Page 46 of Deadly Avarice
“That it is, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Well, I’d certainly trade him constantly being in danger, but not the fact that I’m the one attempting to keep the wolves at bay,” Franklin answered, earning his hand a squeeze from me.
“It’s not that bad,” I huffed.
Franklin’s eyes widened and his eyebrows met his hairline. “Not that bad?”
I squirmed. “Well, it’s not my fault,” I corrected.
“Now that I can agree with,” Franklin answered. “Mostly.”
“Hey, I—”
Detective Cardoza cleared his throat, drawing my attention. “As you were saying earlier, the Titus McMahon case could be behind this. Assuming the man is still alive. I’m afraid it’s not a secret that you’re a consultant on the case. Both families have been notified, my boss and probably all of this precinct is aware, and I have no idea how many others at Pablo Jimenez’s insurance company are aware. Unfortunately, that’s a long list of possibilities.”
Franklin groaned while sliding down into his chair. “Just once, I’d like to have an exact, quick name regarding your attacker.”
My grin was wide when I answered, “Where would the fun be in that?”
Franklin only groaned louder.
Chapter
Fifteen
Franklin
The remains lying within the box on the table were…sparse. I’d seen more in an urn with cremains. I wasn’t certain which bones survived the fire that consumed Thomas Speedler’s body. All I knew was that there weren’t many. “That’s all that’s left?” I asked. Maybe there were more elsewhere, and they’d only brought out a few for Boone to make contact with.
“That’s it,” Cardoza responded.
“That must have been one hell of an inferno.” I stared at the charred remains. A simple bonfire wouldn’t be enough to break a body down to these small bits. It took a fuck-ton of heat and time.
“The report mentions there was barely anything left of the vehicle they were found within,” Cardoza answered.
“That’s pretty fucking suspicious in its own right.” I’d seen a lot of homicides and this sang that tune.
Cardoza agreed. “There were many questions at the time. Unfortunately, nothing could be proven on our end, but McMahon’s insurance company didn’t need the kind of proof a police investigation requires. They could explore avenues we legally could not.”
Boone smiled. “Until I stepped in.”
I managed to keep my groan internal this time. While, yes, I was very proud of the man standing beside me, his continued knack for sticking his necromancer nose places others didn’t want was worrisome. It placed Boone at risk. Today was simply another reminder of that haunting fact.
Cardoza nodded. “Necromancer Boone is correct. While his testimony alone will not be enough in a court of law, his word is enough to reopen a police investigation. I’ve listened to the recording Mr. Jimenez has. Unfortunately, recordings can be tampered with. An officer of the law needs to be present to launch an official inquiry.”
I knew what that meant, why Boone needed to come back to St. Tammany Parish. Typically, this wouldn’t be all that taxing. However, Boone had been through a lot today. I didn’t want him pushing himself again. “This can wait,” I told Boone. “We can always come back when you’ve had time to rest and recover.” And it would bewe. I wasn’t about to let Boone out of my sight.
“It’s okay,” Boone answered, just as I knew he would. “I’d rather get this over with.”
“What about the Meeker case?” I asked.
Boone waved me off. “I did cancel that one. I already contacted Janet. She was very understanding.”
I was glad to hear that. I’d need to check with Captain Cicely and find a time I could accompany Boone to that appointment. Again, I wasn’t letting him out of my sight.
Shifting his head from side to side and stretching his neck, I caught the slight wince and asked, “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Boone’s soft smile appeared more apologetic than reassuring. “My neck hurts. I activated one of Pops’s pain charms earlier, but it’s wearing off.” Before I could say more, Boone placed his hand on my chest, his big, green eyes stared up at me. Damn, I could get lost in those eyes. They were so clear,so fucking honest. Boone would be shit at playing poker. The man’s eyes betrayed every single thought, including his love and affection for me.
“I promise I’ll let you know if I think I need to go to the hospital,” Boone said. With a wince, he pulled away. “I’d rather not if we don’t have to. A lot of medical staff don’t exactly like treating me.”
