Page 40 of Puzzle for Two

“Regardless.”

“He was surprised for sure. I think it was clear there was no going back.”

“Be careful what you wish for,” Flint commented. “Do you think your client was honest with you?”

“No.” That time Zach didn’t have to think about it.

“Do you think your client’s failure to tell you the truth about what was going on limited your ability to investigate?”

Zach wrestled with it. Certainly, to some extent, his investigation had been hampered by misinformation and misunderstanding of the overall situation. But the real roadblock had been the fact that Alton seemed more interested in seducing Zach than allowing him to investigate. He’d actually seemed a bit impatient, even bored with Zach’s attempts to figure out what was going on.

When he didn’t answer, Flint said, “I don’t know how much, if any, responsibility you have in Beacher’s death. We all have to own up to our actions, so for damn sure your client also bears responsibility. And if he failed to be honest with you, if he hamstrung your investigation by lying to you, that’s definitely on him.”

“I still—”

“I know you still,” Flint cut in. “And I’m not saying it was okay for Mrs. Alton Beacher to cut Mr. Beacher’s brake line, but I still stand by my theory that your client was planning to get rid of his wife.”

Zach stared. “Is that what happened? Was a brake line cut?”

“I have no idea. Yet. I’m going with the obvious scenario for now. I have a call in to a friend at the sheriff’s office.”

Zach turned that over in his mind for a moment. “You don’t think there was any chance it was an accident?”

“You’re joking.”

Zach frowned. “But then…”

Flint’s dark brows rose in inquiry.

Zach said doubtfully, “Does that mean you’re investigating this?”

“Hell yes, I’m investigating this,” Flint said. “We’reinvestigating this.”

Chapter Eleven

Zach’s initial flash of hope faded. “I appreciate the offer, but I think this is now a matter for the police.”

Flint gave a slight shake of his head. “I’m not asking your permission; I’m telling you I’m going to investigate. I assume we’re combining forces, but that’s your call.”

“But…”

Flint’s brows drew together. “But what?”

“We can’t—the police won’t want or need outside interference.”

“Spoken like the kid of an ex-cop.”

Zach flushed. “It happens to be the truth. Not to mention, we don’t have a client. Who’s going topayfor this investigation?”

Flint drawled, “I see. You’re too busy with all your other cases to do a pro bono?”

Zach could feel the flush receding from his cheeks. “No. You know I don’t—I’m not. That doesn’t explain why it makes sense for you—for either of us—to interfere in a police investigation.”

“Who said interfere? I’m not planning on interfering.”

“That’s how our involvement will be viewed. I can guarantee it.”

“Well, I won’t argue. You’re the expert on that angle. But you’re sitting here chewed up with guilt over Beacher’s death. Wouldn’t you like to know whether you’ve got anything to be guilty about?”

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