Page 22 of Breaking Rules

“I’ll dig into his background,” Wyatt offered, already typing again.

“Don’t spend too much time on that. Feldman can’t be connected to the Sheridan case. Jo, you and Kevin follow up on those leads from the Moose.”

“On it.” Jo nodded, grabbing her jacket.

“Reese, keep working on those currents and hydrology with your academy friend.”

“You got it, Chief,” Reese said, picking up the phone.

Sam snapped his fingers, and Lucy trotted over to his side. “While you guys are doing that, Lucy and I are going to have a little chat with Marnie Wilson.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Sam strode into Marnie Wilson’s campaign headquarters, Lucy at his side. Amelia’s eyes widened when she saw him.

“Chief Mason!” She glanced nervously at Marnie’s office door. “Ms. Wilson is quite busy at the moment.”

“I’m sure she can spare a few minutes.” Sam’s tone left no room for argument.

Staffers gathered around Lucy, cooing and petting her. One hung back, speaking urgently on the phone—the same one who’d done so the first time they’d been there. Sam avoided eye contact with Monica. He didn’t want anyone to guess that she’d given him information.

Marnie emerged from her office, a practiced smile on her face. “Chief Mason, what a pleasant surprise. Please, come in.”

Sam and Lucy followed her inside, closing the door behind them.

Lucy sat next to Sam, eyeing Marnie warily. The dog didn’t seem to like the politician. She probably sensed something humans couldn’t sense.

“Are you here to give me your endorsement?” Marnie asked, her voice honey sweet. She perched on the edge of her desk, crossing her legs.

Sam ignored her flirtation. “Why did you lie about the night Alex was killed?”

Marnie’s smile faltered. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Someone told us that Alex was in your office that night.”

Marnie glanced out the glass office wall into the room. “Who?”

Sam crossed his arms over his chest. “Someone reliable. Is it true?”

“I...” Marnie’s composure cracked. “I must have forgotten.”

Sam studied Marnie’s face. “Forgotten? Or deliberately misled us?”

Marnie slipped off the desk and stepped behind it, putting a barrier between them. “I would never mislead the police, Chief Mason.”

“Then why didn’t you mention this before?”

“Alex was my campaign manager. He came in here a lot at night.” Marnie waved her hand dismissively. “We would go over what happened during the day, discuss whether there was anything I needed to do or pay attention to. All the times blend together. I don’t keep track.”

“Did you usually argue with him?”

“Never.” Marnie shook her head vehemently.

“But the person overheard you arguing that night.”

Marnie’s brow furrowed. “I don’t recall...”

Sam waited, watching her closely.

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