Goodfellow frowned. “He was limping? The cashier didn’t mention that.”
“Because he wasn’t when he was leaving the store. I went around to the lower forty and pulled up as he was reaching his car. He was struggling. I asked him what happened and he said he got clipped by a car as a customer was backing out of a space.”
The lieutenant rubbed his chin again. “You offered him a ride. Is that what happened?”
“Yes. He didn’t want to go with me, but it was obvious—to me, at least—that he couldn’t drive. It was his right leg. He could barely put any weight on it, and by the time I got him home, he wasn’t able to do even that.”
“You took him home.”
“I really wish you’d ask questions. No, don’t bother. I’m getting used to it. Yes, I took him home. It wasn’t really my choice by then. Jay, that’ s my ex, was with us. You can ask him.”
Goodfellow’s cheeks swelled like a chipmunk’s as he blew out a breath. “That’d be Jay Carpenter, the man Officer Day shot in the arm.”
“That’d be the one.”
“Okay. I imagine Butz has all those details.”
“He should. I gave them to him. Even wrote them down.”
“All right. Back to Shippensmith.”
Ramsey inclined her head. “Do you suspect me of something? Is that why I’m still here and the camera’s running and you’re asking almost questions? I think it’s past time for you to be straight with me.”
“You’re not under arrest.”
“Oh, I’m clear about that.”
“Your name came up when we were asking employees where Shippensmith had gone. We learned that he was last seen in your vehicle.”
Ramsey thought about that. Her eyes widened as what she’d been hearing began to add up. “This is because you think Paul is involved with the drug distribution, and when you heard he was in my car, you started wondering if I was also involved. Do I have that right?”
“We have to follow up all leads.”
“Well, I’m not, and it’s insulting that you or anyone would think so. Why would I provide the lot numbers if I was part of the operation? Why would I even mention anything about Caribbean Coast sales to Sullivan? It doesn’t make sense.”
“As I said, we have to follow up. No one was at the Shippensmith home when my men arrived.”
“I can’t help you there. He refused medical attention. Jay and I helped him inside the house, and his wife was getting an ice bag for his knee. That’s what I know.”
“I appreciate that now.”
Ramsey snorted. “Prove it. Turn the camera off.”
Goodfellow reached under the table. The red light went out. His mouth curved into a lopsided and somewhat remorseful smile. “You want to take a swing at me?”
“I do, but now that I know where the remote is for that camera, and how easy it is for you to get at it, I think I’ll choose a better place and time.”
His shoulders shook once as he stifled a laugh. “Good to know. I’ll give you a wide berth.” He invited her to stand.
Ramsey got to her feet and headed for the door, but before she reached it, it opened. She jumped back as Chief Bailey leaned in for the second time. “Both of you come with me. There’s something I want you to see.”
Now that the door was open, Ramsey could hear there was some kind of commotion in the outer office. She imagined an exchange of fist bumps between the laughter and attaboy exclamations. She looked at Goodfellow. From his puzzled expression, it was the first time he was hearing it as well.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
Bailey shook his head. “You have to see it. You, too, John. This’ll wrap up your questions.”
“They’ve just been wrapped,” said Goodfellow.
