Page 4 of Pretty Poison

“Aww,” Rocky and Jonah chimed in together.

Felix narrowed his eyes. “Neither of you are going to reciprocate?”

Jonah and Rocky both leaned forward to make eye contact, then shook their heads. “Nah,” they said.

Mad Dog laughed while Felix silently fumed. His expression promised retribution.

“So, what made you decide to start a podcast?” Mad Dog asked, getting them back on topic.

“We’re passionate about true crime,” Jonah replied.

“And we can’t stand injustice,” Rocky said.

“And even though we’re all investigators, our individual experiences allow us to each bring a unique perspective to our show,” Felix added.

Mad Dog tipped his head to the side. “Interesting. Are these personal or professional experiences?”

Felix gasped and placed a hand on his chest. Marla would be so proud of his theatrics. “Come now, Mad Dog. You can’t expect us to divulge all our secrets on a first date.”

“You should at least buy us a steak dinner first,” Rocky added.

“Or seafood,” Jonah suggested.

“Fine,” Mad Dog said, waving his hand, “keep your secrets. Let’s talk about the case that’s garnered national attention for your podcast.”

For the next several minutes, they discussed their involvement in the Cahill family’s fight for justice. Jonah started the conversation since he was the one who’d introduced them to the case. He talked about Marla and her conviction that the wrong person had gone to prison for killing her friend, Earl. From there, they took turns telling the story and answering questions.

“It’s in the governor’s hands now,” Jonah said.

“Do you think Governor Stanton will grant the posthumous pardon?” Mad Dog asked.

Rocky wasn’t willing to hold his breath. “We hope so.”

“Absolutely he will,” Felix said.

Mad Dog chuckled. “This is where the differences in your personalities shine through.”

“It’s the showing-versus-growing thing I mentioned,” Rocky said.

Felix opened his mouth to speak, but Jonah cut him off. “We’re optimistic the governor will do the right thing.”

“Uh-huh,” Mad Dog said, slowly nodding as he studied each of them. His lips twitched at the corners as if he were fighting off a smile or wanted to say something but thought better of it at the last minute. “What’s next for the trio of trouble? Have you decided which sinister Savannah crime you’ll feature on your show next?”

“We have,” Rocky replied.

Mad Dog quirked a brow. “Would you care to give us a hint?”

“Nope,” all three of them answered.

“Ah, keeping things tight-lipped,” the DJ said.

“It’s the only way to earn people’s trust,” Rocky explained.

Mad Dog nodded. “Fair enough. Whatever it is, I’m sure your fans will be riveted each week when the episodes drop.”

“We sure hope so,” Felix said.

Rocky thought the DJ would wrap up the interview, but instead, he pivoted to other topics. Rocky checked his watch to ensure he was still good on time, then relaxed into the interview and went with the flow.