Page 11 of Honey Mead Murder

“We’re inclined to agree with you. But witnesses also indicated Mr Baird had an argument with the deceased within an hour of the victim’s death,” DC Jones pointed out. “However, the footage clearly shows he had no opportunity to put the dry ice into the drink. So you’re free to go.”

It felt like “for now” lingered in the air unspoken. They couldn’t pin the crime on him. But Murphy couldn’t help thinking they hadn’t removed him from their list of suspects.

When they finally stepped outside to find the sun had risen, the sky was a riot of colour. Beautiful oranges, yellows, and pinks. Murphy inhaled deeply, enjoying the cool breeze against his skin. He tilted his head back to stare up at the clouds passing by.

“You okay, Paddy?” Evan moved up beside him. He had his briefcase at his side. “It’s a little after four. Fancy a coffee and some breakfast? Or do you just want me to drive you straight home?”

“Let me text everyone. Let them know I’m all right.” Murphy sent the same message to Teagan, his brother, and George. He was surprised when the latter responded almost instantly. Finally, he glanced over at Evan. “How about an early morning brekkie with Buzz and Margo?”

“You still embarrassing yourself by how in love you are with our bee bloke?”

“You still terrified of Margo and your feelings for her?” Murphy dodged the briefcase being swung at him. “Careful. They might arrest you for assault.”

“Let’s get out of here before both of us wind up being asked questions again.” Evan led him across the street to where his car was parked. “Margo won’t mind me crashing your breakfast?”

“Margo made the invitation to both of us.” Murphy squashed himself into the passenger seat of Evan’s little hatchback. “Why do you insist on driving this clown car?”

“You could walk.”

With a grin at his friend, Murphy tried to make himself more comfortable. Unfortunately, he felt like an extra-large sardine squashed into a tiny tin. Evan just snickered at him and continued driving.

Evan Chan had lived in Keith his entire life. Murphy had known him for years. They were the same age and had gone to the same school until he’d left for university.

“You ever regret not staying in Edinburgh? You’d probably make more money.” Murphy had been surprised when Evan returned home. “There have to be better opportunities for a solicitor in a bigger city.”

“And miss helping arbitrate cases about lost sheep? I’m never bored.” Evan shrugged. “Plus, my parents are getting older. They were struggling. I’m the oldest. It’s on me to make sure they’re taken care of.”

“How’s Celeste doing?”

“Off in Australia at the moment. She’s got the lead in a play. Think she’s going to be there for at least another six months.” Evan had moved into his parents’ home to take care of them. It had put a damper on his ability to date. “She has a new girlfriend. They’re blissfully happy. I might vomit.”

“Are we done being overly cheerful to distract ourselves?” Murphy picked at a piece of fluff on his jeans. “They almost arrested me for murder.”

“They questioned you. Nothing out of the ordinary. I wouldn’t go so far as to say you were almost arrested.” Evan was ever the voice of reason when it came to things related to the law. “Have you been watching true crime docs again?”

“Evan.”

“They’re intimidating on purpose, Murphy. They want to catch you out in a lie. That’s why you have a solicitor with you—to protect your rights.” Evan paused before pulling into the sparse early morning traffic. “If they’d had enough to arrest you, the conversation would’ve gone quite differently.”

“They questioned me like they thought I’d killed the man.”

“A man died in your pub from something in your mead. You’d had an argument with him earlier that was witnessed by everyone present.” Evan waxed on for a few minutes as if he worked for the crown prosecution. “They had to ask you uncomfortable questions. I doubt they seriously considered you as a suspect, particularly after seeing the CCTV footage.”

“Easy to say from your seat,” Murphy grumbled. He felt a little put out at having obviously been an unwilling participant in a little legal theatrics. “They didn’t have to make me feel like I’d killed the man.”

“A man died. They’re doing their job. Now, if they’d actually tried to arrest you, I’d take issue with them.” Evan gave another indifferent shrug. “You’re tired and hungry. The night was ruined, along with your first date. You’ve a right to a good sulk.”

“Not sulking.”

“You are one hundred percent sulking. It’s not attractive, so don’t let George see you.” Evan laughed when Murphy muttered curses under his breath. “I promise my parents were definitely married when they had me.”

Deciding to finish his sulking in silence, Murphy stared out the window. The bright oranges and yellows had shifted into more muted colours as the sun rose higher in the sky. It was going to be a lovely morning.

It was too bad Murphy felt like he’d been run over by a lorry—twice. The day would’ve been a brilliant reason to ask George out for a walk. They could’ve taken Bumble with them. Instead, all he wanted now was a warm mug of tea, a hearty breakfast, and a long nap, preferably in that order.

“Wake up, grumpy. We’re here.” Evan nudged his arm a few times. “Murphy?”

“I heard you.” Murphy hadn’t even realised he’d fallen asleep until Evan had called his name. “I’m exhausted.”

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