Page 47 of Lie for a Million

“Yes.”

“Was she the girlfriend you claim that Frank Culhane stole from you?”

“Yes.”

“Are you still in contact with her?”

“She says we’re done. But we’ll see about that.”

Watson gave his client a scowl. Sam wondered what kind of rise he’d get out of Judd if he were to mention Crystal’s pregnancy. He decided against it.

“Mr. Proctor, can you tell me where you were between midnight and six a.m. on the night Frank Culhane was killed?”

“Probably drunk. I don’t remember that far back. But I sure as hell wasn’t anywhere near Frank Culhane. And I didn’t kill him—even though I wanted to. Somebody else did me that favor.” Judd was ignoring his lawyer’s advice.

“Think about it,” Sam said. “Where would you have been that night? Did you go home? Did you have anybody with you who can verify where you might have been?”

“Like a woman, you mean? Like maybe the bitch that threw me over for an old prick with money? Maybe she was with him. Maybe you ought to talk to her.”

“Are you saying you don’t have an alibi, Mr. Proctor?”

Watson stood. “I think we’re done here, Agent. My client needs to go back to his cell. Unless you have probable cause, I don’t see any need for you to talk with him again.”

“Fine for now.” Sam knew when to keep his tone polite. “I’ll let you know if anything changes.”

Sam ended the recording, left the jail, and headed back to the ranch. The interview had gone about the way he’d expected it would. It had also left him wondering whether Judd Proctor was as unsophisticated as he appeared to be, or if his crude manner was a clever pose. Either way he remained high on Sam’s list of suspects. He’d hated Frank, and he looked strong enough to easily overpower the older man. As a drug dealer he’d have ready access to fentanyl; and the large syringe could be ordered online or bought at a veterinary supply store. Only one piece of the puzzle didn’t fit. Why had the syringe been found in the creek near the McKenna place?

The crime lab had found traces of fentanyl but no prints or DNA. Sam swore out loud as the thought struck him. What if the syringe had been a decoy? What if it hadn’t been the murder weapon after all? He needed to call Nick.

* * *

Crystal was broke again. She’d spent the last of her $15,000 windfall for the deposit and first month’s rent on a shabbily furnished one-bedroom apartment in the basement of an old house that had been converted into rental units. The plumbing clanked and she’d already killed two cockroaches. This was all she could afford until more payments came in. At least it was better than living at the Blue Rose Motel.

Days ago, she’d been celebrating her newfound fortune. Now she couldn’t even afford to put gas in her car. At least she’d had the good sense to keep her job at Jackalope’s. Until Lila came through with another check, she was going to need the work.

Every day, she’d waited for the ring of her cell phone, hoping the wretched woman would call. But the phone had remained maddeningly silent. Crystal was growing desperate. It was time to take matters into her own hands.

She pulled her bathrobe tighter as she sat down on the sagging Naugahyde couch and scrolled her phone to Lila’s number. She hesitated for the space of a breath. What if something had gone wrong? What if Lila had decided not to adopt her baby or even help with expenses?

Summoning her courage, Crystal made the call.

At Lila’s chilly hello, she almost lost heart. Something about the woman’s Grace Kelly looks and ice queen manner always made Crystal feel low class. But with her need so desperate, giving up was not an option.

“Is this a good time to talk, Mrs. Culhane?” she asked.

“As good as any. Didn’t I say I would call you?”

“Yes. But I need to know if you—?”

“If I plan to adopt your baby?” Her voice was emotionless. “I haven’t decided yet. That’s why I haven’t called you. But there’s another matter. Someone told me you have a boyfriend.”

Crystal felt her stomach clench. “Ihada boyfriend. We broke up before I met Frank.” It was true except for the timing. “He’s in jail. I’m totally through with him.”

“I’m glad to hear that. A man like that wouldn’t be good for you or the baby. If I hear you’re back with him, we’re done. Do you understand?”

“Absolutely. I told you, I already broke up with him. But that’s not why I’m calling.”

“Let me guess. You need more money. I gave you fifteen thousand dollars. Are you saying you’ve already spent it?”

---