Before he had time to answer, there was a rap on the door. Reese beckoned, and Kenzie walked into the office. She flicked a glance at Reese but her gaze went straight to Heath.
“Detective Ford? One of the officers outside said you wanted to see me.”
“That’s right. I’m sorry to bring you bad news, Ms. Haines, but your ex-husband, Lee Haines, was found murdered in his bedroom this morning.”
“Oh, my God.” Kenzie swayed and Reese reached out to steady her. He eased her down into one of the leather chairs in front of his desk, then crossed to the wet bar behind the paneling. He poured her a glass of water, returned, and pressed it into her hand.
“Thank you.” She took a sip, her hands shaking. “It’s just such a shock.”
“I understand,” Ford said. “However, as I was telling Reese, at least now you don’t have to worry about losing custody of your son.”
She looked up. “What?”
“Where were you Saturday night, Ms. Haines?”
“I was home.”
“Were you alone or was someone else with you?”
Her hands shook. “I was alone. Earlier that day we had all gone to the museum, my son, my grandmother Florence Spencer, and I. After we got back, my grandmother went to see a friend. It was Saturday evening. Sometimes they share a bottle of wine. If that happens, she spends the night instead of driving home.”
“And your son?”
“Griff was at a sleepover with his best friend, Tommy Caruthers.”
“So there isn’t anyone who can verify your alibi?”
“Myalibi? Why would I need an alibi?” The rest of the color leached out of her face. “You don’t...you don’t think I killed Lee?”
Standing a few feet away, the detective looked down at her. “A pistol registered in your name was found in a dumpster just a block from the murder scene. There’s a good chance ballistics will confirm the gun was the weapon used to murder Lee Haines. Since you don’t have an alibi for that night, I’m afraid you’ll have to come down to the station and answer a few more questions.”
Kenzie’s gaze shot to Reese and he read her fear. Her face was as white as the paper on his desk.
“I didn’t kill Lee.”
Ford reached down and took the water glass from her shaking hand and set it aside, caught her arm, and eased her up from the chair. “Let’s go.”
“You’re...you’re arresting me?”
“Not at this time. But it would be best if you cooperated and came willingly.”
Kenzie started trembling and Reese’s control slipped another notch. No way had she killed her bastard ex-husband. One thing he knew for sure—Kenzie wasn’t a murderer.
“Let her go, Detective.” Ford’s attention swung to Reese. “Kenzie couldn’t have killed Lee Haines on Saturday night because she was with me.”
Kenzie’s gasp echoed across the office. “Reese, don’t!”
The detective’s eyes darkened as they zeroed in on Reese’s face. “Are you sure about that? You’re a well-respected businessman, Reese. You have a reputation as the kind of guy who doesn’t mix business with pleasure.”
Normally, he wouldn’t. Kenzie was different. Since they had actually spent Thursday night together, he told himself it wasn’t that much of a lie. And it would give them time to gather the information they needed to prove her innocence.
“I’m sure,” Reese said. “Ask Kenzie about the little mole she has on the inside of her thigh.”
Tears welled in her eyes as Ford’s gaze swung back to her. “So your relationship is more than just professional? The two of you are sleeping together?”
“Not...not exactly,” Kenzie said.
“Yes,” Reese countered.
