Page 63 of Married to Murder
Tanner shifted uneasily beside me. “No. I’m pretty confused. You saved my life. That’s not something I take lightly.”
“Too bad the bullet didn’t kill me. That would have solved a lot of problems for all of us.” Gordon’s voice wobbled.
I scowled. “That’s not funny.”
“I know.”
“I’m glad you’re alive, Gordon. I can’t even imagine what I’d feel like if you’d died.” Tanner moved closer to the bed. “I know you’re a good man. I guess that’s what makes all of this so hard.”
Gordon nodded. “Yeah.”
There was a knock on the door behind us, and when I turned, I found Detective Pole entering the room. My heart jolted and I had to stop myself from physically recoiling. After everything we’d gone through last night, the sight of him was almost too much. I wanted to protect Gordon from him, but in doing that, it would put me at odds with Tanner.
“Good morning, gentlemen.” He gave his usual pleasant smile. “I hear there was a little excitement last night.” He approached the bed.
“Yes,” I said stiffly.
He nodded, stuffing his hands in his jacket. “You look pretty good for a guy who just got shot, Gordon.”
Gordon gave a weak smile. “Thanks.”
Tanner watched the detective as if he were a rattlesnake. I knew he was conflicted with what to do about Gordon. His mouth was a grim line, and he flicked his gaze to Gordon several times, looking even more confused.
“I just wanted to come by and see how you were doing, Gordon.” He cleared his throat. “And also to tell you, Tanner, we’ve arrested Crater Jones for murder and attempted murder.”
I widened my eyes. “You have?”
“You arrested him for my dad’s murder?” Tanner looked uneasy.
“Yep. Seems pretty cut and dried he’d been threatening your dad for months. We’ve got the text messages to prove it. He admitted to vandalizing your dad’s car to scare him. He was furious with your dad. My guess is he got into a scuffle with your dad and killed him. Then he came after you to try and get his money. He’s a real piece of work. Got a rap sheet as long as my leg: Attempted murder. Robbery. Sexual assault. You name it, the guy’s a scumbag.”
“He sounds vile.” Gordon licked his lips. “But um… Detective… I um… I think you should know… that is… I want to confess—”
“I’m so relieved you found the killer,” Tanner interrupted Gordon. “I feel so much better knowing a violent guy like that is off the streets.”
I met Tanner’s gaze, my heart pounding. He gave me a sharp nod, and my heart squeezed.
Gordon had fallen silent as soon as Tanner talked over him. His eyes were red, and he looked like he was about to cry.
“Yeah. I guess Robbery-Homicide has been after this Crater guy for some time. They’d never been able to catch him in the act. He was a slippery son of a bitch. I’m sorry you got shot, Gordon, but honestly, if he hadn’t come after Tanner when you were there last night, no telling what might have happened.”
“Definitely.” Tanner nodded.
Detective Pole rubbed his jaw and addressed Gordon. “I’m sorry, what was it you wanted to tell me?”
Tanner forced a laugh. “I wouldn’t listen to anything Gordon has to say right now—he’s still pretty out of it from the anesthesia.”
“Yeah. He was talking about seeing little green men a minute ago,” I added.
Chuckling, Detective Pole moved to the door. “That’s how I am after a root canal.” He hesitated. “I’m glad the three of you are okay. You had a lucky escape.”
Gordon gave a choking sob sound, and he gripped the sheets tight in his fists.
The detective didn’t seem to notice Gordon’s emotional state, or if he did, he chose to ignore it. “Well, I got other bad guys to catch, so I’m out of here. Congrats on your new marriage, Tanner and Seth. Gordon, you take care.” Detective Pole waved and left the room.
I slumped against the bed and met Tanner’s bright gaze. “Are you sure about this?”
His mouth was a grim line. “Yes. I don’t see how sending Gordon to prison would make the world a better place.”
