Page 17 of Shameless

There’s a murmur around the room as everyone looks at the person next to them.

“As you can all imagine at this stage we are unable to make an arrest as we’re awaiting the forensic report on what was a very chaotic crime scene.”

Another murmur spreads around the room and I wonder if everyone else who was at the scene today has all that blood, those faceless bodies burned inside their eyelids like I do.

“Everyone here has an alibi of some sort,” the sheriff continues. “Let me be clear that your alibis only go as far as preventing us to arrest someone today. The reason is that with the exception of Mr. Larson, Sheriff Pullin and Mr. Andrews, who were filming the hunt and have a time stamped video that puts them away from the crime scene, everyone else’s alibis aren’t exculpatory by themselves.”

“What does that mean?” Tory, Eddie’s team engineer asks. “I was at the hunt but I never even saw the stables you just mentioned. And two of my teammates can confirm I was with them.” She points at Chanelle, Eddie’s blonde social media manager and girlfriend and one of the team mechanics.

Sheriff Douglas nods. “Exactly. You’re each other’s alibi and you’re close friends or co-workers. Everyone else’s alibis were provided by close friends, family members or people who had a close working relationship with each other. That’s true for everyone who was on the twin island at the time of the murder including some of Mr. Andrews’s staff. I’m sure you all understand how those alibis only help to a certain extent.”

Howard’s voice raises louder than everyone else’s. I’ve always called it his ‘judge voice.’

“So what does it mean in the immediate for all of us? We all have busy lives, I’m sure I’m not the only one who has important business and responsibilities demanding my attention. And unless you intend to charge someone, you can’t keep us here indefinitely. I have a senatorial campaign I interrupted to come to this weekend shindig.”

I suppress a disgusted shiver. I’ve hated his haughty, entitled tone from the first moment Tiffany introduced me to my stepfather. Even when he isn’t clearly trying to intimidate law enforcement, Howard Johnston doesn’t speak, he lectures. He might be rich and buy Tiffany all she wants, but I couldn’t stomach his arrogance twenty-four-seven.

“Judge Johnston is correct,” the sheriff says, his tone deferential. “You’re all allowed to leave?—”

His voice is covered by everyone’s reaction; most people in the room are expressing relief at the news.

“However,” the sheriff raises his voice to be heard over the loud chattering. “There are some stipulations. Everyone in this room has provided us with their address and I strongly encourage you all not to leave your town or the state in the near future. Most ofthe people in this room are from Berry Point or Star Cove and Sheriff Pullin has agreed to help with the investigation there.”

The relief of a few moments ago turns into frustration and in some cases, outrage.

Again, the louder voice belongs to Tiffany’s husband. “That’s unacceptable. Some of us aren’t based in California. My senatorial campaign is in New York. The police certainly can’t expect me to stay behind?”

Again, the sheriff’s tone is almost subservient when he reassures Howard. “No, of course not sir. We’re well aware that you aren’t a flight risk and it’ll be easy to keep track of your whereabouts should we need to ask you any further questions.”

Howard looks put out rather than appeased; it’s as if just the idea of the police needing to talk to him again about the murders was ludicrous.

“Great,” he says, rising from his seat. “In that case, if someone could gather my bags, I’m going to call my helicopter pilot to come and pick me up.”

Tiffany perks up at the news. “Wonderful. This island is starting to make me feel claustrophobic.”

Something passes in Howard’s eyes as he whispers in Tiffany’s ears.

The way my mother stiffens promises nothing but trouble. “Darling.” She objects. “That doesn’t make any sense. You can’t continue your campaign without me, you need me. Besides, where are we supposed to stay? We can’t abuse George’s hospitality any longer?—”

I know it’s bad news when my stepfather’s eyes land on me and his mouth twists in a cruel smile. “We have family in Star Cove, don’t we? My campaign is well underway and I’m not going to need you by my side until the final stretch. You hate all the rallies and speeches anyway and you’re more useful to me in Star Cove.”

Tiffany voices the same question that’s on the tip of my tongue. “How would I be useful in Star Cove?”

Howard looks at me again. “As you know, despite your daughter being under her father’s direct supervision, I’m ultimately still responsible for her conduct as long as she’s on probation.”

My hackles rise at my stepfather’s words. Please don’t ask Tiffany to stay in Star Cove.

Of course the universe has a habit of giving me just the opposite of what I ask.

“You know I sent Lula away because I was worried her presence would hurt my campaign. I need boots on the ground—your boots—to keep an eye on her and do damage control in case she’s involved in what happened here today.”

Charming.

If it was up to Howard and Tiffany, they would have told the sheriff not to bother with the investigation. They’ve already decided I did it.

My chagrin turns into horror at Howard’s next words. “I already have my publicist and legal team working on damage control. Thankfully Lula’s record is sealed. But we need to keep all our bases covered and there’s no one I trust as much as you, Tiffany. Stay in Star Cove for a few weeks to make sure that nothinggets in the way of my election. A change of scenery will be good for Evan too. Losing his future fiancée must be a shock and I’d rather he deal with it away from his frat brothers and from my campaign. So it’s your job to make sure he finds healthy coping mechanisms.”

No, no, no, no.

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