He sighs deeply. “My wife should know better, but in case she forgets, tell her not to say anything other than one or two word answers. No insights, no personal shit, no nothing.”
His last comment takes me by surprise. “Is there more I should know?”
He lets out another heavy breath. “There were rumors in the tabloids about her and Calvin Peat. That is, or rather…washis name.”
“Any truth to them stories?” Pacing in front of the door, I glance over at Sienna, crying softly, flanked by her piano player, lead guitarist, and drummer. While upset, she doesn’t seem devastated.
My friend grunts. “Hell no. But when has that ever made a damn bit of difference. If the police need a motive bad enough, they’ll find one.”
I don’t think I’ve ever heard Quinn lose his cool but I understand all too well. All the times my woman stepped in shit, I was the same way.
“Tell me how I can help.”
In the background, horns honk, and his driver curses. It’s not until it grows quiet Andy speaks again. “Don’t let her say anything more than necessary. My wife is somewhat… naïve. She doesn’t always see things under the surface. I’m almost at the airport. I’ll text you when I land.”
“Copy that.” I hang up and motion my girl over as two tight-lipped men in cheap sport jackets enter the room.
Their holster bulge might not be detected by most but I spot it right away and hold out my hand. “Detectives? I’m Sebastian Sutcliff. This here is my partner, Sam Russo. We were in the front seats at the time of the accident.”
Both men flinch at the wordaccidentso I’m pretty damn sure they’ve decided it wasn’t. Samantha, eyes wide, nods once, and catches my drift. She read their reaction the same way, too.
That’s my babe.We follow the detectives to where Andy’s wife sits on the puke green couch.
“H-How is Cal?” Her voice shakes as she studies the badges held forth.
“I’m sorry, miss. He didn’t make it. I’m Detective Mulligan and this is my partner, Detective James.”
“Missus. It’s Mrs. Andrew Quinn.” Shaking her head, Sienna stands as tears flow freely down her cheeks. “I can’t believe it. Cal’s been with me for years.”
Recalling my recent conversation with her husband, I stand next to her, and whisper in her ear. “One word answers, darlin’.”
The older of the two detectives directs her to sit but she waves him off. “No. I’m fine.”
He pulls a notepad from his inner pocket, unfolds his glasses, and readies his pen. “Was Calvin having trouble with anyone in the band?”
“Not that I know of.” She closes her eyes.
Damn, if I can spot the lie, so can these guys.
“You two were close?” Clicking his ballpoint repeatedly, he glances over half-lenses perched on the edge of his bulbous nose.
“We were friends.” The singer’s body stiffens and her tone turns frigid.
Two fat caterpillars, the cop’s gray brows rise and fall. “So your argument last week wasfriendly.”
I butt in real fast. “You don’t have to answer that one, Sienna.”
“Wait a minute. Am I a suspect? Do I need a lawyer?” Her large blue eyes go wide.
“Do you?” The detective leans in too close so I pull her behind me.
“This interview is over.”No one, not even the law, is allowed to intimidate my pal’s wife.
Narrowing her gaze, she steps back in front crosses her arms over her chest. “He’s right. I demand a lawyer. I am so done talking.”
“Fine.” Detective James sighs and makes a big deal of putting away his writing materials, wipes his glasses, and sticks them back in his jacket pocket. “Guess we’ll need to take you in.”
Sienna’s mouth drops, her brows crease, and she wrinkles her nose. “You think I don’t know what you’re up to? Huh? You think I’ve never seen how you guys operate? This isn’t my first rodeo. My husband is going to-”
