Page 71 of The Girls in the Snow

“We cross-referenced Janelle’s shifts with the girls’ accounts. We know you’ve been at the club during her shift. And we’re getting a warrant for the security videos from inside the club. The owner says they cover every angle. So, you might as well tell the truth now.” Nikki placed Janelle’s promo picture onto his desk. “You don’t recognize her? That’s the story you’re going with?”

“I don’t remember seeing her there. I only interact with a couple of girls,” John said. “The rest are just in the background.”

“When was the last time you went to the club?”

“The day Madison and Kaylee were found. In the morning, before we got any news.”

“And you haven’t been there since?”

“No.” He slumped back in the chair. “I’m too damned numb to do anything but come to work and try to be present at home.”

“We’ll see you on the security videos. You might as well be honest now and stop wasting our time.”

“Christ.” John slammed his hands on the desk. “I’m telling the truth, Nikki. Why are you on my ass about this?”

“I’m doing my job.”

“Then you’re doing a pretty bad job of it. You’re here, wasting time on me instead of looking for the bastard who killed my daughter.” His hard eyes focused on Nikki and a feeling of anxiety seeped through her. “You’re supposed to be one of the best. Or is the media right? Are you too focused on Mark Todd to do your job?”

“The media has no idea what they’re talking about.”

“Then why are you going around asking about your blood test? And hanging out with his brother?”

“Excuse me?”

“You didn’t think I’d find out about that? Stillwater’s still a small town, and I’ve got connections everywhere. People think you’re trying to butter up Rory because you’re afraid your reputation’s going to be ruined.”

Nikki had been stupid to think John had changed. He was still the same guy who wanted to keep control. But she wasn’t the same insecure girl who dutifully gave in to him.

“I have zero worries about my reputation. I just want to make sure the right man is in prison.”

“You know he is, for Christ’s sake. Rory’s manipulating you to feel sorry for his brother.”

“That’s not what he’s doing.”

“Then what is it? Why are you hanging out with him instead of looking for Maddie’s killer? Are you that hard up for a man’s attention? Just like old times, then.”

Nikki bristled. John’s demeanor had changed so quickly, but something about his reaction felt normal to her. “We have reason to believe Janelle might have been drugged. Would you know anything about that?”

Liam stiffened but didn’t call her bluff.

“Why?” John snapped. “Because I work at a pharmaceutical company?”

Nikki stared at him, letting the implication linger.

John’s face reddened, a flicker of nerves in his eyes. “Get out of my office.”

Nikki stood, turned on her heel and walked out with Liam beside her. Her hands trembled with anger. How had she forgotten John’s manipulative side? Nikki knew exactly how to deal with people like him, but she’d allowed him to back her into a corner.

Liam walked in silence next to her until they reached the elevator. “What’s this about drugs?”

She didn’t want to tell him about her conversation with Rory, especially after John’s accusation. “Just a hunch. I wanted to see his reaction.”

“You definitely ticked him off,” Liam said. “Why didn’t you put him in his place for talking to you like that?”

Nikki pushed the button and then shoved her hands in her pockets. She couldn’t meet Liam’s gaze. “I did.”

“Did you not hear him imply something was going on between you and Rory? Or that you weren’t doing your job?”