Page 46 of Killer Honeymoon
Lowell reached for his cuffs and stepped forward, but he didn’t look happy about the situation. “I’m sorry, Frank.”
Frank sighed and patted the younger man’s shoulder. “None of this is your fault, Derek. You’re just doing your job.”
“Wait,” Sawyer said before Derek could get the cuffs on Frank. “You’re arresting him? On what grounds?”
“Several people heard Frank threaten to kill Mr. Moore.”
“No,” Frank said adamantly. “I said killing him wasn’t worth the wasted energy.”
“Frank,” Sawyer admonished. “You need to stop talking until I can get you a lawyer.”
“Wait,” the chief said. “I thought you said you’re his lawyer.”
“I’m from Georgia and not licensed to practice in Ohio,” Sawyer explained, ignoring the twinge of conscience that demanded he come clean to the chief.
Chesterfield huffed out an annoyed breath. “Step aside before I arrest you for obstruction of justice.”
If they did that, they’d run Sawyer’s name and find out he was a police officer. Then Chesterfield would call Mendoza. Christ, they’d never live it down if they got arrested on their honeymoon. Royce placed a hand on Sawyer’s forearm when it became apparent he wouldn’t back down without continuing the argument.
“Move along, Lowell,” Chesterfield barked.
The young officer jolted. “Yes, sir.”
Frank docilely turned around and put his hands behind his back as Derek read Frank his rights.
“Are the cuffs necessary?” Royce asked.
Chesterfield aimed a baleful expression at him. “He’s a cold-blooded killer. Of course they’re necessary.”
“Alleged,” Sawyer reminded him. “Can we at least compromise by cuffing Frank’s hands in front instead of the back?”
Chesterfield deliberated for a moment before nodding to Lowell. “I’ll allow it.”
After a quick reshuffling, Frank was cuffed and headed toward the squad car sandwiched between Lowell and Chesterfield. Royce and Sawyer trailed behind them.
“I’ll find a good local attorney for you,” Sawyer called out.
“Appreciate it,” Frank replied.
A hopeless feeling washed over Royce when Lowell guided the older man into the back seat. Frank looked at them through the window and offered a feeble smile, making Royce feel worse.
“I know this looks bad, but Frank isn’t the killer,” Sawyer said once Lowell drove off.
“I know, baby. Let’s go home and start forming a game plan.”
They walked back toward their cottage in silence. Royce heard Evan’s snide voice but couldn’t make out what he was saying. A thought hit Royce like a bolt of lightning. Frank hadn’t been the only one missing during the storm. Evan had been furious with Lester Moore for reneging on their deal. Royce didn’t yet know what time he’d left to confront the property developer, but he’d sure as hell find out.
“I just don’t understand why Frank won’t tell anyone where he was last night,” Sawyer said when they were back home.
“I’m sticking with my earlier theory that Frank was with a lady friend,” Royce said. “He might be an old salty dog, but he has integrity and would never dishonor his lady’s reputation.”
Sawyer narrowed his eyes and stroked his chin. “I think you’re onto something. I can’t think of any other reason he’d be so secretive, especially once the handcuffs came out.”
“Frank also has the false bravado of an innocent person. He didn’t do it. Therefore, there was no way a jury could find enough evidence to convict him.”
“What a mess,” Sawyer said. “I’ll call my uncle in Sandusky and find out if he can recommend a good criminal defense attorney.”
“And then?” Royce asked because he could tell by Sawyer’s expression that his mind was spinning.