Aubrey makes sure not to come anywhere near me for the next half hour, and I realize I’ve gotten everything I’m gonna get out of her. I wanted some indication I’m thinking in the right direction and her reaction has given me that.
I throw a twenty on the bar to cover my beer plus a generous tip and head outside. I’m only a few steps past the front door when a guy follows me.
And because Scott is thorough, he included photos with each housemate summary, so I while I didn’t notice him inside, I recognize him now.
Francis Deacon:mixed race (father is white, mother is Cuban), thirty-two years old. Goes by Deacon. Sealed file from juvie. A couple of arrests since turning eighteen. Some petty theft, resisting arrest, and a handful of charges for fighting. Nothing since he started working for a bookie named Chris Ricci, first cousin on his dad’s side. Never married, no sign of being in a relationship.
He steps in front of me, blocking my way.
“Excuse me,” I say, stepping to the right so I can move around him, but he mirrors my move. I put my hands in my pockets, showing him I’m no threat, although we both know he could whip my ass easily. “Look, man, not sure how I’ve pissed you off, but I’d really like to get out of here and call it a day.”
His arms are crossed in front of him and he doesn’t seem to have any intention of letting me pass. “Why are you here?”
“Stopped in for a beer?” Pretty sure he’s not going to buy that.
“Try again.”
Thought so. “I’m guessing you know who I am and who my partner was so we’ll skip that part. I had a few questions for Aubrey Price and decided to stop in and ask her. That okay?” I’m too tired to play any more games. “Do we have a problem?”
“Does Aubrey?”
Pulling my hands loose from my pockets, I hold them out to my sides in a form of surrender. “I’ve got zero problems with Aubrey. I’m trying to figure out what the hell was going on withBen.” I let that hang in the air a minute then add, “You work for Chris Ricci, right?”
His right eye flinches just slightly. He takes a small step toward me and I’m proud of myself for not backing up.
“I promise you I’m not dumb enough to get on your bad side, man. Glad Aubrey’s got someone looking out for her. I’m not your enemy. Or hers. All I’m trying to do is wrap my head around what Ben was doing.”
A small smile flashes across his face and that worries me more than the fierce look I was getting. “You want to know what your buddy Ben was up to? Maybe you should ask his wife? Pretty sure she’d be able to answer all your questions.”
Now I take a step back because I was not prepared for him to bring Camille into this. “Camille Bayliss is devastated by the loss of her husband and has willingly cooperated with authorities in hopes that his killer is found as soon as possible.” He can say whatever he wants to me but I’m not going to let him sit here and malign her character.
He laughs. “Well, look at you. You’re pretty protective of her. Maybe more than someone should be over their dead partner’s widow.”
We’re done here.
But Deacon isn’t finished. “If you know anything about Chris Ricci and the people in his employ, then you know we don’t hesitate protecting one of our own.”
We stare at each other for a few tense seconds. “Message received.”
Before I can step around him, Deacon adds, “I get you’re in a tough spot and trying to figure shit out. I only mention his wife because, like you, I’m trying to protect someone I care about.”
I hesitate a second or so then pull out my wallet. “My card. With my cell number. If…something significanthappens, give me a call.”
Chapter 32
Aubrey
AFTER THE ALIBI
Friday, October 16
I groan when we pull up the driveway and see all the people still filling the backyard. I’m home a few hours earlier than normal. Doug messed up the schedule, had too many of us there and needed one of us to take off early because it was too crowded behind the bar. I’m usually the last to offer to do that since I need the money, but it’s been a long-ass week.
But it’s Friday night and I forgot Serenity planned to use the backyard to throw a birthday party for her boyfriend, Frank. The small space is packed with people and the party doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. I should have just stayed at work.
“This is more people than she said it would be.” Deacon throws the car in park and goes to get out but my hand on his arm stops him. He’s given me a ride home every night this week, and I’m not gonna lie, I’m getting a little spoiled.
“It’s his birthday. If everyone else in the house is okay with it, I’m fine with it too.” The crowd and noise won’t bother Deacon so he’d only be forcing Serenity to end Frank’s party early for me.
