Page 63 of It's a Wonderful Knife

“Getting back to the question of whether or not you use drugs,” Royce began.

Richard’s mouth thinned. “This is harassment.”

“No.” Royce laughed.

“My drug use… that doesn’t exist, by the way, is none of your business.”

“I think you’re lying,” Royce said softly.

Richard’s face tensed. “Well, you can’t prove a damn thing.”

Royce studied him in silence for a few moments, then said, “I can have Dr. Thornton give you a blood test.”

I stiffened because I had no equipment of any kind with me. Royce knew that. Was he just bluffing, or did he actually think I could just draw blood at the drop of a hat?

Richard flicked his wary gaze to me.

“Uh, sure. I’m down to do that,” I said, hoping I didn’t sound as freaked-out at the idea as I felt. If Richard called my bluff, would I have to use a carving knife and turkey baster to get his blood? Then what? I had no way to test the blood for drugs. I just hoped Richard was clueless about that kind of thing.

Apparently Richardwasclueless, because he fell for it. “Fine. I’ve used drugs recreationally on occasion.”

“Have you used drugs while on the farm?” Royce asked.

Richard shook his head.

Royce narrowed his eyes. “The blood test will prove whether or not you’re lying.”

Slumping, Richard said, “Okay. Okay. I had some weed with me. I smoked that.”

“Nothing stronger?” Royce sounded skeptical.

Richard’s eyes were shifty. “Maybe a tiny bit of cocaine.”

No wonder he’d been happy to avoid all the activities. Apparently Richard had been high 99 percent of his time on the farm. “Where did you get the drugs?” I asked.

“I know a guy in Nevada.”

Royce leaned back in his chair, crossing his hands over his flat stomach. “I don’t love the fact that you’ve been lying to me so much, Richard.”

“I’m telling you the truth now.” He shrugged. “What does any of this have to do with Santiago’s murder?”

“It’s helped me establish you’re a liar.” Royce smirked.

I gave a gruff laugh, which earned me a scowl from Richard.

“Are you gonna talk to the guys who work here too?” Richard had a stubborn look in his eyes. “Or are you just gonna hassle me?”

“I’m talking to everyone.”

“Good. Because I don’t think it was a guest who killed Santiago.”

Royce raised his brows. “What makes you say that?”

“I saw him and Jameson arguing the day before he was murdered.”

Frowning, Royce said, “Jameson?”

“That’s right.”