Page 35 of Ride the Lightning
She made valid points they couldn’t afford to ignore if they wanted to conduct an honest and thorough investigation. “You’re right.”
“I normally am, baby,” Marla teased, patting his hand before retracting hers to take another sip of coffee. She set her cup back on the table and flipped her notebook to another page. “I made a list of Earl’s friends for you to interview. I don’t know if they’ll remember anything more than I’ve already told you, but it’s worth a shot.” She ripped the page out and handed it to him.
There were only five names on the list. Jonah glanced up at Marla, and his surprise must’ve registered on his face.
She heaved a long sigh. “The eighties and nineties were brutal on our LGBTQ community, stealing our friends from us left and right. I feel lucky to have lived as long as I have,” Marla said. She shook her head. “Nope. We’re not going there right now. Not after the healing weekend I had with my family.” Marla’s bottom lip quivered for a few seconds, which she covered by taking another sip of coffee. “Doll, are you sure I can’t have real bourbon in this coffee?”
Jonah felt the grip on his emotions slip and gave himself a mental shake and firm lecture.Don’t lose your shit and cry. If you could choke down liver and lima beans, you can choke back the tears until after she leaves.
“Of course.” Rather than set Betty down, he carried her into the kitchen. Jonah retrieved the liquor from the cabinet and set it down on the table in front of Marla, who giggled as she added a generous amount in her coffee cup.
She took a drink and said, “I should’ve asked you to pour out the remaining coffee to make room for the booze.”
Jonah laughed despite his heavy heart and reclaimed his seat across from her once more. “I’ll start talking to Earl’s friends tomorrow. I want to track down the guards who worked at the county jail and prison when Bo was there. See what they’re willing to tell me.”
“They keep the death-row inmates isolated, but it wouldn’t have been the case when he was in the county lockup,” Marla pointed out. “I bet he talked to other inmates.”
Jonah nodded. “That’s on my list too. Talking to Bo’s family is unavoidable, but I want to postpone it for as long as possible. Scraping off the scabs on these old wounds will be painful for them, especially if my questions don’t lead me anywhere.”
Marla nodded. “I agree.”
“So, what about Earl’s family?” Jonah asked. “You said the names on the list are his friends.”
“Like so many others, his family disowned him once he came out as gay. For all I know, one of them killed him after learning he’d started dressing in drag.” Marla tipped her head and narrowed her eyes. “Why the hell didn’t I think of that sooner?” she asked.
“When a person is suddenly and violently killed, it’s common to focus on new people who’d entered their lives,” Jonah said. “Subconsciously, it’s scarier and harder to believe the killer is someone you know well.”
“Well, damn,” Marla said. “Maybe I’ve barked up the wrong tree all these years. Maybe it wasn’t the new boyfriend but his brother, his father, or a cousin instead.”
Jonah acknowledged the possibility with a nod. Maybe he didn’t have much field experience, but he knew statistics, and Jonah knew human behavior. Those two things should never be discounted during an investigation. “Do you know much about his family?” he asked.
Marla pulled out a pen from her tote and began writing notes on a new sheet of notebook paper. “Not a lot,” she said, “but I’ll tell you everything I remember. Sandy Jasper knew Earl the longest. I’d start with him. They were childhood friends, and I didn’t meet Earl until we were in our late teens. He’s the one who sent me the article link.”
Jonah glanced down at the notes Marla had made. She’d included addresses, phone numbers, and places of employment. It listed Sandy as owner of The Cockpit. Jonah’s brow rose. Kendall might be able to offer some insight into the club owner since he worked weekends there. Marla’s throaty laughter caused him to jerk his gaze up. She was grinning from ear to ear.
“Bet I know where your mind went just now,” she teased. “Be careful you don’t drag home another roommate if you visit Sandy at the club. This place will become Jonah’s Home for Lost Boys.”
Jonah narrowed his eyes. “How’d you know what I was thinking?”
“Your face got pink, and your eyes glazed over just like most men’s do when they see those little aviator uniforms for the first time.”
Jonah chuckled because it was true.
Marla took another sip of coffee, then yawned. “I should really get home and catch a nap. I spent most of my time talking to my parents, aunts, and cousins, making up for lost time.” Her voice cracked on the last part. Marla heaved a sigh. “You ready to go home, Miss Thing?”
“Stay a little longer,” Jonah suggested. “We can watch episodes ofThe Golden Girls. Betty can help me do some research in my office while you rest. I can fix us some lunch when you wake up.”
“That sounds lovely,” Marla said, rising from her chair slowly. Jonah wanted to offer his hand, but he recognized the proud look in her eyes. He had to trust Marla would ask for help when she needed it. “You know what sounds lovelier?”
“A soft blanket and a pillow?” Jonah asked.
“The recliner will do,” Marla said. “I think I’d like you to design a brilliant new computer and name her Marla. She needs to be as smart as Stella but look snazzy while working her magic.”
“So, like a glittery exterior?”
“Glitter,” Marla scoffed. “I said snazzy, not tacky. This blush pink is my signature color in case you haven’t noticed.”
“I have,” Jonah replied.