Page 44 of Mystic Justice
‘The centaurs,’ Channing confirmed flatly.
‘Oh. Jane and Ruben were covering that area but I couldn’t say which one actually got the table.’
‘Do you remember either of the centaurs’ names?’ I probed.
She shrugged. ‘I don’t think I got them, sorry. Why are you asking about him? Do you think he killed Moss?’
‘No. He’s dead, too.’
Her face went slack with shock and all the colour drained from her face. ‘After he was in Botany?’
I nodded. ‘I’ll speak to Mr Merrick and see if we can shut the venue down for a few days.’
She shook her head. ‘No chance. He barely lets us close for Christmas.’ She shifted in her chair. ‘Is that everything? Can I go?’
‘I’m not pressing charges at this time for your involvement in the black tourney, though another officer may take a different approach in the future. I strongly suggest that next time you’re sent a location you contact me instead.’ I slid over my business card. ‘You’re free to go.’
She stood, her relief obvious. ‘Thank you. I’m sorry I lied, but I was scared. You can verify where I was so you’ll know I didn’t have anything to do with Moss’s death. I would never have hurt her. Never.’
Once again I found that I believed her. I would verify her time of exit from the building with Ji-ho, but it looked like I’d just ruled out my one viable suspect.
Chapter Twenty-One
I called Amber DeLea. ‘I need your help to look at some runes for me. I think they’re black runes.’
She sighed. ‘Hey, Crone, how are you? I’m fine, thank you,’ she sassed. ‘Thenyou launch into what you need from me.’
‘Right. Sorry. Hey, Crone. You okay? Can you help?’
‘Of course I can help,’ she huffed. ‘When and where?’
‘The morgue in half an hour? Three pm?’
‘It’s a date,’ she said flatly and hung up.
I checked SPEL. I had a notification, an update from Frost.Spoke to various members of the Grove. No one remembers hearing helicopters or planes before or after the trees’ unrest told them something bad had happened. I’ll get on to the private strips next.
I messaged back an affirmation then called the ME. ‘Dr Potter,’ she answered.
Following the Crone’s not-so-good-natured ribbing, I asked, ‘Hey, Kate, how are you?’
‘I’m good, thanks. Enjoying a nice coffee. My time is nearly up. Do you need me?’
‘Definitely. We have an ID for the centaur and Amber DeLea has agreed to come and look at the runes for us. If you’re ready, I’ll pick you up from the Storyhouse in ten minutes and we can go to the morgue.’
‘That works. I’ll join the queue for the portal. See you soon.’ She rang off.
I turned to Channing. ‘I’m going to pick up Dr Potter from the hall and head to the morgue. Can you speak to Ji-ho and tell him the location of the black tourney? When he’s verified that Sandra left at 3am as she said, tag me.’
‘Got it.’
I flashed a smile at Krieg. ‘Are you still chauffeuring me?’
‘Absolutely. I can wangle today and tomorrow off.’
‘Is this really how you want to spend your down time? Hunting murderers?’
‘Catching murderers is a fun side project. What I’m really doing is spending time with you so we can learn a little more about each other. I find I enjoy your company. Besides, it’s a real pleasure to watch your mind work.’
