“Hi, Ward.”
The old man pursed his lips in a way that was unpleasantly familiar. “I was not happy to come track you down.”
“Whatever you think I did, I didn’t do it,” I grumbled. “I haven’t even been near my apartment. I’ve been living in New Gothenburg.”
“I know, that’s the problem.”
We stared at each other, both of us clearly confused. The other cop stepped up, and I knew him better, since he’d been called to Miranda’s apartment more than once and I’d had to talk my way out of being taken to the station. “Hi, Bob.”
He nodded back but didn’t say anything.
Ward glared.
“I’ve known you most of my life, sir.” I couldn’t help crossing my arms, even though I was sure that was one of the things you shouldn’t do if you didn’t want to look guilty. “You coached me in Little League. Please, believe me.”
“You’re doing a lot of begging for an innocent man,” Bob said. He was as old as Ward, which meant together they were older than dinosaurs. I was pretty sure I could push them over and run away if I had to do that. My thoughts raced and I began to feel like I couldn’t drag enough oxygen into my lungs.
“I just know this has something to do with Miranda, and I didn’t do it!”
They shared a look, and then Ward tilted his head at me. “We have to talk to you.”
“Why?”
Ward sighed. “There have been some accusations. You weren’t wrong there. It was Miranda makin’ them. About a hefty sum of money that has gone missing from some accounts at The National Greenlodge Bank, where you worked customer service. And you skipped town. Doesn’t look good for you. Miranda says you have the money.” He spread his hands wide and smiled. His badge winked in the overhead lighting, and his false teeth looked too perfect. I wanted to die. My guts felt like they were trapped in a whirlpool. “So, here we are. You steal some money or what, Logan?”
“Or what. I didn’t. No.”
He tilted his head down and squinted in my direction, like he thought he could discern the truth by staring hard enough. “She says you did. I need you to come back to Minetto.”
I stepped away from them, and it was a near miss for me losing my lunch on the floor.Fuck that.“I’m working, and I didn’t take anything.”
Red came around the counter to stand at my side. “This guy isn’t going anywhere. He’s on the clock, boys.”
“Miss—”
She slapped her hands on the counter. “Unless you’ve got a warrant hidden up your ass, take a hike.” She was nearly shouting, and the room went silent. The cops shifted to glance at the audience of customers before they turned back to us. Both cops frowned at her.
“You don’t have one?” She flashed an edgy smile. “Get out of my business. Like I said, gents, without that magic piece of paper, you have no reason to be here. I don’t take cop money.”
I touched her shoulder, but it would have taken a jackhammer to move her. “Wait, I really didn’t do anything. Can I just talk to you here?” I glanced back and forth between Ward and Bob. “I have nothing to hide. I did nothing wrong.” I swallowed and couldn’t help but feel nervous.
“You sure you want to do that? They can’t make you,” Red said, chin jutted stubbornly in their direction.
I shrugged. “I want this to go away.” Hopelessness swamped me.
“Use a table. There’s one in the corner.” She pointed and smiled at me. “Do not leave with them.”
“Okay.”
Ward glared. “Ma’am, you’re interfering in an investigation.” He tried to huff and puff, but of the two of them, he was not the wolf.
“Ma’am, now, is it? And you’re interfering in the running of my business. I’m an American, and I have rights, but I’ll allow it just this once.” She shook her head at them like they were dirt.
My stomach roiled and I felt strung out enough to puke as I lifted my black apron off over my head and passed it to Emmy, then went around the counter to join them. We all went over and sat at a table in the most awkward get-together ever. My knees bumped Ward’s and I scooted back.
Bob stared at me silently, but that had always been his routine when he showed up at the apartment, so it didn’t necessarily bother me. Ward cleared his throat. “About this missing money.”
I bowed my head and stared at my hands. “I’m willing to let you check whatever you need to in order to clear my name. I can account for every dime I have.”
