Page 5 of Shameless

“In more ways than one,” Jules agrees.

If they weren’t right about the shitty situation we’re all in, I would laugh at the fact that it took three gruesome murders to get Crew and Jules to agree on something.

I keep my eyes trained on Tiffany, my senses on high alert because if she’s here with Evan, chances are that her husband is here with them.

My fears are confirmed when the sheriff enters the room with Scott Larson, another middle aged man I don’t know, and Howard in tow.

The four men are discussing something but their voices aren’t loud enough to carry on amidst the chatter in the crowded living room.

“Darling!” Tiffany shoots up from her seat, an antique chair by the huge bay window that offers a breathtaking view of the blue sea glittering in the distance. “Are you ok?”

I snort, barely managing to hide an eye roll. Anyone who has met my mother could testify that Tiffany isn’t the caring type.

Unless you’re someone she wants to ingratiate with or the man who pays for her lavish lifestyle.

For as long as I can remember, Tiffany was never kind or caring with Dad. Her tune changed when she finally found the rich man who can provide the wealth and prestige she’s always been hungry for.

When she’s in Howard’s presence, Mom turns into a disconcerting blend between a love struck teenager and a 1950s housewife whose only purpose is to take care of her man.

Her husband offers her a curt nod. “I’m good. Are you ok, Tiffany?”

Tiff fans herself with her skinny hand, the light in the room catching the huge diamond ring on her finger. “I will be, thanks. The scene was…” her voice breaks as if she was trying to contain her tears. “Is Evan ok? Poor kid, his beautiful girlfriend?—”

Howard steps forward, wrapping a protective arm around his wife’s shoulders. “He’s understandably shaken. He and George are being supported by a grief counselor who came with the police.”

Tiffany nods, wiping a nonexistent tear at the corner of her eye. “Poor Evan. What a tragedy. He and Maura were so perfect together. Who would hurt such a lovely, well poised young woman?” Her voice goes up a few octaves, projecting around the room.

I agree with Tiffany that Maura was cool, but I wish she quit with the theatrics. If I have to believe what Evan told me last night, he and Maura hadn’t been seeing each other for that long.

“Yeah, Evan must be distraught. So much so that he would harass his stepsister, rather than celebrating his girlfriend’s birthday last night.” Jules whispers, as if reading my mind.

“What? Did your asshole stepbrother bother you?” Crew asks, lacing his fingers through mine. “Lula, why didn’t you say anything last night? I?—”

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the man who came into the room with Sheriff Pullin and Scott Larson steps forward, addressing all of us. “May I have your attention, please? My name is Alan Douglas. I’m the sheriff in Berry Point. The Twinberry Cove Islands fall under my direct jurisdiction, so I’ll be officially in charge of the investigation that will follow this morning’s events. Sheriff Pullin has kindly agreed to help me with the interviewswe need to carry out before we can move forward and allow people to leave the islands. As you can imagine, we need to check everyone’s whereabouts during the hours of seven and eight this morning. The sooner we can confirm everyone’s location, the sooner you can all go back to your own homes. As far as we were able to establish, the people we want to hear from are the participants in this morning’s quail hunt, the staff on the island during that time and a few other individuals who were at the scene when Sheriff Pullin arrived. Everyone else, who was back here at the main house for breakfast has been already escorted back to Berry Point.”

The sheriff looks at Dad, his tone changing from practical to respectful. “Mr. Turner, let’s start with you. Mr. Andrews’s staff have made a couple of rooms available, so we can conduct the interviews in private.”

Dad nods, giving Arianna’s hand a squeeze before following the sheriff.

Sheriff Pullin looks at Tiffany. “Mrs. Turner-Johnston, would you mind following me?”

Tiffany looks at her husband. “Is that necessary, darling? I’m already so shaken. It’s obvious I didn’t do it. I was hoping I could just go to my room and change out of these dreadful hunting clothes.”

Howard ushers his wife toward the living room door, guiding her with a hand on the small of her back. “It won’t take long, Tiffany. I’ve already given my statement and Evan is doing that as we speak.”

A look passes between Howard and the sheriff. Sheriff Pullin is a local, born and bred in Star Cove, but the reverence on hiseyes when he looks at my federal judge and senate candidate stepfather leaves no doubt about what kind of treatment Howard and Tiffany are going to get.

Howard’s immense prestige and important connections were as attractive as his wealth in the eyes of a social climber like my mom. She always called it the “VIP experience” or the “white glove service” and she was always jealous of Arianna’s wealth and connections.

I shake my head at the thought that justice doesn’t seem to have the same weight for everyone.

“You ok, Luls?” Jules’s dark blue eyes are fixed onto mine as he squeezes my hand.

“I don’t know,” I sigh. “I was just looking at Tiffany. Her husband isn’t even running for office and she already acts like the First Lady. Did you see her just now? She tried to imply that since she’s Howard’s wife, there was no need to interview her. And Howard basically said it’s just a formality.”

My stepbrother’s eyes are serious when he asks me the next question. “Yeah, I saw. But I mean, you don’t think they have anything to do with the murders?”

Do I?

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