Page 142 of State of Suspense

Vernon usually stood outside the door when she was in an interrogation room. This time, he came in.

“They told us the first lady was here,” Willy said in a twangy accent. “Couldn’t believe it till I saw it with my own eyes. As I live and breathe. Whatever can my humble spouse and I do for you on this fine day?”

“I’m Lieutenant Holland, and this is my partner, Detective Cruz. We’d like to record this conversation.”

“Go for it. We got nothing to hide.”

Sam rather doubted that. “We’d like to talk to you about Agent Avery Hill and U.S. Attorney Tom Forrester.”

Willy’s expression turned to stone at the mention of their names. “Those sons a bitches ruined our lives.”

“By tying you to a vast conspiracy to defraud the federal government as well as gun trafficking and drug dealing?”

He shrugged. “That’s their story.”

“Their so-called story was enough to convince twelve jurors to convict you and your associates on multiple charges.”

“Don’t mean it was true.”

“Okay, whatever. So you get out of jail and go right to Avery Hill’s home, hoping for what, exactly?”

“I wanted to have a talk with him. Met his wife. She’s a pretty little thing.” When he smiled, he revealed rotting teeth that made Sam’s stomach turn. Her heart ached imagining her sweet Shelby being threatened by the likes of him.

“Shut your mouth about his wife.”

Freddie’s hand on hers under the table reminded her not to lose her cool.

“Heard she was a friend of yours.”

Sam wished she was allowed to punch that smarmy smile off his face.

“Let me tell you how this is going to go. We’re looking at you and your associates hard for the murder of Tom Forrester and the attempted murder of Avery Hill.”

“Knock yourselves out. We had nothing to do with it.”

“Guess what? We don’t believe you. If you know who did this, and you come clean with us, it could help to reduce your sentences.”

Amber perked up for the first time. “By how much?”

“Shut your mouth, woman.”

“I want to know what they’re offering. I’ve got kids I want to see grow up.”

He gave her a murderous look that had her shrinking into herself.

Sam glanced at the deputy. “Would you mind removing Mr. Peckham from the room?”

“You’re not talking to her without me.”

“Is that what you think?” Sam asked with a laugh.

The deputy hauled Willy to his feet and marched him out of the room.

“If you know what’s good for ya, woman, you’ll keep yer fucking mouth shut!”

The door slammed shut behind him.

Sam looked to Amber, who was quivering.

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