Page 54 of Killer Honeymoon
“We thought our input wouldn’t be welcome,” Sawyer replied.
Mendoza snorted, and Sawyer pictured him shaking his head in disgust. “And you think your stunt has endeared you to the chief?”
“Probably not, sir.”
“You might be on your honeymoon, but I’m giving you a direct order and expect it to be obeyed.”
“Yes, sir,” Sawyer said dutifully.
“You will share everything you know with the chief instead of investigating this homicide yourself. Is that clear?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I want you to check in with me every twelve hours,” Mendoza said. “Nine in the morning. Nine at night. A brief call or text will suffice.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you.”
After exchanging goodbyes, Sawyer disconnected the call and returned the phone to Chesterfield, who had relaxed and warmed up to Royce during his absence. As for Lowell, he was riveted on whatever story Royce had told them.
“Sounds like the two of you have investigated some real doozies over the years,” Chesterfield said.
“Never a dull moment,” Sawyer added as he sat down on the couch beside Royce. “Look, we owe you an apology and an explanation.”
Chesterfield held up a hand. “Your husband already took care of it and explained why the place is such a mess. It sounds like I’m not the only one who has the two of you on their radar.” He took a deep breath and released it slowly. “It’s clear we started on the wrong foot, but I would be an idiot if I didn’t view your presence as an unexpected gift at this point. The truth is, I’m out of my depth here. I came from another small town with very little crime, so I’m rusty on homicide investigations. I should feel guilty for asking you to help during your honeymoon, but I’m in a bind. What do you say? You’ll tell me what you know, and I’ll share what information I have. Quid pro quo.”
“Of course,” Sawyer said without hesitation. There was no way in hell they’d just sit on the sidelines after someone broke into their cottage. “We’ll even go first.”
Sawyer and Royce methodically went through who had the motive and opportunity to kill Lester Moore, leaving nothing and no one out.
“I know Frank looks good for this crime,” Sawyer said, “but I think it’s too obvious. Frank is too smart to make such dumb mistakes.”
Chesterfield stroked his chin. “Normally, I would agree with you, but he’s gotten pretty cranky the past few years, especially since Moore started buying up property. Their arguments are legendary.”
“Which means Frank is an easy target to frame for the murder,” Royce said. “Do you mind describing the crime scene for us?”
“Of course,” Chesterfield said. “The boat had been tossed around a lot by the waves, so it was hard to tell if it had been ransacked or if the mess had occurred naturally. It’s unlikely Mother Nature figured out how to open Moore’s safe and take the contents, then put a gun to the man’s head and fire at point-blank range, though.”
“It sounds like someone either knew the code to the safe or forced Moore to open it before they shot him,” Royce said.
“I agree.” Chesterfield exchanged a glance with Lowell. “While you guys were out investigating, we executed a search warrant at Frank’s house.”
“Did you find the gun that killed Moore?” Sawyer asked impatiently.
“No,” Chesterfield admitted, “but he had ample time to hide or discard the weapon.”
Sawyer couldn’t fault the chief’s logic there.
Chesterfield sighed deeply. “Loretta Newman is a good woman. I don’t believe she’d lie to cover for Frank, even though her affection for him is strong. I sat down with Frank and explained the situation as I see it, and we both agree he’s probably safer in jail at this point. We’re better off if the killer believes Frank is going down for the murder.” He pinned Sawyer and Royce with a baleful look. “The same killer knows the two of you are on the hunt. We need to figure out who it is before they realize what a real threat you are to them.”
“Yes, sir,” Sawyer and Royce said.
“This Evan guy sounds like a real psycho,” Lowell said. “What kind of alibi does he have?”
“Claims he was with a girl named Juno all night and said that was where he was going when he left.”
“Juno Jones,” Lowell said. “I went to school with her. She’s a waitress at Mojito Bay. I’ll talk to her.”
“That leaves Gary and the captain slash bodyguard,” Sawyer said.