But that didn’t mean Micha would be forthcoming with more than Stanley asked for. He had to stick to answering his questions and providing details to clear Ava so he could get out of there soon.
“You didn’t mention the victim’s time of death,” Micha said, knowing that the ME had come and gone and the detective had to at least have some idea of when Jamal died.
“I didn’t.”
“I would need to know that to tell you where Ms. Weston was at the time Jamal was murdered.”
Stanley wetted his lips, maybe something he did often and the reason they were so chapped. “The ME gave a preliminary window of between eleven a.m. and four p.m. today.”
Had to be shortly after Jamal got home from the trip and right before Micha had arrived here with Colin. If Reid hadn’t canceled the class, might Jamal still be alive or would the killer have gone after him on the trail? They would never know, but if hehadgone after him, others could’ve gotten hurt.
Micha preferred to think of this as the best outcome. “Ms. Weston was with us during this time and all day as a matter of fact, giving her a solid alibi.”
Stanley watched Micha intently and gnawed on the inside of his cheek. “Or she has someone who’s willing to lie for her.”
“I’m not lying, Detective. As a former investigator, I wouldn’t do that.” Stretch the truth. Omit things. But not lie.
“I’ll need the contact information for all of your class participants.”
“What for?”
“I need to confirm that you or your associate over there,” he pointed at Colin, “didn’t have a run-in with the deceased and a motive to end his life.”
Like Micha said. A good detective. “I’ll have to check with the company owners on that. Privacy laws and all.”
He flipped the page in his notebook, his pen poised to write. “And who might that be?”
“The Maddox brothers. Ryan, Russ, and Reid. They live in Shadow Lake.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “Emerson County Sheriff, Russ Maddox?”
“You know him?”
“Worked an investigation with him. Fine sheriff and I’m honestly surprised he’s involved in this.”
Micha would not want to have Russ questioned. Not at all. “I never said he was involved, other than owning the company I work for, and Jamal attended one of their company classes. He knows nothing about it.”
Stanley narrowed his eyes. “Translated, you know that you’re walking a fine line and kept him in the dark.”
Like Micha would admit that. “Sheriff Maddox might be a co-owner, but he only pitches in with the company when needed, and he hasn’t been needed all week.”
“Odd. I would’ve thought you’d want his expertise on this situation so you don’t cross that line.”
Micha wasn’t about to admit to being anywhere near the line Stanley spoke of, much less cross it. “I hope you’ll begin your investigation by talking to Layne Boyle.”
He gave an impatient snort, rising to Micha’s bait and moving on. “And why would I do that?”
Micha explained Layne’s vendetta against Ava. “We know he’s been in contact with your department regarding his mother’s death, or you wouldn’t have reopened the investigation, then classified it as a homicide and issued a warrant for her arrest.”
“And you think that vendetta stretches to this man?”
Micha explained Layne’s friendship with Jamal. “We believe he joined our class to keep an eye on Ava for Layne, and Layne wanted to tie up loose ends. At the same time, he was trying to frame Ms. Weston.”
“I’ll take a look at that, but all signs right now point to Ms. Weston.”
“Like I said. She has a strong alibi.” Micha stopped short of admitting that he knew the murder weapon could be connected to her. “Is there anything else you need from us?”
Stanley locked gazes with Micha, his intense and pointed. “I have your contact info. See that you answer when I call, or I’ll be sending someone to bring you in for formal questioning.”
