Page 96 of Half Baked

How had I gotten so goddamn lucky?

Not lucky enough to escape my phone ringing while it was still dark outside.

She released a soft moan, and I kissed her cheek before rolling over and grabbing my phone to silence the call. The screen flashed up at me with the time, 6:46, and Lance’s name on the screen.

That wasn’t a good sign.

I carefully slid out of bed and headed into the bathroom as I answered. “What’s up?”

“Howard Bergan is dead.”

My chest tightened.Fuck.“What? How?”

“The nurse found him this morning. He was sitting in his chair with the TV on. It looks like he died in his sleep, but Neil told me about what happened at Déjà Brew last night, and well…it seems possible it was homicide. Especially since Maddie talked to Bergan twice, and the both of you have been asking questions around the area.”

“Agreed.” I cast a worried glance at Maddie, who seemed to still be asleep, then shut the door. “Someone on the staff must have alerted you.”

“Actually, Bergan had a note in his file to call the police to investigate his death whenever or however it occurred.”

“You’re kidding.” I ran a hand over my head. He’d obviously known more than he’d told us, and I’d blown an opportunity to talk to him yesterday. Would Maddie forgive me for putting off reinterviewing him? “On second thought, I’m not surprised. He was paranoid as hell. I suppose with just cause.” I sat on the edge of the tub. “Are you there? Have you seen his body yet?”

“I’m on my way, but I figured you might be interested in checking it out with me.”

“I’d love to, but I can’t be involved in an active investigation.”

“Sure, you can’t be the investigator,” Lance hedged. “But if you happened to stumble upon the crime scene while checking out rooms for Maddie’s aunt…”

I was tempted. While I trusted Lance, he didn’t have as much experience with murder investigations as I did. I was worried he might miss something, and I didn’t trust anyone else on the force to figure it out.

“I can’t bring Maddie.”

“Of course not. There’s no reason to involve her in this. Do you feel comfortable leaving her alone?”

Shit. I peered through the crack of the door. She was still lying on her side, sleeping.

“I’ll tell her to keep the doors locked and not let anyone in. Maybe we can have a unit do some drive-bys while I’m gone.”

“Let me know when you’re leaving, and I’ll make sure it happens.”

“Thanks.”

“Of course.”

I took a quick shower, realizing I was going to smell like Maddie’s jasmine soap, but I didn’t want to shower at home. I always kept a spare change of clothes in my car in a duffel bag, along with a toothbrush. I’d brought the bag in last night, so I brushed my teeth and changed into my jeans and long-sleeve thermal.

When I came out of the bathroom, Maddie was awake but still in bed. The lamp next to her bed was on, casting its glow on her. With her hair fanned out on the pillow, she looked like a goddess.

“I thought you were staying with me today.” The disappointment in her voice broke me.

I sat on the edge of the bed. “I wouldn’t leave unless it was important.” I considered keeping the reason from her, but she’d made it clear she wanted to know the truth—however hard—and this directly involved her. Besides, if she was going to be pissed at me, I wanted it to be out in the open. “Howard Bergan is dead.”

Her mouth parted as she gasped and sat up. “Murdered?”

I ran a hand over my head, my anxiety brewing. “Honestly, I don’t know, but if I had to bet, my marker would be on yes. Lance pulled the case, but I’m going to drop by and give him my opinion.”

“Won’t they call in the crime lab?”

“Probably, but I still want to see for myself.” I paused and my voice broke. “I’m sorry, Maddie.”

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