Page 91 of Kiss Marry Kill

She laughed mockingly. “With an attitude like that, your days are numbered, Sheriff.”

“Is that right? You think the citizens of Rainy Dale want me to play favorites?”

She shrugged. “I think most people in town know a family of our caliber would never be caught up in something as sordid as murder.”

“Anybody can commit murder. All you need is opportunity and motive. From what I gather, you and your husband had both.”

Her eyes widened, and her mouth fell open. “I beg your pardon?”

“You’ve been blunt with me. I figured I should be blunt with you as well.”

“Well, I never,” she sputtered.

“I’m not saying anything that isn’t true. Your husband argued with Archie right before his death.” I studied her. “But you also had an issue with Archie shortly before he died, didn’t you?”

“Why would I kill Archie?”

I found it interesting she didn’t defend her husband, just herself. “Because he rejected your advances.”

Pink touched her cheeks. “Says who?”

“Archie. He told your husband that you came on to him, and he turned you down.”

Her flush deepened. “Archie was lying. I… I did no such thing.”

I grimaced. “It’s no secret you get flirtatious when you drink.”

“So now you allow gossip to direct your investigations?” Her face was tight with anger.

“I’m not just listening to idle gossip. You just admitted that you seek… attention from men… outside of your marriage. In addition to your own words, both your husband and your daughter told me that you become flirtatious when you drink too much.”

If looks could kill, I’d have been dead. But it was fine by me if she was upset. She’d be more likely to speak before thinking.

“How dare you,” she muttered.

“Isn’t that why your husband punched Archie for going into that gazebo with you? It’s obvious he expected the worst. He assumed you two went in there for salacious reasons.”

Her mouth trembled with anger. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“What your husband didn’t expect was for Archie to turn you down. I’m guessing that surprised you too. Why? Had Archie given in to you before?”

Her fist clenched on the tabletop. “You’re out of line.”

“Did it make you angry when Archie turned you down?”

Her laugh was borderline hysterical. “Do you mean did I lose my mind and murder him?”

“Something like that.”

“No. I didn’t even see Archie again until he was… dead.”

I watched her closely to see if she was lying, but she seemed believable.

“I’m many things, Sheriff, but I’m no killer. Maybe I’m immoral. Selfish. But I’m not someone who has the stomach for murder.” She shivered. “Especially… a stabbing.”

“Do you own a knife?”

She frowned. “No.”