Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 100853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 504(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100853 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 504(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
“The only one who sent a killer after him is you,” Griffen reminded him.
Cole had admitted it when he was arrested, to both Quinn and West, but clearly his lawyer brain had clicked into gear sometime between now and then.
“It’s funny,” he said, looking up at the ceiling before his eyes dropped to meet mine. “You’d think arresting that unfortunate gentleman at the brewery would have solved your problem. But from where I’m sitting, it’s likely that only cleared the way. Even as we speak, there could be more winging their way to Sawyers Bend.” He lifted a hand, cuffs rattling, miming a bird in flight, “And you’re out there, trying to pick up the reins of your life. Hard to do when you’re always looking over your shoulder.”
He was right. I was out there trying to pick up the reins of my life, and it was fucking hard to do when I was constantly looking over my shoulder. But he’d confirmed one of the things I’d wanted to know.
This was not over.
It was safe to say whoever was coming next would be better than the guy West had arrested. Not great news, but not a surprise. Which left me with the only other thing I needed from Cole Haywood: any information he could give me about my father’s death.
“What do you know about Prentice’s murder?” I asked.
“What makes you think I know anything?” Cole countered.
“You and my father, along with Edgar, were all tied up together. I know the three of you were keeping things from me.”
Cole shook his head. “Of course we were. You’d gone all Boy Scout, focused on building the business and carving off pieces for your brothers and sisters. I don’t know who killed Prentice. You’d have better luck badgering Edgar—or Harvey, maybe—though he’s got a little too much Boy Scout in him, like you. He missed out on a lot.”
“Harvey claims lawyer/client privilege, and Edgar isn’t talking,” I said. I knew Griffen and Hope had confronted her uncle. When Edgar clammed up, it was like hitting a brick wall, and any mention of his business with my father was off-limits.
“Well then,” Cole said, “you’re shit out of luck. The only thing I can tell you—and I will, just because it isn’t helpful—is that your father wasn’t killed over business.”
“But you know why he was killed?” Griffen asked.
Cole drew in a short breath and let it out, and I got the sense he wasn’t messing with us. He was telling the truth. He was far more obnoxious when he was lying. “Fair question, because I don’t. So, it could have been business. But as Ford said, I was tied up in a lot with Prentice and Edgar. And nothing we had going would have resulted in his death. In fact, his dying when he did cost us a lot of money. Very inconvenient. And it didn’t profit anyone. His death was, all around, a pain in the ass. So, while I guess it’s possible that business was involved in his murder, as far as I can tell, it’s extremely unlikely that was the motive. Which leads me to think it had to be personal.”
“Which brings me,” I said, “right back to you.”
He sat back and crossed his arms over his chest, flicking his head to toss back his dark hair. “I can see why you’d say that. And to be fair, if I’d shot your father, the last thing I’d do is admit it right here. But I can truthfully tell you I didn’t kill Prentice, and I don’t know who did. I only know that they were there not long before I showed up. But I never saw anyone.” He raised an eyebrow. “If I can offer some advice…”
“Sure, lay it on me.” I stood, bracing for his parting shot before we got out of there.
“I’d watch your back, Ford.” His gaze slid to Griffen. “Your brother may think you’ve paid for your crimes, and the state might agree. But that doesn’t mean there’s balance in your universe. You’ll never be free of the past. And anyone around you will be in danger. That includes your pretty little wife and that baby. Those kids running tame in your house. All of you. You keep him close, and you risk what you love.”
Griffen stood and shoved his hands in his pockets, his face stone-cold as Cole got to his feet, chains rattling. “He’s not alone anymore,” Griffen said, turning and dismissing Cole. He looked to me. “Are you done?”
“I’m done,” I agreed.
Griffen signaled to the prison guard, and we left.
Cole’s eyes burned holes into my back as I walked out of the room, my gut twisted tight, not ready to relax until the outer doors shut behind me. I didn’t draw a full breath until I was back in the SUV, sitting beside Griffen. We pulled through the gates and out onto the road.