Page 44 of Deadly Revenge

“I’m afraid so ... and Paul Nelson’s body was found last night.”

His eyes bulged, and the old man licked his lips. “Wasn’t nothing like a heart attack, was it?”

“No, I’m afraid Mr. Nelson was shot.”

“And the Slaters?”

“They weren’t shot, but we’re not certain it was an accident.”

Mr. Darby leaned against the back of the booth, his face pasty.

Jenna hadn’t expected the news to hit the man so hard. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have dropped this on you like that—I really thought you would’ve heard the news. Are you all right?”

He leaned forward and grabbed his glass of water, gulping it. When he set the glass back on the table, he muttered something under his breath that Jenna didn’t catch. Then he looked up at her. “Are you sure it wasn’t an accident?”

“We’re not sure of anything at this point, except three people are dead. Is there anything you can tell me about the people involved?”

“No. I don’t know anything that could help you.”

He’d answered a little too fast. “You’re certain you don’t know someone who would want these three people dead.”

“Don’t have a clue.” He grabbed his ball cap and set it on his head. “I gotta get home.”

“Mr. Darby, if you know anything that would help us with these deaths, you need to tell me.”

When he looked up, his demeanor had changed. The shock had faded and his guileless blue eyes held hers. “I don’t know what’s going on around here, and I like it like that. It’s why I hardly ever come to town. Haven’t seen the Slaters or Paul Nelson in years, so I have no idea what happened.”

She took a card from her pocket and held it out. “If you remember or hear anything, give me a call.”

Darby looked at the card like it was a snake, and she laid it on the table.

“Don’t expect I’ll hear anything.” He slid out of the booth and stood. “Good day to you.”

Jenna’s baloney meter was going off loud and clear. “Keep my card, anyway. Who knows? Something may come to you.”

“No need.” He left her card on the table and walked out the door, passing Max as he came back in.

She picked up her card and returned to their table.

Max nodded toward the door. “Who was that?”

“Mr. Darby.”

“The janitor at city hall?” Max seemed to have something on his mind.

“One and the same, and before you ask, he wouldn’t tell me anything. Although he did seem shocked about the Slaters and Paul Nelson.”

“Okay.”

There was definitely something on his mind. Jenna waited for him to spit it out, and when he didn’t, she said, “What’s bothering you?”

“Let’s wait until we head to your house.” He grabbed her check, and she frowned.

“Hey, we’re going Dutch.”

“Not today.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, and he held up his hands. “Can’t an old friend buy you lunch?”

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