might as well do it first and get something out of it. Hell, those other yahoos got themselves arrested right away. You really ought to look at their alibis for the times of Gulliver’s and Lee’s murders.”
“What about yours?” Josh asked.
Ackerson smiled. “I was in jail both times.”
Josh made a note of it. He was damn glad they had Ackerson in custody, and the other men too. Now they had to get that thumb drive and arrest Daisy.
When they were done interrogating Ackerson, they went in to see Howie again.
“Your partner, Matson, says you were the one who was supposed to kill Ms. Cerise.”
Howie didn’t say anything, his arms folded across his chest, his gaze on the floor.
“We know you killed another man, and charges are pending on that.” Adam gave him the date Randall Gulliver was murdered, without context, and asked, “Where were you that day?”
Howie frowned. “In Phoenix. I wasn’t anywhere near here.”
“Where in Phoenix?” Josh asked.
“Hell, that particular day, I don’t know. I didn’t get up here until about two weeks ago though.”
“On this job for Daisy Fern.”
“Yeah.”
Adam gave him the date of the day before the auction and asked him where he was that day.
“In Phoenix still. I told you I didn’t come up here any earlier than that. Yeah, I was incarcerated here before, but that’s been several months back.”
“Where in Phoenix?”
“How would I know?”
“So no alibis for the date and time of the murders of Mr. Gulliver or Mr. Lee, his assistant?” Josh asked.
Howie’s eyes widened.
“We have word you were hired by this same woman to kill them,” Adam said.
“I want a lawyer.”
“That’s your right, but we found the murder weapon used in both murders, and your fingerprints were all over it,” Josh said. “If you want to tell us why Daisy wanted you to murder the two men, then maybe we can ask for a lesser sentence. But we want the one who hired you for the jobs.”
Howie ran his hands through his hair. “I still want a lawyer.”
Unable to get any further with him, they interrogated Matson again.
He was stony-faced and said, “I’m not talking to you without my lawyer.”
“That’s your right,” Adam said, and they left the interview room.
“Did they find the weapons discharged in Brooke’s shop?” Josh asked Adam.
“Did they find the weapons used in the murders of Gulliver and Lee?” Adam asked him.
Josh smiled.
Adam’s expression matched his. “We make a great pair of detectives. I’ll miss you when you retire.” He let out his breath. “I’ve got to get back to work.”
“We can handle everything now. Maybe tomorrow around the time the mail carrier comes, you can drop by and give us some backup in case we have trouble,” Josh said.
Ethan and Mr. Lee joined them. “You call all of us and we’ll be there. I’m going to take Ben to meet with my boss,” Ethan said.
“I’m headed home,” Josh said, then he shook Mr. Lee’s hand. “Good to meet you and hope we wrap this up soon.”
“Same here,” Mr. Lee said.
When Josh returned home, Lucas greeted him. “Did you get the truth out of him?”
“Some of it. We just need to arrest Daisy and find that thumb drive.”
“Can I return tomorrow and help some more?” Lucas asked.
“Yes,” Brooke said. “The shop will be open, and you can help organize more merchandise.”
“If you need me again, don’t hesitate to call on me,” Brad said.
“We will, thanks,” Josh said.
Lucas said, “Same time tomorrow?”
“For breakfast?” Brooke asked.
“That would be great.”
Brooke would have to get more food soon. “See you tomorrow, Lucas.”
After Brad and Lucas left, Brooke was going to check out the value of more of the jewelry, but Josh had other ideas. He grabbed her up, tossed her over his shoulder, and headed back to the bedroom. It was past time to make love to his mate, and she was all for it.
Chapter 28
Early the next morning, the alarm went off, and both Josh and Brooke groaned. No way did he want to open the shop today. All he wanted to do was stay in bed with Brooke.
Josh kissed her. “It’s going to be a long week before the shop is closed for two days after we’re off for Christmas, but with all the help we’ve had, we’re going to spend more time just…doing this.”
“I’m all for it. Shoot.” Brooke released Josh and scrambled to get out of bed. “Lucas is coming for breakfast and Adam, too, and then he’s back to his real work. We’re wearing Christmas sweaters today