in the way?
“What about Roy?” I say. I think back to Roy’s bizarre behavior earlier tonight, asking me if I had plans this evening. “He hit on me tonight.”
Tyler’s expression changes instantly, sharpening as his jaw clenches. “He what?”
“He. Hit. On. Me. I thought I was pretty clear the first time.”
Tyler presses the heels of his hands to his eyes and exhales harshly. “Roy Valdez lied to me this morning about the nature of his relationship with Brad, and now I’ve got all kinds of alarm bells going off in my head. As far as I’m concerned, Roy’s now a suspect.”
I frown. “But you arrested Brad.”
“I know I did. Did you know they were involved with each other? Roy and Brad?”
I shake my head. “Are you sure? I’ve never even seen them even talk to each other.”
“Yes, I’m sure. I caught them on video surveillance, kissing in the hallway. Not only that, but Roy choked Brad. When I asked Roy if he knew Brad, he said he didn’t.” Tyler scrubs his hand over his jaw. “Tell me exactly what he said to you.”
“He told me he was sorry about Eric, and then he asked me if I had any plans tonight.”
“What did you say?”
“I didn’t say anything. I didn’t get a chance to. My friends dragged me off to the dance floor.”
“Stay clear of him, Ian. He’s a suspect now. I’ll know more once Turner’s DNA results are in.”
“Thanks for the update, detective,” I say, unable to keep the scorn out of my voice. He’s just doing his job. None of this is personal to him. This isn’t about me, or about him. This is about the case. “Excuse me while I collect my bodyguard and head home.”
I stalk past Tyler, my shoulder brushing against his, and he remains frozen to the spot. When I open the door, I see Miguel standing in the hallway. I don’t know whether he’s guarding the restroom or waiting for me. “I’m ready to go,” I tell him.
He nods, falling in step beside me as I head for the exit. He motions back to the restroom. “What was that all about?”
I look back too, expecting to see Tyler, but there’s no sign of him.
“The fuck if I know,” I say as we step outside. “Let’s go home.”
“I get to drive, right?” Miguel says as we head toward the car. I only had two beers, so I’m not really that impaired, but I did promise him he could drive my Porsche. I’d hate to disappoint him.
“Sure. You can drive.” I dig my keys out of my pocket and hand them over.
Miguel slides into the driver’s seat, and I get in the front passenger seat.
“Try not to get caught speeding, will ya?” I say.
Miguel laughs as he pulls into traffic. “Hey, by the way.” He glances at me. “Is there any chance Tyler Jamison is your someone special?”
I glare at him with laser-focused intensity. “Don’t ask.”
Chapter 17
Tyler Jamison
Tuesday morning, I walk into an interrogation room at the precinct headquarters. The room is sparsely furnished with a square metal table and two metal chairs, all bolted to the floor. Brad Turner is the only occupant of the room. He’s seated at the table, his cuffed wrists resting on his lap.
I stand behind the chair opposite his.
He glares up at me, looking worse for wear. Jail time doesn’t seem to agree with him. “What the hell do you want?” he says.
I’m running out of time. We have to charge him or release him. “I have some questions, Mr. Turner.”
“Too bad. I’m all out of answers.” His complexion is pasty white, and his dark hair is dirty and limp. “I told you, I didn’t kill those men.”
“I just want to ask you some questions.”
“Why should I answer any of your questions? Why the hell should I help you?”
“Because, if you’re innocent as you claim to be, then help me find the killer.”
His posture relaxes a bit, but his tone is still defiant. “What kind of questions?”
“Tell me about Roy Valdez.”
Turner grows even paler, if that’s possible. “What about him?”
“Are you, or have you ever been, involved with him? Either romantically or sexually?”
Turner studies me, his shoe tapping the hard floor. “What does Roy have to do with anything?”
And that’s when I know my growing suspicions might have some validity. There is a connection between Turner and Valdez. “Because Roy lied to me about knowing you. I asked him if he knew you, and he said he didn’t. But I