“Aww, that’s kind of you, Tess.”
She shrugged.“It’s the least I can do.”
I was pretty sure Declan wouldn’t be joining me, so I ordered the fish and chips and settled in.Gil and I talked casually about nothing.The crab season.A storm that was supposed to come in over the weekend.He seemed more relaxed than the last time I’d talked to him.I wondered if maybe Rosa had accepted his offer on the Pacific Lady and that was why.
I felt a twinge of guilt.I had no doubt Declan was looking into the illegal poaching angle I’d mentioned.Despite breaking fishing regulations, Gil didn’t seem like a bad guy.People got desperate sometimes, and they did stupid things.Maybe he fell into that category.Not evil.Just looking for an easy way out of his money problems.
My food came, and I ate ravenously, thrilled to have something delicious to eat at long last.I was tempted to have another beer, but the last thing I needed was a DUI, so I opted instead for an iced tea.Tess moved up and down the bar, checking on customers, laughing at people’s jokes.All in all, the night felt like a normal night.
Then Declan walked in.
My first reaction was pleasure.The sight of him in the doorway made something warm spread through my chest.But then I noticed he was in his department windbreaker, and Officer Bree Nakamura was with him.Declan was wearing his professional mask, and when his gaze settled on Gil, uneasiness washed through me.
While I’d fed Declan information he might use to bring Gil in, I’d never wanted to be there when it happened.I froze on my stool, wishing I was anywhere but at the Rusty Anchor right now.I didn’t want to watch this play out, but short of getting up and walking out, I didn’t have much choice.
Declan’s eyes swept the room and landed on me.Something flickered there.Surprise, maybe concern.Then it was gone.His attention shifted back to Gil.
Conversations faltered as people began to notice Declan and Bree.The jukebox clicked over between songs, leaving a brief pocket of quiet.
“Gil, can I have a word outside?”Declan’s voice was quiet but authoritative.
Gil turned on his stool, looking at Declan.“Hey, Chief.”He frowned.“You need to talk to me?”
“If you don’t mind.”Declan took a few steps closer, but Bree hung back, her posture relaxed but alert.
Gil set his beer down.“What do you need to talk to me about?”
Declan held his gaze.“We can discuss that outside.”
Gil’s expression changed.It hardened, and his breathing picked up.“Are you here to arrest me?I didn’t do anything.”
“Like I said, let’s talk about that outside the bar,” Declan said, still calm, still even.“Come on, Gil.Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.”
The room had gone almost completely still now.I sat there, stomach twisting as I watched it unfold.
Tess was standing behind the bar, as white as a ghost.She looked petrified, eyes wide and pinned on Gil.
Gil glanced around the bar, like he was taking stock of who was watching.Then his eyes flicked to Declan again.For a second, I thought he might refuse, but then he got off the stool.“Yeah,” he muttered.“Okay.”
“You don’t have to go with him,” Tess said hoarsely.
Gil looked at her and his face fell.“It’s okay, darlin’.”
“No, it’s not,” she said shrilly, turning her angry gaze on Declan.“What are you doing?You have no right to arrest him.Gil didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Tess, it’s best you stay out of this.”Declan’s voice was reasonable, but his eyes were hard.
“Is this about Eddie?”Gil asked.
“I’ll answer all your questions outside.”Declan’s jaw was tight.
Gil grimaced.“I’m no angel, but I didn’t kill Eddie.If that’s what this is about.I swear to God, Declan, I didn’t kill him.”
A muscle worked in Declan’s cheek.“Let’s go to the station and talk.”
Gil’s shoulders dropped, and he looked like he aged a decade in that moment.His mouth opened and closed, but then he just shook his head and took a step toward Declan.
“He didn’t do it.”Tess’s voice cut through the silence.She was standing behind the bar, both hands flat on the counter, leaning forward.
