Page 31 of Conquering Oz

“Let’s play ‘pick the brain of your favorite police officer.’”

“Ah, Jesus,” Chris muttered, rolling his eyes. This wasn’t the first time a simple dinner had turned into an interrogation. Though, Elodie hadn’t planned on it tonight. Chris rarelyentertained their interest in true crime, but occasionally he shared some stories with them.

Madalyn hooked her arm through Chris’s and leaned into him. “You know some wives don’t take any interest in their husband’s job. You should be happy me and Elle want to take an active role in yours.”

“Active role?” Chris asked and glanced over at Elodie, eyeing her suspiciously. Elodie held up her hands, shaking her head.

“Babe, we’ve seen about fifty true crime documentaries. We’re experts.” Madalyn snickered. “What can you share about Sal Caruso?”

He narrowed his gaze. “Nothing.”

Chris was usually tight-lipped about his work and current investigations. But this was different. Sal Caruso, from everything she’d learned, was no longer active in the criminal community.

Elodie weighed her options. She could just let it go, and it wouldn’t go anywhere. But she’d probably never get this chance again if Chris shut Madalyn down. It was too tempting, and she couldn’t resist. And unknowingly, neither could Madalyn.

“Come on, Chris. It’s Elle’s birthday. Give us something.”

He turned to his wife with a scowl. “Is this why you were asking last week?”

Madalyn smiled, wrapping her hand over his bicep.

“We’re practically detectives, baby,” Madalyn teased, sharing a look and a wink with Elodie.

Chris grabbed his glass, shook his head, and muttered something before taking a long sip. Elodie had her doubts he’d indulge them. He placed his iced tea on the table and folded his arms.

“Sal Caruso was before my time,” he said. It was a good effort to shut down the conversation, but Madalyn was insistent.

“You have to know something.”

“Fine.” He sighed, resting his elbows on the table. “What do you want to know?”

“Everything!” Madalyn blurted.

Elodie silently cringed. Her friend was coming across as too eager. They needed to ease into the questions.

“I’m going to need you to be a little more specific, baby.”

Madalyn glanced over at her. Elodie drew in a breath, prepared to take the lead. It was imperative she asked the right questions to not raise suspicions.

“He’s local, right? All his alleged crimes happened in Lawry and the surrounding areas. And from everything we know, he was never convicted of anything. How’s that possible?”

Chris stared at Elodie but remained silent.

“Unless he’s innocent with a nasty streak of false allegations.” Elodie said.

Chris scoffed, which led her to believe he wasn’t buying that claim. This was good. They were making headway.

“What do you think, Chris?” Elodie asked.

“About what?”

“Sal Caruso.”

Chris glanced down at his wife, then turned to her. “I’m more interested in what you think, Elle. Tell me your theory.”

Shit!Had she had more time to go over her approach, she probably wouldn’t have exposed so much. Unfortunately…

“Well, he wasallegedlythe leader and boss of an illegal organization. A mafia, if you will. Lots of charges and none of them stuck.”

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