Connor looked at Carl.“Doesn’t sound like your alibi’s holding water.”
“I was here,” Carl said.“Anyway, I have security cameras to prove it.”
Maxine lifted her glass."He does that."
“What about two nights ago?”Connor asked.“When Warren Holt was killed.”
Carl blinked.“Warren?”
“You heard me.”
“I was here then, too.”Carl gathered himself, anger returning now that fear had shown too much of its face.“Now, if I’m not under arrest, I have things to tend to.Let yourself out.”His glance cut toward Maxine.“Though I’m sure Maxine will look after you.”
Carl strode toward the house, robe shifting around his legs.
Maxine watched him go with a small, bitter smile.Then she leaned into Connor, pressing against him with sudden familiarity, arms sliding over his shoulders.
“Poor sheriff,” she murmured.“Always having to deal with difficult men.”
Connor caught her wrists and removed her hands gently.“Maxine.”
“Yes, honey?”
Connor noticed a camera pointed at the pull from the wall above.“Are there cameras in the house?”
“Everywhere but our bedroom and the study.He’s a paranoid freak, my man.”
“Are you sure about that?”
She gave him a look over the rim of her glass.“Darling, I know where the cameras are.A woman in this house learns where she can safely misbehave.”
Connor let go of her wrists.“Thank you.”
“Any time.And I mean that with sincerity.”
Connor went inside before she could say more.
The cool of the house closed around him again.Carl was halfway down the corridor, moving fast enough to suggest the interview had unsettled him more than he wanted anyone to know.
“Carl.”
Carl stopped and turned.“I said we’re done.”
“I want to speak with you in your study.Somewhere private.”
A muscle jumped in Carl’s cheek.“If it’ll get you out of here.”
He led Connor through the hall to a heavy door near the rear of the house.The study inside was paneled in dark wood and lined with shelves.A large desk faced the room.Ledger books, file boxes, and two computer monitors sat in neat ranks.No camera showed in the corners.
Connor closed the door behind him.
Carl folded his arms.“Make it quick.”
“Maxine says you don’t have cameras in here.”
He grinned.“I do business deals in here.Corporate espionage is horrendous.”
“Good.”