Page 71 of The Smart Killer
Noah interrupted them, stepping into the ongoing conversation.
“Who’s responsible for Ethan?”
The sideways glances shared between Ray and Mia hinted at a secret.
Ray was quick to clear his throat before speaking. “You might as well tell him.”
“Tell me what?”
Mia hesitated for a moment, glancing at Ray before speaking. “I went to Big G’s tonight and spoke with Richy. Ethan’s friend.”
“You went to the bowling alley? I thought you told Gretchen you went home?”
“I figured he might know. Since no one else seems to be getting an answer.”
Noah glared at his brother. “Did you put her up to this?”
Ray lifted both hands. “Hell no.”
“Don’t blame him, he didn’t know.”
“Oh, he knew enough to send you in the other night.”
Mia looked at Ray. “Sorry, kid, I had to tell him.”
“Well, maybe he wouldn’t have, had you let me go on a ride-along with you.”
“I told you.”
“When I’m older. I’m seventeen, Dad.”
“Yeah, just a kid.”
“I’ll be eighteen in a year and free to leave.”
“That you will, but until then, while you are under my roof, you…”
“Oh, go easy on her, Noah,” Ray said stepping between them.
Noah jabbed a finger toward him. “Don’t tell me how to raise my kids, Ray.”
“They drugged him,” Mia said. “Zeke drugged him after he found out that you were a cop. I guess they couldn’t take the risk of him telling anyone. I had the confession, Dad, from Richy and Darla, the girl that was with him that night. They plied him with alcohol that was spiked with a mixture of liquid morphine and a few other drugs. Ethan started having breathing problems. Zeke said he was going to drop him off at home, but I assume he dumped him.” She shook her head. “I had it all on my cell phone. The whole confession, Richy told Zeke, and they broke my phone. He told me that no one would believe me. That there was no evidence that Zeke was involved or that Gavin is getting the drugs from some black sedan that pulls up every month out back.”
Noah frowned. “And they just let you go?”
“Not exactly. I kicked him in the nuts, gave a right hook to one of his pals, and bolted out of there.”
“Right on. That’s a Sutherland for you,” Ray said. “I’m proud of you, kid.” Ray was smiling from ear to ear, holding out his hand to give Mia a high-five, except it never happened as Noah was glaring at him. He slowly lowered his hand and said, “Yeah, maybe I should step out.” He went to walk past, and Noah placed a hand on his chest.
“I think not. You got her into this. You stay.” Noah paced. “So, Gavin is dealing.”
“No, that’s the teens,” Mia said. “Gavin passes the supply to Zeke; Zeke oversees giving it out.”
“You were given some the other night. I saw it on video. Droplets were placed into your drink. Did you touch that?”
“No. Of course not. I’m not stupid.”
“Did you bring it out?”
