Page 112 of It's a Wonderful Knife

Maxwell

Did he just confess to both murders?

Jax’s sudden confession gave me whiplash. One second he was professing his innocence, and the next announcing he was a cold-blooded killer? Audible gasps filled the room, and everyone started whispering furiously.

“I knew it,” Amelia said, recovering first.

Chloe cried louder, and Dakota looked mortified.

I met Royce’s skeptical gaze. “Are you buying this?” I asked.

Royce grimaced and fished the little silver ball he’d collected from Richard’s hand. “While I think what you’re doing is oddly chivalrous, Jax, I don’t think you’re telling the truth.”

Jax scowled. “Yes I am.”

“Do you wear jewelry, Jax?” Royce asked.

Blinking with confusion, Jax repeated, “Do I wearjewelry?”

“Yes.”

Jax chuffed. “No. Why would I wear jewelry?”

“Lots of guys do,” Gianna said. “You’re making it sound like a bad thing.”

“I’m simply saying, I don’t wear jewelry.” Jax shook his head. “I have better things to spend my money on.”

“Which is why I don’t think you’re actually the killer,” Royce said.

Looking muddled, Jax asked, “I’m not following.”

Royce held up the tiny silver sphere. “I believe Richard struggled with the killer and managed to grab this off of the murderer right before they stabbed him.”

Jax squinted at the silver ball. “I have no idea what that is.”

“I think it is a part of a necklace.” Royce scanned the room. “Anybody missing a necklace or a pendant?”

“A necklace?” Elle’s voice was hushed.

Mona stood and moved closer. She studied the sterling ball in the palm of his hand, different emotions fluttering across her face. She lifted her gaze to Royce’s, and there was obvious pain.

“Have you seen this before, Mona?” Royce asked.

She swallowed. “I’m not sure.”

She was lying. Even I could see that. Why? Was she protecting someone? I scanned the room, and everyone looked uneasy. Some more than others.

“Come on, Mona, it’s not that complicated of a question.” Royce frowned, moving the little ball around in the palm of his hand.

“I don’t think I’ve seen it,” whispered Mona.

“You sure?” Royce asked.

“I don’t get it. I confessed. Why are you still asking questions?” Jax moved closer. “Shouldn’t you cuff me or something? Who knows, maybe I’ll get the urge to kill again.”

“I ain’t worried,” Royce said.

Hermina came over, and she peered at the silver ball. “I feel like Ihaveseen that somewhere. I don’t remember where though. It was different though. It had a word stuck on the bottom.Usomething. Universe? No that’s not it. It was a word though.”