Jem shook his head.
After a moment, Tean roused himself, sitting up straight.“The real question is opportunity.Aiden, Tafton, Sawyer, and Dean have alibis.”
“They’re each other’s alibis.And nobody else can verify that.”
“But if they worked together, we’re talking about a conspiracy.Is that what you think this is?”
“I don’t know.It all feels messed up.”
“Mckell and Nora alibi each other,” Tean said.
“Which leaves the two Mckell told me about: Quinn and Beckett.”
“And,” Tean said, “Stephen and Brigitte.”
“She didn’t do it.”
“I didn’t say she did.”
“You kind of did.”
“No.I’m saying she was alone, she has no one to verify her whereabouts.That’s all.The children were in bed.She could have left the chalet if she wanted to, and nobody would have known.”
“So, youdothink she did it.”
“No.”
“Because you’ve thought it all out.”
“Jem—”
“Because she’s such a bad mom, she’s probably a killer too.”
A hint of helplessness worked its way into Tean’s voice.“I didn’t say that.”
Part of Jem knew he was overdoing it; part of him knew Tean was only pointing out the facts.It was Tean being Tean.He was so…pure about some things.And so good.Even if he didn’t like the possibility that Brigitte might be involved, he’d feel like hehadto say something.
But another part of Jem kept thinking about their earlier conversation.
I was upset.
How do you feel?
Jem blew out a breath.“I know.I know that’s not what you meant.I’m just… It’s been a weird morning.I know you’re right.I know she could have…whatever.But I’m telling you, it wasn’t her.”
Tean nodded, but he didn’t say anything.
Trying for a lighter tone, Jem said, “Stephen, on the other hand, I wouldn’t trust as far as I could throw him.”
“It’s not just me, then?”Tean actually sounded relieved.“I thought maybe I was imagining it.”
“Tean, we caught him eavesdropping in the hallway.”
“I know, but I meant— I don’t know.It was a feeling I got.”
“Yeah, his vibes are shady as shit.And I’ll tell you something else, too: there’s no way that dude’s gay.”
“Well, he might be extremely cautious about giving any sign, especially since he’s supposedly Gerald’s first big success.”
