Page 61 of No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding

Is that better or worse?

“What did you tell him?”

“The wiring was loose and that’s what caused the short.”

“Could that have been done on purpose?”

“Impossible to say. The wiring is old and was on the maintenance list to be replaced.”

“Why didn’t you replace it, then?” Oliver asks.

“Management didn’t approve it. I’m sure they will now.” A phonebeeps!in José’s pocket. “Is that all?”

“Who has access to the panel?”

“Anyone with keys. It’s locked.”

“It wasn’t locked this morning.”

“That doesn’t mean anything,” José says. “The person who turned it on this morning likely simply forgot to lock it.”

“Who turned it on?”

He shifts uncomfortably.

“Was it you?”

“Yes, it was. But I didn’t notice anything out of sorts.”

“We’re not accusing you of anything,” Oliver says. “We just want to know what happened.”

“Where are the keys kept?” I ask. “Maybe someone tampered with the wiring yesterday.”

“I have a set. One is kept in the maintenance shed back there.” He points over his shoulder as his phonebeeps!again.

“Do you need to get that?” I ask.

“I’m good.”

“Has anyone been in the shed who shouldn’t be?”

“Not that I’ve noticed.”

“And the extra keys?”

“Are right on the hook where they should be.”

“Is the hook labeled?” Oliver asks.

“Yes.”

“That’s not very secure,” I say.

Oliver puts a hand on my shoulder. “Thank you for your time, José.”

The radio on his hip crackles.

“You’re a popular man.”

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