Page 89 of The Luminosity of Loriana Harper

Zach caught her by the arm. “You okay?”

She waved him off. Then she moved to Mitch’s side. “What does that have to do with anything? Mitch wasn’t responsible for her disappearance, and he certainly didn’t cause her death. So you can just be on your way.” She made a shooing motion. “I’d invite you to take some food with you, but I’m not feeling generous.”

“Loriana?”

All nine people in the room pivoted.

Marnie stood in the entryway to the dining room, her face ashen. She cleared her throat. “I heard yelling. Or raised voices.” She scanned the room, obviously taking in the appearance of each person. Finally, she settled on Colton. “What’s going on?”

“Lovely to see you, Miss Jones. You’re looking well.”

God, could the cop spout any more bullshit? Marnie was clearly terrified.

“We’re just here to bring Mr. Alexander in for questioning,” the man continued. “And we’re asking him to provide fingerprints.”

“Do you have a warrant?”

Now everyone pivoted back to Zach.

Colton cleared his throat. “Voluntary request. On behalf of the police in Mountain View.”

Zach put himself between Colton and Mitch, leaning in toward the latter. “You don’t have to give fingerprints voluntarily.”

“Counselor, this isn’t your jurisdiction.” Colton glared at Zach. “And I thought you were on the side of justice.”

“I might be a crown prosecutor,” Zach countered, “But I’m also a lawyer who can see where someone might need legal counsel.” He pivoted back to Mitch. “They can’t compel you without a warrant.”

“Not helping,” Colton grumbled.

“Tough shit,” Zach countered. He held up his hands. “I’m just offering advice.” He turned back to Mitch. “Don’t talk to the police without a lawyer present. I don’t care how innocent you are—get a lawyer.”

Jesus Christ.

Panic threatened to overwhelm Mitch. Marjorie was dead. That vivacious woman who was always the life of the party was dead. And someone thought he’d done it. That he was somehow capable of snuffing out another person’s life. The thought was so ridiculous, he almost laughed out loud. He re-homed spiders, for crying out loud. He wasn’t capable of killing anyone.

On second thought… No, he wouldn’t kill the cocky cop. He might clock him one in the face, but even he didn’t wish this asshole dead.

Yet, as he looked around the room, he didn’t see himself reflected in anyone else. He was the outsider to this group. And yes, he was Loriana’s boyfriend, but that afforded him no special consideration.

“Marnie.”

Marcus’s alarm yanked Mitch from his momentary loss of concentration. He turned to see the young woman swaying. He moved instinctively, but the physiotherapist was there faster.

That she made no protest as he grasped her under her arms spoke volumes.

“Marcus?”

Loriana’s alarm was clear.

“I got it.” He was already guiding Marnie into the living room and away from the horrific tension. “And Owen’s here too,” was his last comment.

Owen? Right. The doctor. Another eminently suitable single guy. This house was full of them.

Dorrie stepped around Zach and gazed up at Mitch. “We can’t compel you to come without a warrant. But we’re requesting voluntary compliance at this time. It’s a murder investigation, and you might be able to shed some light on the circumstances surrounding Ms. Dawes’s death.”

The woman’s demeanor was open, and Mitch found himself wanting to believe her. “I want to help. I think it’s horrible that Marjorie is dead. But I didn’t do it, and I have no idea who did. I can’t help.”

“Well, if we can take your fingerprints, then we can eliminate you as a suspect.”

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