” I snapped, then mumbled an apology. “I don’t mean to take my frustration out on you.”

“If anyone can find the truth, it’s you.”

“Thanks for your vote of confidence,” I said, “but this time,I’m stuck. Iknowthere’s something weird going on, but every time I think I see one small part of the puzzle, I get three more pieces that don’t fit at all.”

“Don’t force them,” Nico said. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in forensics, it’s that every piece is a truth, but not all pieces fit in the same puzzle.”

“That makes no sense.”

“Don’t force what you know into a box, Margo. Figure out where each piece goes and proceed from there.”

Nico left to find Quincy and I rinsed and stacked my plate with the other used dishes. I grabbed a beer and mingled. Talked to family, friends, and even managed a five-minute conversation with one of Gabriel’s sisters. I didn’t remember if she was the heart surgeon or the college professor.

Yes, Gabriel’s family were all overachievers.

Laura walked in with her two kids. Jack immediately made a beeline to her. I was thrilled he’d finally found someone who made him happy. He deserved it.

Cody ran over to me. “Margo, we can bring you your kitten anytime you want.”

“It’s not my kitten.”

He grinned. “Just call! After four, because that’s when we’re home from school. There’s Austin!” And he was off.

That kid could charm Scrooge.

“What do you think?” Tess asked as she came over to me. “Is everyone having fun?”

“You can’t tell?” I looked pointedly around the huge great room at the dozens of people eating, drinking, talking, and laughing. “Yeah, everyone’s miserable.”

She rolled her eyes. “Okay, it’s good. Mom is happy.”

“I don’t know how we’re going to top this for her sixtieth.”

“I have an idea—”

“Save it until after you get back from your honeymoon, okay?”

“Oh, I was going to text you, but I got distracted.”

“I wonder why,” I mused.