Page 106 of In Cold Blood

“Oh. Right. Of course. Yes. It slipped my mind. The focus that night was on Cyrus. Yes. Dax was involved. He came to Cyrus’ aid. He unfortunately was struck. But I can assure you, as I told your brother. It was a patron and they didn’t wish to press charges. We left it at that.”

“Well, we can clear that up. Where’s the video footage of that evening?”

Harry leaned back in his seat and tucked his hands into his jacket. “We no longer have it. We only keep it for twenty-four hours. No real need to keep it beyond that if nothing has happened.”

“Yet something did.”

“It was resolved.”

“Of course it was.” Noah took another step forward in an intimidating manner. “And of course, because you hire criminals, I imagine they have a good reason to vouch for you.”

“I’m sorry?” He leaned forward.

“Like you being here until two in the morning.”

“I was and I don’t appreciate your accusing tone.” He turned toward Callie. “What the hell is this, deputy?” he said. “I have a good mind to speak with Sheriff Roberts.”

“Noah,” Callie said in a low voice.

Noah stared him down.

Callie continued. “Mr. Carter. Look, we are just trying to locate Dax. Do you know where he might be?”

He lifted his hands. “Try his phone.”

“We have.”

“Then how would I know? It’s not like I keep track of what my employees do on their days off.”

“Does that extend to Cyrus?” Noah asked.

Harry rose and made his way around, opening the door. “You know, I think we’re done here. I’m very busy and this conversation is over.”

Noah got close to him. “An employee of yours is dead. My brother is dead. We have a game warden’s body that has been found, and a BCI investigator in the hospital. It’s over when this investigation is over and not before.”

“Unfortunate but not my problem.”

“You better hope it’s not your problem. You see, I don’t know what game you’re playing here but let’s be clear, Mr. Carter. Secrets don’t stay secrets forever. Lies have a way of catching up with people.”

There was no fear in his eyes. No backdown. This was a man who was used to addressing law enforcement. He puffed out hischest. “Who the hell do you think you are coming in here and making these accusations? I want you off my property now. We are done!”

“We are done when I say we’re done! You want to play games. Try me.”

Noah felt Callie take his arm. She gave a tug leading him out as he glared at Harry. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Carter.”

Callie pressed Noah forward. He could feel the rage building inside. It wasn’t until they were outside and away from the building that Callie let loose.

“What the hell was that back there?” she yelled as she pointed toward the pub.

“That motherfucker is lying through his teeth.”

Callie squinted at him, shifting her weight from one foot to the next, looking off toward the road before locking eyes with him. “What part of ‘take a back seat’ do you not understand?” She shook her head. “This was not a good idea. One call to Roberts. That’s all it takes and they will pull your ass from this investigation.”

“No, they won’t.”

“What?”

“This is a State investigation. The shooting of a cop. BCI oversees it. They want me here. Not Roberts. You heard him. They changed their mind. I don’t know why. Or who made that call but they did. And until they find a replacement, if they find one at all. I’m all you’ve got.”