“I’m sorry for your loss. Jack was a good man,” he began. “I have a few questions about the scene, if you don’t mind.”
Marshall nodded silently, his eyes flicking to Colette’s for support.
“Did you notice Jack behaving differently in the last few days, anything that might have indicated he was having difficulties?”
Though he searched his memories, Marshall could recall nothing of particular importance.
“Not really. He was happy, steady, old Jack. Always with a smile on his face, offering a hand to help. Last night, he was covering for me while I was out. He shouldn’t even have been there,” Marshall explained, his voice thick with emotion.
Bobby pulled out his notepad and jotted down a few notes. “Hm, so he didn’t typically work Saturdays?”
“Nope, I usually do final inspections and feed with a few of my crew. Some of my guys were out fixing fences, I think, and Evan was working with them. Jack was alone.”
“I’ll be heading out to question Jack’s wife next. Can you think of anything unusual or suspicious going on around the ranch last night?”
“I can’t think of anything… Wait…wasn’t it a heart attack or something? Why are you asking me these questions?” Marshall asked, his brows drawing together.
“I’ll be waiting for a report by the medical examiner, but we have reason to believe Jack was murdered.”
Marshall’s mouth dropped open. “Murdered? How could that happen? I can’t think of anyone who would want to hurt Jack. He and his wife are beloved members of the Rosebud community,” he explained, scrubbing a hand over his face. His thoughts were racing.
“Where were you last night?” Bobby asked.
His thoughts a jumble, Marshall looked to Colette. “I was with Colette. All night.”
With a raised brow, Bobby nodded slowly, jotting down notes as they described their evening together. “I’ll make sure to speak with the guys who were working last night. It’s still early and we’re in the information-gathering part of our investigation. Can you think of anyone who might have wanted to hurt Jack?”
Stroking his beard as he considered the horrible question, Marshall shook his head.
Everyone working on the ranch had been there for a while; no new employees besides Colette. They were all so close, it made no sense that anyone would want to hurt Jack. Nothing made sense anymore.
“We’re only going to know for sure once we get the autopsy results. For now, stay away from the barn. We’re going to work the scene as quickly as possible so that you can get the horses back in there.” Bobby’s gaze turned to Colette, who retreated into herself, arms hugging her torso. “We’ll do a walk-throughlater to see if you notice anything out of place. I’m going to go speak with Evan now.”
Marshall nodded; his emotions numb. Watching Colette brought him back to reality.
She was rubbing her arms and shivering.
It didn’t surprise him; his chest was filled with pure ice. He was torn between wanting to throw up and wanting to punch the wall. Tucking his hands in his pockets to keep from an act of mindless violence, he walked the detective to the door.
“Let us know if there’s anything else we can do to help. I’m at a loss,” Marshall said, opening the door. Colette stood behind him as they watched Officer Dean walking toward the red barn, ribbons of yellow tape flapping in the breeze before him.
She pulled him away from the door, closing it and guiding him to the bar stool once again. Pouring a few fingers of whiskey in his glass, she leaned her elbows on the counter and watched him. Her eyes were searching, her lips pressing together as though she was debating saying something.
His eyes locked with hers.
“You didn’t tell Bobby about the weird stuff happening around the ranch lately.” She tilted her mouth to the side, her eyes questioning.
He cleared his throat after tipping the glass into his mouth for a long swig.
“I didn’t think of it,” he admitted. “Do you think it could be related? We’re still not sure he was murdered, don’t forget.”
“You’re right.” She huffed, rinsing her glass in the sink and placing it on the counter. Rounding the side of the kitchen island, she rubbed his back and watched him. Avoiding her gaze, Marshall watched the whiskey swirling in his glass, trying to keep his damn lip from starting to wobble again.
“Do you want me to stay with you tonight?” she asked, her tone laced with worry. “Maybe I should make you some dinner?It’s been hours since you last ate.” Her hands stroked his arms with comforting gentleness.
Clamping his mouth shut, he turned to hold her gaze. He cupped her cheek, reveling in its warmth. A shudder ripped through him as he recalled the feel of Jack’s skin beneath his fingers. So cold. So stiff.
Colette was warm and filled with life, glowing from the inside. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears as she watched him. Huffing a breath, he pulled her between his legs, wrapping himself around her.
