Page 65 of It's a Wonderful Knife

“What can I say? I’m an alert kind of guy,” Richard said.

Royce studied Richard. “So you saw Santiago hitting on MadisonandSantiago arguing with Jameson? Sounds like you were always in the right place at the right time.”

“Interesting how everything you witnessed throws suspicion on everyone else,” I muttered.

Richard sighed. “I can’t help what I see or where the facts lead.”

“No, I don’t suppose you can.” Royce’s expression was hard to read. “I’ll follow up with Madison and Jameson about what you saw.”

“Good. I wouldn’t want to monopolize your time, Sheriff.”

“How polite of you,” I said.

“Before you go, how about you tell me a little about this business meeting you were so hysterical about getting to?” Royce asked.

Richard’s face shuttered. “My boss is a hard man to please, that’s all.”

“You said it was life or death.” I frowned. “That seems a bit over-the-top.”

“You don’t know my boss.”

Royce asked, “Anything else you’d like to tell me about your boss?”

“No.”

“I’ll need the name of your employer and a phone number where we can reach him easily.” Royce’s tone was agreeable.

“Is that absolutely necessary?” Richard sighed. “What does my job have to do with Santiago’s death?”

“Oh, I just need to gather as much information as I can.” Royce’s smile was pleasant. “I’m sure you understand.”

“Fine.” He rattled off a name and phone number, and I wrote it down.

Funny how he couldn’t remember his supposed girlfriend’s phone number.

Royce studied Richard. “I’ll probably need to talk to you again, but for now you can go.”

Richard had been trying to act tough, but there was obvious relief when Royce dismissed him. He stood and moved to the door. “You’ve disliked me since the first minute you laid eyes on me, Sheriff.”

“That’s not true,” Royce said.

I frowned. “Maybe because you almost killed everyone on our bus?”

“I think it goes deeper than that.”

Royce looked puzzled. “What could I have against you?”

“Maybe because I have money and you’re just a lowly sheriff?”

“I don’t envy or resent you, Richard. I’m just trying to figure out who killed Santiago.”

“Sure.” Richard yanked open the door and left.

I met Royce’s frustrated gaze. “He’s a piece of work,” I said.

“Arrogant SOB.”

“What do you think about his story that he saw Santiago flirting with Madison or that he saw Jameson arguing with Santiago? Do you think he was telling the truth?”