Page 49 of It's a Wonderful Knife
“Why would someone kill him?”
Again, a question I didn’t have the answer to. “That’s what I need to figure out. I think it would be a good idea if we gathered everyone together. Since I have no idea why Santiago was killed, I feel like there will be safety in numbers.”
“Oh, God. Do you think we’re all in danger?”
“I don’t know, Mona.”
Ezra grunted. “If he killed once, he’ll kill again.”
Gritting my teeth, I said, “We don’t know that it was a he, and we don’t know the motive. There’s no reason to think this person will kill again.”
Mona stood, and I did too.
“Let’s get the boys up here to the house ASAP. They might be in danger as well.” Mona moved to the door. “Should we tell everyone about the phones?”
“I think we have to,” I said. “Otherwise, they’ll wonder why we’re not giving them back since this is an emergency situation.”
“If the rain lets up tomorrow, maybe we can get help.” Ezra looked uneasy. “But if it doesn’t…”
Clearing my throat, I said, “I’m sure they’ll fix the cell tower quickly. I think the important thing right now is to be honest with everyone. That way they’ll understand why I don’t want them wandering off alone. Let’s gather everyone in the living room.”
“Okay.” Mona nodded.
Grimacing, I said, “I’ll also need to question everyone.”
“Sure.” Mona sighed. “I know. I’m sure they’ll understand.”
My tone was apologetic as I said, “That includes you two.”
Ezra scowled. “Us? Why in tarnation would me or Mona murder someone? This could be the end of us. It probably will be.”
“I have to talk to everyone.” I studied him. “Can I ask you guys something?”
Mona said, “Sure.”
“It’s kind of personal.”
“Why are you asking us personal stuff?” Ezra groused.
I bit the inside of my cheek to distract myself from my anger. Once I felt calmer, I said, “Because a man was murdered on your property, and I need to understand everything that’s going on with the farm.”
“Ignore him.” Mona frowned at her husband. “What do you want to know, Royce?”
Grimacing, I asked, “Is the farm having financial troubles?”
“What?” Ezra growled. “Why would you thinkthat?”
“Because the golf carts aren’t running, and you haven’t bothered to get them fixed. Also, you and Mona seem unusually stressed-out this year, and that might be from money troubles.”
Mona gave a humorless laugh. “See how your cheap ways are being perceived, Ezra? I keep telling you if you run the place like you’re broke, people start thinking you’re broke.”
Ezra huffed. “Why do we need those golf carts? What’s the big deal about walking a few feet to your cabin? Those city folk have legs, don’t they?”
Mona scowled. “It’s a courtesy to give them a ride. What about Jax and the boys having to carry that luggage by hand? It’s ridiculous, unprofessional-looking, and it makes the guests uneasy.”
“So you’re not having money troubles?” I asked.
“Goodness no. We had our best year ever last year.” Mona sighed. “We’re getting the carts fixed the minute this storm lets up.” She slumped. “I mean, if we’re not murdered in our beds.”
