by Josh Lanyon
“I’ll need to talk to you again when I have more information. Will you be willing to do that, Ben?”
He clenched his jaw. “Can I say no?”
“Not really.”
“Then I guess it’s fine,” he muttered.
I stood. “Why don’t we leave it there for now?”
He got up, moved to the door, and hesitated. He gave me a grumpy glance over his shoulder and then left the room.
I wrote down my thoughts on Ben’s and Lee’s interviews, then went to meet Trevor in the other interview room.
Trevor looked nervous. He had a bottle of water in front of him, and I could see he’d scraped the label off with his nail while he waited. I had to wonder why he seemed so worried. I realized being interviewed by the police made a lot of people uneasy, but Trevor looked sweaty, pale, and downright guilty.
I shook his hand, registering his weak grip. I settled across from him, shuffling through a folder and giving him time to compose himself. When I finally looked up, he still looked wary. “Thanks for coming in.”
“Of course.” His expression wasn’t nearly as gracious as his tone.
“After what happened to Dale, I’m sure you have a lot of uneasy contestants on your hands.”
He nodded. “I’ve been on the phone nonstop.”
“I can imagine.” I leaned back in my chair, taking in his flawless appearance. Not counting the sweat, he was handsome perfection.
He and Jax probably made a beautiful couple.
I was surprised by how annoying I found that thought.
“You’ve known Jax for a long time?”
He avoided my gaze. “Since college.”
“You’re Jax’s personal assistant?”
“Yes.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Just how personal are you two?”
His face tinted pink. “It’s not like that.”
“But you were more than just friends in college, right?”
He glanced up, looking surprised. “You know about that?”
“Jax told me.”
“Oh.”
“Was there some reason you wanted to hide that info?”
He shook his head. “Not exactly. I simply wasn’t sure if Jax wanted that to be common knowledge.”
“Trevor, you need to tell me the truth, not what you think other people want you to tell me.”
“Sorry.”
“This is a murder investigation. If you keep secrets, you’re liable to end up in jail.”
His eyes widened. “I’m not a murderer.”
“Then don’t hide stuff.” My voice was firm. “Dale is dead, and someone is trying to hurt Jax. I need you to be completely honest with me so we can catch this person.”
He rubbed his face roughly. “Yeah. Okay. Shit, I just don’t understand what’s happening. I mean Dale was just a normal, nice guy. He was the kind of person who’d offer a ride to the airport if you needed it. He was kind. Goodhearted. There was no reason to kill him.”
“What about Jax?”
He glanced up. “What about Jax?”
“Is there a reason to kill him?”
“No. Of course not.”
“You sure?”
“Are you actually insinuating I’d want to kill Jax because we used to date?”
“I’m simply trying to figure out if there are lingering resentments because he broke up with you.”
His lips thinned. “How do you know I didn’t break up with him?”
“Did you?”
“It was mutual,” he snapped.
Sure it was.
“Still, it must be awkward to be around Jax if he’s seeing other guys.”
“No. I see other people too.” He dropped his gaze to the table. “We’re both grown-ups.”
“Hmmm.”
He glanced up, anger glinting in his eyes. “I would never hurt Jax. I love him. He’s one of the best guys I know, and I’d never, ever harm him.”
His passion was so intense, I had to work hard not to flinch. He definitely sounded and looked sincere. The veins bulged in his forehead as he stared at me, and his voice was raw with emotion.
“Take it easy. No need to get upset,” I said quietly.
“Well, it makes me sick to think you could suspect me of trying to kill Jax.” He exhaled and sat back in his chair. “I worship the guy.”
Spurned lover or not, I was inclined to believe him. Trevor seemed more like he’d take a bullet for Jax rather than harm him. “I have to ask everyone hard questions, not just you.”
“I guess,” he muttered. He was still scowling, but he seemed calmer.
I cleared my throat. “Is your sister fond of Jax too?”
He wrinkled his brow. “Robin?”
“Yeah. Does she like Jax?”
“She doesn’t dislike him.”
“If I ask her, will I get the same answer?”
“Look, she’s protective of me, but Robin’s no murderer.”
“Anyone you can think of who would want to hurt Jax?” I clasped my hands on the table. “Anyone he had a falling-out with?”
He scrunched his face. “Jax has to fire people sometimes. I guess maybe someone he let go could hold a grudge.”
“Can you think of anyone he fired recently who maybe threatened him?”
He shook his head. “Not really. We have a good crew.”
“Perhaps he had to cut a contestant?”
“Nope. We have all the original people.” He sighed. “Of course, we may have to cancel the show now.”
I was surprised to hear that wasn’t a given. “Wait. You mean the show might still continue?”
“The network is trying to argue Dale’s death is no different than when a race-car driver dies. Plenty of drivers have died, and it’s not like the Indy 500 has stopped being a thing.”
“Well, Dale’s death wasn’t accidental.”
“Hey, I get what you’re saying. But the money guys don’t seem to agree.”
I shook my head. “I don’t get you Hollywood types.”
“If it were up to me, I’d cancel the show for sure. So would Jax. He just got the call today, and he’s pissed they might try and start up again.”
I was glad to hear that. The idea that Jax would have been fine continuing the show would have made him pretty coldhearted. “I see.”
“But it’s not our call.”
“I suppose not.” I rifled through some papers. “I think someone told me you know how to program the keypad in the tiger enclosure?”
“Yeah. So?”
“Have you done that recently?”
“No.”
I studied him, searching for any sign he was lying. “Did you see anyone else fiddling with the keypad?”
Rubbing his jaw, he said, “Not that I can recall. Did it malfunction or something?”
Or something.
“Were you on set the morning Dale died?”
“No.”
“How about the previous night during the run-through?”
“I was working in Jax’s office, but not on the actual set.”
He was telling the truth about not being on set that night. “So you, Lee Price, and Tim Sloan are the only ones who know how to program the keypad?”
“I think so.” He frowned. “You’re awfully interested in the keypad.”
“I’m interested in everything.”
He nodded, but he didn’t look like he believed me. “Lee Price is the nicest guy you’ll ever meet, and Tim was having back surgery.” He bit his lip. “And I’m a chickenshit, so no way I’d murder Dale.”
I was getting frustrated because it seemed as if the three people who could have messed with the keypad hadn’t had the opportunity or motive. Plus, by all accounts, Dale had been a great guy. I couldn’t seem to grasp why he’d been killed or how it tied to the attempts on Jax.
“Do you think Robin would be willing to talk to me?”
He raised his brows. “Of course.”
“Okay.
Can I get her number?” I pushed my pen and folder toward him. “Just write her number on here.”
He did as I asked, looking confused. “Have you ever considered this is all being done by someone who isn’t on our crew?”
“Yes.”
“But you don’t buy that?”
“It’s possible, but usually in cases like this it’s someone closer to the victim or victims.”
“Okay, but random shit does happen.”
“Yep.” I smiled pleasantly.
He scooted the folder back toward me. “I can’t believe this person is anyone I know.”
“I understand.”
He studied me, looking like he wanted to say something. Eventually, he said, “Thanks for saving Jax’s ass yesterday.”
His comment took me by surprise. “Oh, well, of course. But I was looking after my own ass too.”
“Yeah, Jax said you keep saying that.” His smile was melancholy. “He couldn’t stand you at first, but now he seems to think you’re some kind of superhero.”
My face warmed. “Hardly.”
He smirked. “That’s what I told him.”
“Trust me, the more Jax gets to know me, the faster that idea will disappear.”
“Good.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I thought you were fine with him seeing other people?”
“I am.”
“Sure about that?”
“I’m not jealous, if that’s what you’re trying to imply.”
“What, then?”
He shrugged. “You’re all wrong for him.” His tone was dismissive. “You wouldn’t fit into his world.”
I stamped down my irritation. I had no desire to fit into Jax’s world, but something about Trevor’s judgmental expression pissed me off. “He wouldn’t fit into mine either.”
“I’m glad we agree.”
I clenched my jaw and stood, scraping back my chair. “I appreciate your coming in to talk to me.” I forced a smile. “You’ve been very helpful.”
He stood too. “No problem. Anything to help Jax.” He left the interview room, and I went in the other direction.
When I got to my desk I was still feeling irritable, but when I saw that Jax had sent over the security footage of the stairwells and elevators for his floor, I cheered up. I spent the next six hours watching people walk up and down stairs and get on and off the elevator. While there were lots of people who came and went, no one was carrying a cane or anything that looked like an incendiary device. It was surprising how many people used the stairs instead of the elevator. Maybe it was because so many people in the movie business were fitness freaks and worried about having perfect bodies. I scowled when Trevor’s snooty comments about me not fitting into Jax’s world came back to me.
Fuck him.
He knew nothing about me. Regardless of what he said, he was plenty jealous of Jax. I didn’t think he’d hurt Jax, but he was definitely still territorial about his ex. I shook off thoughts of Trevor and continued watching the surveillance footage. As evening rolled around, my eyes were getting blurry and I had a headache coming on. There were certainly more enjoyable ways to spend my day than watching hours of people wandering in stairwells.
I didn’t see anyone I recognized near Jax’s office around the time of the fire. His receptionist, Tressa, left for lunch just as Jax said, and no one else showed up until I arrived. It was weird watching myself on the camera when I reappeared to help Jax out of his office. The memory of climbing out of the window and fighting the smoke and heat to return to Jax made my heart pound. Once the footage was just firemen fighting the fire, I paused the film and leaned back in my chair.
When my cell rang, I jumped. Pressing my hand to my chest, I glanced around sheepishly, hoping none of my coworkers had noticed me flinch. “Hello?”
“Hey, Decker, it’s me, Jax.” He sounded confident but a little breathless.
Surprised it was him on the line, I hesitated. “Everything okay?” I’d been busy interviewing people most of the day, and hadn’t gone to the studio. I assumed Jax was fine or I’d have probably heard about it, but I couldn’t deny it was nice to hear his voice.
“Uh, yeah. Everything is fine. I was wondering if you’d be willing to do me a favor tonight?”
“What kind of favor?”
“Well, I have your clothes…”
I had his too, in a bag tucked in my trunk. “Right. I can drop yours off at the studio if you want?” I glanced at my watch, noticing it was almost six.
“I’m not at the studio. I’m at my hotel. I left a little early because I have this thing tonight.”
“Oh, well, I can just drop them off tomorrow, then.”
“Yeah.” He gave a short laugh. “Actually, I wasn’t really calling about the clothes.”
“No?” Something about his tone made my pulse spike. “Why did you call?”
“I have to go to this party tonight.”
I frowned but didn’t speak.
He gave another breathy laugh. “I was wondering if maybe you’d want to go with me?”
I was shocked at the invitation, and it took me a second to regain my composure. “You’re inviting me to a party?”
“I thought it might be a good way for you to meet and talk to some of the people I work with, without being so obviously questioning them.”
“I see.” I was surprised that I felt a bit let down at his reason for asking me out. Not that that made any sense. I had no expectation of anything from him, and after my conversation with Trevor earlier, I still felt a little touchy.
“You could get a feel for what they’re like without them even knowing you’re a cop.”
“Ummm….” I glanced down at my cheap suit jacket. “I’m not really sure I’d fit in.”
Just ask Trevor.
“Why not?”
“I’m not a Hollywood type.”
“What does that even mean?” He sounded puzzled.
“Come on, you must know I’d stand out like a sore thumb. The minute I walked in, they’d know I’m a cop.”
“I guess.” There was disappointment in his voice. “Well, even if they did figure that out, I think they’d still be loose-lipped with booze in them.”
“I had no idea you were this devious.”
“I want to find the asshole that has made my life hell.” His voice wobbled with anger.
“That’s not your job. That’s my job.”
“Which is why I’m inviting you to join me,” he said smoothly.
My lips twitched. “Socializing might not be a great idea.”
“With me or with my friends?”
“Either.”
He sighed. “I don’t want to show up at that damn party alone.”
“How flattering.”
He chuckled. “Come on, Decker, we both know that if I say I actually want to see you, you’ll run screaming.”
“Probably.”
“You’re allowed to do what you want on your own time, right?” His voice was coaxing.
“Yes.”
“So why not come with me?”
“How old are you?”
“Thirty-five. Why?”
“I’m forty-two.”
“So?”
“You must have better options than me.” I leaned back in my chair, feeling less grumpy than earlier. Even my headache seemed to be better.
He hesitated. “Of course I have options, but I called you.”
My gut fluttered oddly. I knew I should decline. He was way too appealing, and getting involved with him when he was at the center of my case was really, really dumb. Could I spend time with him socially and not get even more attracted? I wasn’t sure. “I don’t know about this.”
“I’ll be safer if you’re with me.”
I scowled. “Haven’t you hired a bodyguard yet?”
“No, I did. But I’m not bringing him to the party.”
“Why not?”
“Because having Harry around would be a constant remi
nder of the shit I’m dealing with. I’d rather enjoy myself and not think about all this crap for one night.”
“I’m not a reminder?”
“Well, I guess you are, but you can get something out of being there. I’m telling you, these people like to drink. Once they start talking, it’s impossible to get them to stop.”
I laughed gruffly. “Who will be there?”
“Most of the crew.”
“Hmmm.” I was tempted. It would be nice to talk to people when they were less guarded. But would I be able to get anything out of them without seeming like I was interrogating them? I wasn’t sure I possessed those skills. I wasn’t known for my subtlety.
“Come on, Decker. Be my date,” he said softly.
My pulse picked up again. “This is probably a really bad idea.”
“Most of my bad ideas turn into something great.”
“Is that right?”
“Moving here from Nebraska was something everyone told me was a terrible plan. But now look at me; I’m filthy rich.” There was a smile in his voice.
“Just so you know, most of my bad ideas just turn out bad.”
He laughed. “What do you say?”
“I don’t own a tux.”
“No one will be wearing a tux. This is a jeans-and-nice-shirt kind of party. Everyone will spend hours getting ready so that they can look like they just threw on any old thing.” He snorted a laugh. “Wear the blue shirt you borrowed and skinny jeans.”
I recoiled. “I don’t own skinny jeans.”
“Oh, well, then just wear the tightest jeans you have.”
I raked a hand through my hair, feeling anxious, but also kind of excited at the idea of spending some time with Jax. Jesus, this was such a dumb, dumb, dumb idea. We were not a good match. We were like vinegar and water. This was like the Queen bringing her gardener as her date. “I’m still not sure about this.”
“I’ll make sure you have fun.”
“I don’t want to have fun.”
“Then I’ll make sure you have a horrible evening.”
“I can do that all by myself.”
“I’ll pick you up at eight.” He sounded as if the matter was settled. “Oh, and text me your address.”
“You’re awfully pushy.”