Strange Medicine (Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries #1)(35)

“Okay.”

He hesitated. “And some of them don’t even like you, so they wouldn’t be covering for you.”

“They don’t like me?” I chuffed.

He grinned, and it made my chest tighten. “That’s right. Some of them are still mad they don’t get coffee and cookies because of you.”

I laughed and then grimaced. “Maybe that was a mistake. I should probably let Girdy do that if she wants.” I sighed. “It just annoyed me because half of the people there had nothing wrong. They were just there to snoop on me and eat cookies.”

“Welcome to Rainy Dale.”

I twisted my lips and held his amused gaze. “I can’t believe I’m having dinner with you right now.”

“Why?”

“Because last night I felt like my life was over.”

His face fell. “God. I’m so sorry, Max.”

His use of my nickname made my pulse speed up. No one had called me that in years. “If you’re going to call me Max, does that mean I get to call you Roy?”

“Oh, God no.” He laughed. “I hate that name.”

I smiled at his impassioned response. “Well, don’t I get to have a nickname for you too?”

“If it’s a big deal, I’ll just call you Maxwell. The shortened version just kind of slipped out.”

“It’s not a big deal.” I finished my beer and licked my lips. “I like it.”

He tilted his head, his gaze heated. “Okay.”

“If I had a Jacuzzi tub, I’d invite you up to my room.” My lips twitched. “But all I have is a shower that’s smaller than this booth. And the bed squeaks obscenely when I’m the only one in it. It would wake up the whole hotel if you were in there with me.”

He bit his lower lip. “Another time, then.”

“Sure. You catch whoever is trying to frame me, and maybe I’ll invite you to another pizza party.”

“I look forward to it, Max.”





Chapter Ten


Royce

I’d always had a good relationship with Hanna Montgomery, but lately, she seemed like she dreaded the sight of me. When I walked into her shop the next day to talk to her about Ned, she looked like she wanted to bolt out the back door. Her face tensed, and she immediately began opening boxes and unloading them near the register.

“Hello, Hanna,” I greeted her.

She straightened and plastered on a big fake smile, acting surprised, as if she hadn’t seen me come in. “Sheriff Callum—well, what brings you here? Did Maria like the earrings?”

“She loved them.” I leaned on the cash counter. “I was hoping to talk to you about Ned.”

“Ned Tinkerson?”

I frowned. “Um, yeah.” Who else? How many Neds did she know in town?

“Yeah, that was just awful about his death.” She kept her eyes down on the box she was opening. “I don’t know how I can help. I barely knew him.”

“A week or so ago, the day I bought Maria’s earrings, he was in here.” I studied her emotionless face.

“Hmmm. I don’t recall.”

I could tell from her tone that was a flat-out lie. “He was ordering lampshades, I believe he said.”

“Ahhh. Okay. Yeah, now I remember.” She avoided my gaze.

“He seemed agitated.”

“Did he?”

Since she’d been the one he was arguing with, it seemed hugely suspicious she was pretending she didn’t remember. How many customers did she have screeching at her? So many that she couldn’t keep them straight?

I sighed. “Now, Hanna. I feel like you’re not being completely open with me.”

Her cheeks tinted pink. “But I am, Sheriff. I don’t know what you mean.”

“He seemed upset with you that day. Could you maybe fill me in on what had him so bothered?” I twisted my lips. “Even the littlest thing might be helpful.”

Liam Montgomery, Hanna’s husband, burst through the beads that hung between the sales floor and the storage area. “Well, hello there, Sheriff Callum. What brings you to our little shop?” His cheerfulness sounded forced, and he had a sheen of sweat on his forehead.

“I’m investigating Ned Tinkerson’s murder.”

“Oh, my. Well, why in the world would that lead you here?” He widened his eyes.

“He knew Hanna.”

“He no doubt knew a lot of people in town. Are you talking to all of them?” He puffed out his chest, folding his arms.

I was a little surprised at how defensive he seemed. “Actually, I’m talking to a good portion of them, yes.”

Hanna laughed nervously. “I don’t mind answering some questions. But me and Ned weren’t close. He was a customer, that’s all.”

“Something had him upset the day I saw him in here.”

She met her husband’s irritable gaze, and she snapped her fingers. “Oh, yes. I remember now. The warehouse messed up his order.”

“That was all?” I squinted.

“Yep.” She lifted her chin. “He was mad about the shades.”

“Did you ever socialize with Ned outside of the shop?” I asked.