Page 40 of Only One More Lie

That thought was chilling. Not that Andi hadn’t already considered that option herself, although not exactly in those terms.

“What about Emmett?” Duke asked. “Any thoughts about him?”

“Emmett?” His voice rose with surprise. “He does a decent job here. He was visiting his mom in California when the murders occurred if that’s what you’re wondering. He’s not your guy.”

“Good to know.” Andi leaned closer, trying to make sure Tim was locked into this conversation. “I hate to ask this, but I have to. Do you resent the fact that Juniper took over this place instead of you? After all, you’re older and more experienced.”

Tim’s expression remained tight. “Those were my brother’s wishes, so what can I do? If I had a child, I’d do the same. I do think Juniper is in over her head, and the fact she doesn’t like to listen to any of my advice can be infuriating.”

“I’m sure it can be frustrating.” Duke tapped a finger against the tabletop. “What about you and your brother? Did the two of you get along? Did you have any beefs with him?”

Tim bristled. “What are you implying? That I killed him? Why would I do that?”

“I’m not implying anything.” Duke’s voice remained calm as he skillfully deescalated the situation. “I’m just looking for answers.”

Tim’s shoulders loosened ever so slightly. “No, we got along just fine. He was my older brother, and he was always there for me when I needed him. After I got divorced, I didn’t know where I’d end up. My wife got our son and the house. I wasn’t in a good place mentally, you know? He offered me a job here, and it saved my life. I had no place to go otherwise. So, I guess you could say I owed my life to my brother.”

“Good to know,” Duke murmured.

“Anything else you want to add?” Andi asked before they wrapped this interview up.

Tim let out a long puff of air. “I’ve had this one idea that’s been nagging me for a while. But I’ve never bothered to voice it aloud because I know it will sound crazy.”

Andi leaned forward, anxious to hear what his theory might be.

But before he could start, someone pounding on the door interrupted them.

Duke bristled at the sound of the heavy knocking. Who could be here?

He rose and strode toward the entrance of the cabin, Tim beside him.

When he threw the door open, a man he’d never seen before stood on the other side.

“Can I help you?” Duke asked.

“I’m looking forThe Round Tablepodcasters,” the man muttered. “I heard they were trying to get in touch with me.”

Duke squinted as he tried to place the man. And you are?”

“Name’s Bert,” he stated, underlying anger in his voice.

Tim let out a low growl. “I remember you. You’re the guy who tried to get this place closed down.”

Bert shrugged as if he couldn’t care less. “It’s not my fault you guys don’t live up to people’s expectations.”

“There’s no need to get upset right now.” Andi stepped forward, ever the negotiator. Her gaze turned to Bert. “Why did you come all the way out here?”

“I got a message saying you guys wanted to talk to me and that you were at the lodge investigating this murder. I wanted to know what it was about.”

“A phone call would have sufficed,” Tim muttered with narrowed eyes.

Duke really wished Juniper’s uncle would stay quiet. His reactions only served to stir up more emotions.

“I prefer to have my conversations face to face,” Bert muttered. “So what did you want to talk about?”

“We’re actually in the middle of something right now,” Duke said. “But I can get one of my colleagues over here to talk to you.”

“Are you going to talk about how this place should be shut down?”

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