Page 3 of Cinnamon Cider Whiskey
Bullshit.
Of course, he knew he shouldn’t be so antagonistic with a federal agent, but this was getting out of hand. He’d done nothing wrong.
“But she never made it to Boise.” Belmont took out a pen and notepad. “You were the last one to see her alive.”
“That’s not true and you know it.” Austin took another sip of his beverage before setting it on the end table and leaning forward. He hated this game and was tired of playing it. “I helped her pack her car and watched her drive from this house. Two other people at Whiskey Ranch have made official statements with the state police that they saw her after I did. You also have witnesses at a gas station and a credit card record that prove she left this ranch.” He held up his hand when Belmont opened his mouth. “I was here at the Whiskey Ranch, doing myjob. My boss has stated that fact, as well as others. We can go find them and you can talk to them if you’d like.”
“That won’t be necessary. I have all their statements.” Belmont rested his hand on his pad. “Your story for that first twelve or so hours checks out. But here’s where it gets confusing.” He licked his finger and flipped the pages backward. “Charity called Tom when she was gassing up her vehicle. She stated that she would stop and have a drink with her friend Cathy.”
“Cathy is her best friend. I’m not surprised she’d want to spend time with her and tell her about everything that happened.”
“But you know she never made it to meet Cathy.” Belmont scanned his handy little notebook.
“I’m aware of that fact.” Austin nodded.
“Here’s the thing. Most people sleep and Boise isn’t that far away. You could have left in the middle of the night and returned by morning.” Belmont arched a brow. “Are you going to tell me that’s not possible?”
“I didn’t leave the ranch.”
“But you can’t prove it,” Belmont said, not giving him a chance to respond, which was probably a good thing, because he had no proof. “Are you also aware Cathy has told us that Charity was afraid of you?”
“No and that’s also not true.” Austin and Cathy had never liked each other, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that she’d go along with all the bullshit Tom was putting out in the universe.
“Cathy said that Charity called her on more than one occasion, crying that you’d gone into a rampage. Throwing things around the house. Yelling and screaming at her. That she was afraid you were actually going todo itthis time,” Belmont said.
“Do what?” Austin asked.
“Kill her.” Belmont set his pad back on his lap.
“None of those things ever happened. I never once threatened her. You can ask our neighbors in Boise. And you can ask all the people who live here at Whiskey Ranch.”
“Oh, I intend to.” Belmont nodded.
“I hope you’re looking into Tom as hard as you are me,” Austin said under his breath.
“I’m not going to get into that with you.” Belmont stood. “Aren’t you the least bit concerned about your fiancée?”
“She’s my ex and yes, of course I am. I’m very worried, but I didn’t do anything except break up with her because she cheated on me. That’s it. And I believe that’s a reasonable response to the situation.” He rose.
“I don’t disagree, but sometimes things get out of hand and I’ve heard you can have quite a temper.”
“That was when I was in high school and college. Not to mention I never raised my voice, much less a fist to a woman.” Austin let out a long breath. “If you’re looking into my past, then I’m sure Sheriff Logan here can tell you that every single time something happened, it was defending the honor of a lady, which includes my mother.”
“He’s mentioned what kind of man this community thinks you are, but that doesn’t change the fact that a woman is missing and you had motive and opportunity.” Belmont lifted his hand. “I’m following every lead. Questioning everyone. You are not a suspect but a person of interest.”
Austin understood that wasn’t much of a distinction and people had already started to look at him differently. Fear had crept into the eyes of those who didn’t know him well and even those who did had that look of wonder.
The damage had been done.
“I want to find out what happened to Charity. I am happy to do whatever is necessary,” Austin said.
“I’m glad to hear that.” Belmont headed to the front door. “I’m going to have to ask you not to leave the area.”
“That won’t be a problem.” Austin opened the door.
Brad lingered inside while Belmont strolled to his vehicle.
“Jesus. You just stood there like an idiot. You could have defended me a little bit.” Austin double-timed it across the room and snatched up his beer. He downed half of it.
