Page 53 of The Perfect Hosts
This isn’t the earth-shattering news that Jamie is hoping to hear, but it is something. “Anyone she interacted with that stands out?”
“Not really. She took action shots during the game, and afterward I saw her talking to a few boys on the team. Steve Hoffman, Mike Gentry, Wes Drake.”
Jamie’s head snaps up. “Wes Drake?”
“Yeah, but it didn’t seem like a big deal,” Laura says. “Was it?”
“Probably not,” Jamie says. “But it’s good to know, anyway. Did the police talk to you during the investigation?”
“Me?” Laura says, placing a hand to her chest. “No, no one talked to me. I didn’t exactly run in those crowds.”
“Yeah,” Jamie says with little smile. “Me neither.”
“I’m sorry,” Laura says. “I wish I could remember more.”
“Ah well, it was a long time ago.” Jamie tries not to let his disappointment show.
“I’ll keep thinking,” Laura says. “Anyway, I thought I’d tell you how nice your sister was and how sorry I am for your loss.”
“Thanks,” Jamie says. “But while you’re here, can I ask you a few questions about the explosion?”
“Sure,” Laura says. “Whatever I can do to help.”
“Did anything about the night jump out at you? Anyone acting suspiciously?”
“No. I’ve been racking my brain, trying to remember if anything seemed off, but most of what I saw was through a lens,” Laura says, tapping the cracked camera lens. “Not exactly a panoramic view.”
“I’m sure your photos will be very helpful,” Jamie says. “How well do you know Madeline and Wes Drake?”
“I don’t know them at all,” Laura says. “I mean beyond talking on the phone with Madeline. I’ve met Wes’s brother, Dix. I was the photographer at one of his weddings. But beyond that, I don’t know them.”
Dix Drake. Jamie received word that he had been found in a Salt Lake City hospital. He was questioned by a local ATF agent, but nothing in their conversation stood out.
“I did see Wes and Dix arguing just before the guests started arriving,” Laura says. “It wasn’t a knockdown fight or anything, but they both looked upset.”
“Could you hear what they were arguing about?” Jamie asks.
“No, I was too far away,” Laura says regretfully. “But it was intense. Wes was poking his brother in the chest and goingon and on about something until Dix kind of just pushed him away. Not hard, more like to get Wes out of his face. Then it was over.”
“How long did it last?” Jamie asks, making a note to ask both Wes and Dix about this confrontation.
“Not long,” Laura says. “Maybe a minute or two, and then they went off in different directions.”
Jamie questions Laura for several more minutes, but when it’s clear she has nothing more to add, he hands her one of his business cards. “Thanks for coming in, Laura,” he says. “If you think of anything else, please let me know.”
“Sure thing,” Laura says. “And it’s good to see you again, J. J.”
“You too,” Jamie says, picking up the yearbook and extending it to Laura, but she gently pushes it toward him.
“Keep it,” she says. “My sister has one I can look at. It’s not like anyone signed that one.”
“Thanks,” Jamie says. “And, Laura, I’m hoping you won’t say anything about my history here, about who I used to be.” Laura looks up at him, confused. “The sheriff knows,” he adds quickly. “It just complicates things.”
“Of course,” Laura says. “I won’t say anything. And by the way, I know you won’t remember this, but you were also very kind to me.”
“Me?” Jamie asks with surprise. “Really? I always thought I was kind of an asshole back then.”
Laura laughs, and Jamie finds that he likes the way her eyes crinkle when she smiles.Still an asshole, he hears Juneau’s voice in his ear.By the way, have you called your wife yet?