Page 72 of Lion & Lamb

HUGHES: Sure, sure. I see the way you look at her.

LAMB: If I’m looking at her in a particular way, it’s because I’m trying to figure out how she fits into this case.

HUGHES: What do you mean? Maya looks after the kids. I have no earthly idea why you’re trying to drag her into this.

LAMB: I’m not dragging her anywhere. She seems to live at the center of this thing, Francine. Did you know she’s dating Mickey Bernstein?

HUGHES: (Pause) What she does in her time off is none of my business.

LAMB: You have no problem with your nanny being in a relationship with the man investigating your husband’s murder?

HUGHES: I think we’re through here, Cooper. You should probably go.

LAMB: If you want me to help your defense team save you, you’re going to have to tell me everything you know about Maya and Bernstein.

HUGHES: I said we’re through. I need you to leave.

LAMB: Hey, I’m on your side here!

HUGHES: Well, it doesn’t feel that way. Sometimes you’re no better than those reporters who call and text and e-mail all damn day. What does my nanny’s personal life have to do with anything? It’s all just gossip.

LAMB: Francine, it’s clear we have one tiny problem between us.

HUGHES: And what’s that?

LAMB: You’re constantly lying to me.

HUGHES: (Sharply) Excuse me?

LAMB: Hey, it’s okay. Sure, it makes my job a bit more challenging, but it ultimately doesn’t matter, because I’m going to find the truth, no matter what. It’s what I do.

HUGHES: Well, here’s some truth for you. I didn’t murder my husband. Maybe the prick deserved it, but I didn’t kill him.

LAMB: Now we’re finally getting to the truth.

HUGHES: I should fire you.

LAMB:Please. Put me out of my misery.

Chapter75

“NICE ARM!”Cooper shouted with real delight, cradling the football to his chest.

And it was true, there had been surprising power behind the toss. But Cooper had to stop himself before continuing the thought:An arm just like your father’s.

Cooper had found the twelve-year-old Archie Hughes Jr. outside alone, lost in his thoughts, toeing a Wilson Duke NFL football around the frosty lawn. The sight broke Cooper’s heart. Cooper knew he should be down at the Linc, squeezing the Eagles’ owners for answers. But he had never been a guy who could turn his back on a kid. He’d asked Archie Jr. how far he could throw that ball. And damn, did Junior show him.

“Let’s do that again!” the boy shouted.

“Give me your worst,” Cooper said, tossing him the pigskin. The kid caught it effortlessly and with a grace that belied his age. Cooper hoped that was because Archie had spent time out here practicing with his kid. Those memories would mean everything down the line.

Cooper knew this from personal experience. He clung to the few memories he had of his own father like faded wallet photos.

After Cooper and Archie Jr. had tossed the ball around a few times, with Lupe serving as their cheerleader, Maddie Hughes and Maya Rain emerged from the house. Maddie roared with delight when she saw Lupe.

“I love the Lamb’s doggy!”

Lupe, the little glory hound, bounded over to Maddie for some chin scratches.

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