Page 156 of Fixation
“Yes, yes.” The first to lower herself to the other couch is Athena. Jerry follows begrudgingly. “Werner Jade, then.”
Since Emersyn told me about Werner this morning, I’d have to assume they know I know.
“Terrible, what happened to him.” The corners of my mouth turn down as I sigh. “We’ve worked together since they first year of Harper’s.”
“Athena wanted to put it to rest as soon as the coroner’s report arrived. Not me. I have reasons to suspect Mr. Jade was murdered.” Jerry leans forward, placing his forearms on his knees. “It seems highly unlikely that his heart just gave out. Without any medical or family history. No narcotics in hissystem or home. No alcohol abuse. The coroner suggested we close the case, but I insisted we should keep digging into it.”
You’re right. Werner tried to flirt with the wrong woman. My stalker wouldn’t have that.
I stifle a laugh. This isn’t funny, it’s insane.
Wonderful and insane.
“No one should get away with murder,” I agree. Other than Anderson, who’s justified, in that warped way of his.
“Where were you two nights ago?” the man prods.
“Jerry,” Athena scolds him. “We talked about this.”
Her eyes are too wide with shock.
His face is red with anger.
It doesn’t feel like a good cop, bad cop act.
What did I ever do to him?
“You were upset.” He brushes Athena off, focusing his anger on me. “You didn’t appreciate the email he’d sent you.” Jerry’s fury takes on a sharper edge. Spit flies out of his mouth. “Rich, spoiled girl?—”
“Englewood, cut it out.” They’re definitely not acting. I see it clearly now. Her shoulders are tense; her face blanches and reddens within seconds. “What the fuck, man.”
“The computer nerd had the nerve to think he could dateyou.”
I pray to God Anderson is sleeping through this. I mean, he has to be. Otherwise, he would’ve bulldozed his way in here. Would’ve put this detective in his place.
He’d defend me and become their number one suspect.
“When he wouldn’t take no for an answer,” Englewood continues, “you went over there before he could come here. You showed him what people with money are capable of.”
“Jesus Christ,” Athena cuts in. “We didn’t discuss any of this. Stop it.”
“Look at her!” he bellows, and wow. “The miserable excuse ofI tripped! She must’ve jumped out of the fire escape and landed badly on the ground!”
“We came here for an interview.” She pinches the bridge of her nose. Releases it. Turns to me. “I’m so sorry, Miss Arlington. We’ll be back tomorrow.”
“When she lawyers up! They all do! Don’t you remember our case from three years ago? The one that got away on a technicality?”
Okay. Now I get it. He has issues that have nothing to do with me. I can work with that.
“Listen.” I raise my palms, waiting for both detectives to hear me out. They’re quiet, though there’s nothing to do about the volatile energy in the room. “I’m recovering from the worst flu ever. I’m working on my new collection. I jogged once, then messed up and tripped this morning. I wasn’t anywhere near his place.”
At my explanation, Athena’s lips quirk. Her posture is a relaxed one.
Englewood shifts uncomfortably on the couch, murmuring to himself.
“The city is wired with cameras,” I remind them, knowing full well that they won’t catch Anderson.
Anderson, who was wearing a mask.
