Page 8 of Shameless

That catches the sheriff’s attention. “Interesting. And did you see the shooter or are you just repeating what Rikki told you?”

I explain that Jules and I didn’t see anyone at first. At least not anyone living.

“Did Rikki give you a description of the shooter?”

I think hard about Rikki’s words, I was so upset and shocked that I barely remember what he said. “I think he mentioned dark clothing. A hoodie maybe?”

The sheriff considers my words for a long moment. “Right, thank you. Can you say with absolute certainty that Mr. Cutler was with you all night? Or is it possible that he left you at any point?”

“Jules didn’t leave. He couldn’t have. The storm didn’t end until dawn and we were both cold and lost.”

Heat rises to my face at the memory of how Jules kept me warm.

I look away from the sheriff but the situation doesn’t improve when I meet Dad’s gaze.

To my relief, Dad doesn’t seem concerned with what company I had last night. “Are we done here? As you heard, my daughter wasn’t feeling well last night. She looks a little flushed, I’d like to make sure she isn’t running a fever since she was in the rain for a while.”

By the look on the sheriff’s face, I think my wellbeing isn’t his main concern right now.

“Almost done, Mr. Turner. The more thorough we are today, the least you’ll have to hear from us as we continue with our investigation.” He turns his attention back to me. “You’re well enough to answer a couple more questions, right Miss Turner?”

I nod and then I force myself to confirm verbally. “I’m ok.”

“Miss Turner, did either of your stepbrothers or one of the James brothers ever express anger toward their father?”

Is the sky blue? I bite my tongue and opt for a more diplomatic answer. “They had a lot of feelings toward Mr. Branagh and his return to Star Cove. They were trying to work things out. As it is, they all needed the job at Star Thunders.”

The corners of the sheriff’s mouth curl into a cunning smile. “Right. And Jules in particular never expressed feelings of violence toward his father for leaving him? For having a secret family for years?”

We have nothing to hide.

Jules’s words echo in my head and I shake my head. “No. He needed Eddie’s job. He was angry but he would never—Jules didn’t do it, he would never kill anyone. And he couldn’t have done it, he was with me all night.”

The sheriff’s eyes shine with interest. “Did you know that the murder weapon is an antique shotgun that was Jules’s property?”

I nod. “Yeah, his grandpa left it to him. But he lent it to my dad for the quail hunt—” I stop in my tracks, worried about this line of questioning.

“What were you going to say, Miss Turner? Jules lent the rifle to your father for the hunt, right?”

I look at Dad and I’m relieved when he nods, encouraging me to continue. “He did.”

“Did you see the rifle at all since the ferry took you to Twinberry Cove yesterday afternoon?”

I shake my head again. “No, but I don’t think Jules had it.”

Dad intervenes. “I already gave you my statement about how the rifle was missing from its case in my room this morning. The last time I checked it, it was last night before the party here at the main house. When I went to retrieve it this morning, the case was empty.”

The sheriff interrupts Dad. “I’m familiar with your version of the story, Mr. Turner. I’m just interested in Talulah’s perception of it.”

I answer the sheriff’s question. “No, I didn’t see the rifle at all. I haven’t seen it in years. Since Arianna’s Dad was still around.”

That was the information the sheriff must have been after, because he writes it down, repeating what I said verbatim.

“So if we check the weapon for fingerprints, you’d be confident that we won’t find yours? Or would that jog your memory that you did see it after all since you arrived?”

I know he’s baiting me, or at least he’s trying to but for once I’m telling the truth. “No, you wouldn’t find my fingerprints on that rifle, or on any of the rifles used for the hunt. I’m not a big fan of firearms.”

The sheriff writes down my latest answer. “And if I ask Mr. Cutler the same questions I just asked you, will he confirm your story? That you were together all night and this morning and that neither of you had the shotgun we found at the stables in their possession at any time during the last twenty-four hours?”

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