“Actually, I think it might’ve been Louisa’s idea, I don’t really remember.” Her eyes narrowed in suspicion.
“Miss West, you arrived in Mercy three days ago, is that correct?”
“Yes, but I fail to see what that has to–”
“And you’ve just received a substantial inheritance from your late great-aunt, is that correct?”
Olivia’s brow crinkled in confusion. “I really don’t see what this has to do with the body we found.”
“Just being thorough,” he replied, but his tone made Olivia uneasy.
“As I’m sure you’re already aware, I inherited my great-aunt’s house after she passed away,” Olivia stated flatly.
“Convenient,” he muttered under his breath.
“Excuse me?”
“Did you know Adam Miller?” He changed the subject, throwing her off-balance.
“Adam?” she repeated. “I met him once, at the pub the day before yesterday.”
“Then you admit you saw him the night he disappeared?” The Chief’s hawk-like gaze narrowed.
“There’s nothing to admit,” she snapped. “I was in the pub where he worked, and he served me a drink.”
“What time did you leave?”
“I don’t know.” Olivia blew out a frustrated breath. “Nine, maybe? I didn’t exactly look at the clock.”
“And what did you do after you left?”
“I went home.”
“Alone?”
“Yes,” she replied irritably. “Alone.”
“Is there anyone who can vouch for your whereabouts that night?” His lips thinned as he stared at her.
“You’re asking if I have an alibi?”
“Well, do you?” he pressed.
“Do I need one?” Her jaw clenched.
“You tell me. You were one of the last people to see Adam the night he disappeared.”
“Yeah, me and the thirty other people in the pub,” she snapped.
“The remains were found a stone’s throw from your property, on grounds that you own,” he pointed out.
“You know as well as I do that there aren’t any fences. Anyone could’ve dumped a body in here without my knowledge,” she answered, her tone glacial. “Leaving aside the fact that I’m sure as hell not dumb enough to brutally murder someone and dump them on my own doorstep. Besides, what possible motive could I have?”
“Some killers don’t need a motive.”
“Oh my god.” She exhaled with sudden understanding. “This isn’t about whether I have an alibi at all, is it?”
“Isn’t it?” His dark eyes glittered.
