Page 5 of Breaking Rules

Marnie’s face contorted briefly with shock and sadness, but she quickly regained her composure. She straightened her back, narrowing her eyes slightly. “You surely don’t think this has anything to do with my campaign, do you?”

“It’s standard procedure to start our investigation at the victim’s workplace.” Sam replied smoothly without really answering her question.

“Victim?” Marnie echoed, her voice catching on the word. “You mean... he was murdered?”

Sam half shrugged, his eyes not leaving hers. “We haven’t determined the cause of death yet.”

Marnie’s reaction was calculated. She glanced around at her team, who were hanging on every word.

Turning back to Sam, she composed herself. “Well, please do whatever you need to. Alex was a valuable member of our team. We want to help in any way we can.”

Seamlessly transitioning into her role as a politician, she turned to address the room, her voice resonating with a blend of grief and determination. “Everyone,” Marnie began, her tone commanding the attention of all present, “today, we’ve suffered a tremendous loss. Alex was not just our campaign manager; he was a friend, a confidant, and a pillar of our team.”

A hush fell over the campaigners as they listened, some nodding in agreement, others wiping away tears.

“But we must remember,” Marnie continued, her voice rising, “Alex believed in what we are doing here. He worked tirelessly for this campaign because he believed in a better future for our community.”

She paused, letting her words sink in. “In his memory, let’s honor his dedication. Take the time you need to grieve, but let’s also carry forward his passion. We owe it to Alex to make this the best campaign ever!”

Applause broke out, a mixture of respect for Alex and admiration for Marnie’s leadership.

Sam took that as his cue to leave.

“I don’t think we learned very much in there,” Jo said as they got into the Tahoe. “What did you think of Marnie’s reaction?”

“She acted upset, but it seemed just that—an act,” Sam observed, squinting thoughtfully.

Jo nodded, her expression mirroring Sam’s skepticism. “Yeah, she didn’t miss a beat before turning it into a campaign rally. No doubt she’s not letting anything slow down her run for mayor.”

“She’s a politician through and through,” Sam mused, his mind already turning over the day’s events. “But we can’t rule out anything or anyone yet. This is just the start.”

CHAPTER FOUR

After leaving Marnie’s campaign headquarters, Sam and Jo went back to the station.

Reese was sitting at the reception desk, looking exceptionally pleased with herself. “I managed to sort out that issue with Nettie and Rita over the phone,” she said, beaming, a hint of pride in her voice.

“What was it this time?” Jo asked with a smile. The police department was always fielding calls from Nettie Deardorff and Rita Hoelscher. If it wasn’t Nettie complaining about Rita’s goat, Bitsy, it was Rita complaining about Nettie’s chicken. Jo thought they just wanted attention, but the department always responded to each call.

“Nettie said that Bitsy is a peeping Tom. She said she might not have known, but there were hoofprints in the snow under her window.” Reese shook her head. “I told her that we’d talk to Rita. That seemed to appease her.”

Sam laughed. “Keep it up, and you’ll be an officer in no time.”

“And if you’re lucky, one of them will send you a fruitcake,” Jo added as she headed toward the squad room.

Major was in his usual spot atop a filing cabinet. He regarded both Jo and Sam with a disdainful hiss as they entered.

“Looks like Major’s in a foul mood today,” Jo said.

But Major’s mood seemed to soften as Lucy trotted in. The cat eyed her calmly.

Sam, Jo, and Wyatt exchanged raised-brow looks. “Guess Major’s mood doesn’t extend to Lucy.”

“Where’s Kevin?” Sam glanced around.

Wyatt answered, still typing away. “Went to Golden View. That’s the assisted-living place where Frank Milson lived. Should be back any minute.

Jo made coffees, and Kevin came in just as she was finishing.

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