Page 37 of Wild Frost

"I'm a convicted felon," Ray said. "That would be illegal."

"You mind if we take a look around your vehicle?”

"You got a warrant?"

"I can get one," I said, even though I knew I didn't have probable cause.

"Then get one. If that's all, would you mind leaving me alone? You’re scaring off business.”

Ray moved to the crosswalk and waited for the light.

“You still running with a gang, Ray?” I called after him.

He shot me an annoyed look.

"Do I look like I'm still running with a gang?"

I shrugged.

"If I were, I wouldn't be hustling on the street corner, begging for change. I'd be making real money. But I ain't doing that shit no more.”

The light turned green, and Ray crossed the street, walking back to the boardwalk.

JD and I followed, making our way back to the Porsche.

Ray kept glancing at us over his shoulder with annoyed eyes.

We paced him for a bit, then hopped into the Porsche. Jack fired up the engine. "What do you make of that guy?"

I shrugged. "You’d have to be pretty stupid to mow down a bunch of Christmas carolers in your own car.”

"Maybe he tapped some of his old crew to help him out," Jack said.

I certainly couldn’t rule Ray out.

Jack pulled away from the curb, and we headed across town to the Delphine. Sheila Morris had lived with her roommate, Erica Bell. Sheila was the only victim who didn't live in Stingray Bay.

We parked in the visitors’ lot, hopped out, and made our way to the entrance. I buzzed the unit from the call box.

A soft voice answered a moment later. "Can I help you?"

"Deputy Wild with Coconut County. Is this Erica?”

“Yes," she said in a tentative voice.

“We just need to ask a few questions about your roommate."

"Okay, but I'm getting ready to walk out the door."

“This will only take a minute.”

She buzzed us in, and Jack grabbed the door. We hurried through the lobby and took the elevators up to the fifth floor, then ambled down the hallway to #514. I knocked on the door, and Erica answered a moment later. She was a cute blonde with short hair that hung just above her ears. Her big brown eyes and adorable features had an enchanting quality.

I introduced Jack, and we exchanged pleasantries.

She said, "Please, come in."

Erica stepped aside and escorted us down the foyer and into the living room. She offered us a seat on the sofa.