Page 76 of Kiss Marry Kill

“Well, if I can believe Angela, yes. But it wasn’t hard to think they’d fooled around. Even though Archie denied it, I know how Angela gets when she’s three sheets to the wind.”

I scribbled some notes, stamping down my disgust. “After your altercation with Archie, did you go anywhere near the limousine?”

“No.” His voice was clipped.

“How about Angela? Did you see her near the limousine at any time?”

He scowled. “Why? Are you trying to imply that Angela murdered Archie?”

“Well, supposedly he rejected her advances.”

He guffawed. “Angela can’t carry a twenty-pound bag of dog food. I highly doubt she could murder Archie, let alone get him into the trunk.”

It was true Angela wasn’t a big woman. She was very slender and fine-boned. I too found it impossible to picture her stuffing Archie’s body in the trunk of the limousine. “Where were you when Archie’s body was discovered?”

“I was inside the reception hall.” He flexed his left hand. “If you must know, I went inside to get some ice for my knuckles. Several of the waitstaff saw me. In fact, Mrs. Wyatt, the manager of the hotel, helped me get the ice for my hand.”

“I see.” First he wouldn’t admit to hitting Archie; now he was using that as his alibi. He was a real piece of work. “Do you know where Angela was when Archie was found?”

“She was changing her clothes.” He avoided my gaze, and his voice was mechanical. “She’d spilled some wine on her dress.”

I got the distinct impression he was saying what he’d been told to say. “I believe that was before Archie’s body was found.”

“Was it?” His expression was a little too innocent. “I didn’t realize.”

“Hmmm.” I’d be sure to check with Mrs. Wyatt to verify his alibi held up. Tomorrow, I’d get Angela’s story about where she’d been when Archie’s body had been discovered. If she tried to sell me the same story about changing her clothes, at least I’d be ready for it. “Janelle told me she was going to move in with Archie after the wedding. Do you know what her plans are now?”

He frowned. “I assume she’ll stay at home, where she belongs.”

Did he really not understand why his daughter had wanted her independence? He seemed almost resentful at the idea she might have moved out with her husband.

I ignored him for a few moments, writing notes about what he’d said. Then I looked up and met his emotionless gaze. “I hope you’re giving Janelle the emotional support she needs right now. Whether you approved of Archie or not, she’s heartbroken.”

He curled his lip. “I don’t need a lecture on how to be a father.”

You sure about that?

I smiled, if only to annoy him. “If you say so.”

He grunted. “Is that it? Can I go now?”

“I guess. If I think of anything else, I’ll let you know.”

He stood, scraping back his chair. “Better not bring me back in, Sheriff.” Apparently, he was done playing nice.

“I’ll call you back ten more times if I think I need to,” I said, still smiling.

He stomped to the door, giving me a surly look over his shoulder. “You’re getting a little too big for your britches, Sheriff.”

“Just trying to protect and serve our fine community, Mr. Raiden.”

“Smart-ass,” he grumbled, and then he left the interview room, slamming the door behind him.

I slumped in my chair, rubbing my temples. I had a splitting headache after spending time with Mr. Raiden. I prayed Angela Raiden wasn’t as obnoxiously entitled tomorrow. Her charming husband had just drained my entire month’s worth of patience.

Chapter Eleven

Maxwell