Page 73 of All You Want
“Leave Tami to me and find Evan. He could easily have looped the video to show nothing while he went out to meet Viola.”
“You watch too many TV shows.” Shane twists his lips and lifts his chin. “There would be forensic evidence of video tampering. The cut in and out can be detected. I can have that analyzed.”
“Then find the evidence. Tami’s sure what she saw and felt.”
“Yeah, your big cock.” Shane wipes his hand through his hair and yawns.
I slam my fist on the desk and glare at him. “That’s enough. You have nothing on Tami other than to keep her safe. Find the freaking killer if you’re so smart.”
“I will.” Shane pushes back from the desk and puts on his hat. He grabs the keys to the Tahoe PPV and strides out like he’s a modern-day gunslinger.
Jerk.
I’m left driving the old police cruiser back to the hotel.
Last night was weird, but I staked my claim in a way that’s hard for Tami to misunderstand. I’ve been denying my feelings too long, and seeing Tami so distraught, covered with blood, frightened, yet trying hard to keep a level head to answer my questions twanged a heartstring as deep as the bass guitar’s low E.
I love her, as much as I know how, which is little, but I can at least try.
The sun is peeking through the treetops, and the roof and windows of the hotel are covered with frost. The temperature dropped overnight, and snow is forecast.
I saunter through the lobby and spot a different concierge, a woman from out of town. Which reminds me I need to follow up with Neil as well as the groundskeeper who wasn’t on duty.
“I’m Sheriff Colson,” I introduce myself. “How are things this morning?”
“After the fright last night?” Her cheeks are rosy. “By the way, I’m Shelly. I missed it all, didn’t I?”
“Good thing for you, Miss Higgins. Is Miss King up?”
“Oh, yes, sir. She’s in the dining room presiding over the Buns and Bones pancake breakfast.”
I thank her and find Tami fluttering from table to table, greeting her guests. Her hair is curled and bouncy, and she’s dressed like a farm girl with denim overalls and a gingham checked shirt.
“Hey.” I flash her a smile. “How’d you sleep last night?”
She blushes and turns away, but her eyes flitter my direction twice. “At least we turned off the sound effects of the Weeping Widow. I more than made up for it.”
“And your parents? Are they well?”
“My dad slept like a log, and my mother chattered until she sputtered out, then it was endless snoring. They
slept on either side of me.”
I lean over and whisper. “Was it to ensure your safety or chastity?”
“Both, Sheriff Colson.” She glances over her shoulder at the guests and straightens her back. “Welcome to our Buns and Bones breakfast. Would you like to sit with Rosalie, Bonnie, and Suzette? Or between your uncle Chip and my parents?”
“Did my uncle spend the night with Diana? Where is she this morning? Did she check out?”
Tami makes a zipping motion over her lips. “I’m an innkeeper. Confidentiality rules apply.”
“I need to question Diana later, but if my uncle can provide her an alibi…”
“You’ll get nothing out of me,” Tami says. “Check with Shane. He dragged everyone out of bed last night.”
“I’ll do that. Can we go somewhere to talk?”
“Sure.” She rubs her arms and bites her lip. “I have to keep an eye on the guests.”
