Strange Medicine (Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries #1)(32)

“In a hotel.”

“In town?”

“Yes in town,” I snapped. “You told me not to leave Rainy Dale, so I didn’t leave.”

Silence.

I grimaced. “I needed sleep, and I didn’t want to go home.”

A long sigh came over the line. “I understand. Um… have you eaten dinner?”

“No.”

“Which hotel are you at?”

“The Dusty Steer.” I leaned back against the pillows. “Why?”

“Meet me downstairs in ten minutes. We’ll have dinner.” He hung up before I could even respond.

I scowled at my phone, toying with the idea of calling him back and telling him I wasn’t hungry. But I didn’t. Instead I pulled on my wrinkled clothes and tried to fix my sleep-tousled hair with water from the sink. I brushed my teeth and applied another layer of deodorant; then I stared at my sallow reflection in the mirror.

Was Royce going to arrest me? Would he have invited me to dinner first if that was his plan? I straightened and tucked my room key in my back pocket. Then I headed to the elevator and took it down to the lobby.

Royce was already there, leaning against the front counter and talking with Mrs. Wyatt. Because he didn’t see me yet, I was able to study him. His husky laugh sent shivers through me, and I tried to ignore how his jeans clung to his lean thighs and firm ass. How could I still be attracted to a man who probably was about to throw me in jail?

He turned his head and noticed me, and the warm smile he’d had for Mrs. Wyatt faded. He straightened and tipped his hat to her, and then he strode toward me. “How are you?” he asked when he reached me.

“Fine.” I lifted my chin, self-conscious about how bedraggled I probably looked.

He led the way into the dining room, and when every head in the room turned, I knew that news of Ned’s death had already gotten out. I was surprised when Royce put his hand against the small of my back as we followed the hostess to our booth.

Royce hesitated in front of the table she picked and addressed the hostess. “Could we have that private booth in the corner?” She nodded and took us there instead. “Thanks,” he said politely.

“Sure thing, Sheriff.” She smiled at him and gave me a curious look.

I held the menu up to shield me from the inquisitive stares of the other patrons. Royce’s leg brushed mine, and I jerked away sharply, earning a disapproving glance from him.

“How’s your room?” he asked politely.

“It’s fine. Is that why you wanted to meet up? To ask me if I’m enjoying my room?”

He narrowed his eyes. “I’m being cordial, Maxwell. How about you try that too?”

I dropped my gaze.

“I told you I’d keep you up to date on anything that would give you peace of mind.”

That got my attention. I set the menu down and waited, my heart pounding against my ribs. “Do you have good news?”

He grimaced. “Well, Ned is still dead, so I’m not sure if it’s completely good news.”

I sighed. “You know what I mean.”

“Yeah.” He pulled a manila folder from inside his jacket, and he set it on the table. “I got the results back on time of death.”

“And?” I held my breath.

“The coroner puts the death sometime between 1:00 p.m. and eight o’clock the night before last.”

“Seriously?” I slumped covering my face with my hands for a second. Then I dropped them to my lap and met his gaze. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. Because of the state of rigor mortis that had already set in, she was able to give us a firm seven-hour window.”

I closed my eyes as waves of relief went through me. “Jesus, that’s good news.” I grimaced and put my head back against the booth.

“Ned didn’t drown, which we already had pretty much guessed. It was definitely the blow to the head that killed him, and the blood on your flashlight was indeed his blood.”

I swallowed. “I was working all day. Girdy was there with me, and I had nonstop appointments. There’s no way I could have killed Ned and disposed of his body. I was never alone long enough. Girdy left work, and you came up the road at the same time. Then we went for our walk.” I was babbling, talking so fast I could barely get the words out fast enough.

He held out his hand. “Maxwell, you’re no longer a suspect. Calm down.”

I rubbed my face, giving a gruff laugh. “Sorry. I’m still in shock.” I’d felt so lost last night. I’d had no control at all about what would happen to me next, and it had been a terrifying position to be in.

“I interviewed Girdy and most of the patients you saw. You were clearly not alone long enough or in a position to kill Ned. It’s just a fact.”

“Yeah. I know.”

The waitress walked up. “Can I get you boys a drink to start?”

“I’ll have the biggest beer you have on draft.” My voice wobbled.

“It’s thirty-two ounces, is that okay?” She smiled.

“Oh, yes.”

Royce chuffed and then said, “I’ll have iced tea and the bacon cheeseburger with fries.” Royce handed her his menu.

“Grilled chicken salad for me with Italian on the side.” I also gave her my menu.