Page 33 of Tango
“I spoke to Wilbur Huck this morning and let him know we were hired to find Frank’s missing nephew. I left out Alice Sterling’s name, but he was furious when he discovered the video of her shooting Ramiro had been leaked.”
“I’m leaning toward the belief that he leaked it himself to make sure we didn’t believe her story when we found her. If he’s as deeply embedded in this as Alice says he is, then he’ll be doing everything he can to cover his tracks.”
Bradyn nods. “Honestly, that was my first impression too. We just need to decide whether or not she’s actually guilty. And if she’s not, then we need to find out the truth about what she and Ramiro Caine stumbled into.”
The Pine Creek sheriff’s station is relatively small with only two deputies, Sheriff Gibson, and a receptionist. I offer her a wave now as I step into the station. Gibson glances up through the glass window in his office then sets down whatever papers he was reading before heading out into the main area.
“Anything?”
“Nothing concrete,” I tell him. “Though I’m certain she’s innocent. I’d like to go ahead and take her out.”
Gibson looks unconvinced. “Look, if she’s not innocent, and I let a killer walk free?—”
“I promise she’s not going anywhere. But I could use her help. If someone from Web Safe did this, chances are good that she can prove it.”
“How do you know she won’t manipulate the footage to prove she’s innocent?”
“Because I’ll know,” I reply. “Can you take me to the holding cells?”
Gibson hesitates only a second then nods. “Sure thing.” He withdraws a set of keys from his pocket then unlocks a door at the back before pulling it open and leading me down a white hallway. Once we reach the end, I note two empty cells, with the third containing Alice.
She’s lying on a cot, staring up at the ceiling.
“Don’t get too comfortable,” I say.
She practically leaps off the cot, crystal eyes wide and bright. “Did you find out who did it?”
“Not yet. But I’m working on it. You ready to get out?”
Her pale gaze narrows on me. “You’re letting me out even though you have no proof that I’m not a cold-blooded killer?”
“I don’t believe that you killed Ramiro,” I say. “Though if you’d rather wait around?—”
“Nope. No offense, Sheriff, these really are great cells. Excellent customer service.” She retrieves her jacket from the cot, slips back into her boots, then gets up and starts toward the door as he unlocks it. “Thanks.” She takes a deep breath.
“You’re welcome,” he replies with a tight smile.
“Are you hungry?” I ask.
“Starving,” she replies before looking at Gibson again. “Again, no offense.”
He chuckles. “None taken.” Then she turns to me. “Lani came by and checked her arm, then cleaned and redressed it. She said that it’s looking better now that she’s on the antibiotics. But I’m to remind you that Alice is not—and these are Lani’s exact words—to be anywhere in the vicinity of danger until Lani gives the all clear.”
I laugh. That’s so Lani.
“Like I told the good doctor, we’ll do our best,” Alice replies. “Won’t we, Tucker?” Alice kneels down to lace up her combat boots.
I arch a brow. “Sure thing.”
Gibson holds up his hands. “It’s out of my hands now. I just hope you’re right,” he says to me.
“I am,” I reply.
“Great. See you guys later.” He heads down the hall, and I wait until Alice is done lacing up her boots before we follow.
“He hopes you’re right—would that be in relation to my innocence?”
“It would.”
