Page 69 of It's a Wonderful Knife
“I don’t think he’s a killer. I think he sees the world in black and white, but I don’t think he’s the type to do anything about it.”
“You’re the expert.”
I laughed. “You think I’m wrong?”
He shook his head. “No. I think you’re right. I think he’s right too, when he says Santiago played with fire and it eventually caught up with him.”
“Unfortunately, yeah.”
There was a knock on the door, and Jax pushed it open and poked his head through. “I heard I’m the next victim?” He came in the room grinning.
I gave a polite smile. “Come in, have a seat.”
Jax sat, looking confident. “I’m kinda surprised you’re questioning the farmhands.”
I frowned. “Why?”
“Well, what kind of a fool murders someone where they live and work?” He pulled his hat off, running his fingers through his blond hair.
“The desperate kind?” Max said.
Jax shot Max a strange look. “Now, why would any of us be desperate?”
Max shrugged.
I studied Jax. “I can think of some things that would make a man desperate. Things like losing a job.”
Jax narrowed his eyes. “Far as I know, none of us farmhands are in danger of losing our jobs.”
“You came awful close the other day,” Max said.
“What do you mean?”
My smile was tight. “Come on, the whole ranch heard Elle say she wanted you fired.”
“Yet, I’m still here.”
Leaning forward, I said, “Sure. For now. But one more screwup and maybe Mona has no reason to keep you around.”
A flush painted Jax’s face. “Mona isn’t going to fire me. They need me. I practically run the place single-handedly.”
Max laughed. “That’ll be a surprise to all the other guys.”
“Not to mention Mona and Ezra,” I said.
Scowling, Jax said, “What does any of this have to do with Santiago’s murder?”
“I’m just trying to get a sense of who you are as a person.” I crossed my arms. “Rumor has it Santiago and Madison had a little thing for each other.”
Anger flashed in Jax’s eyes. “Bullshit.”
“That’s what people are saying,” Max said.
“Maybe she got tired of your antics. Must have been pretty embarrassing for her when you kissed Chloe.” I shook my head. “That was surprising. I’d never seen that side of you.”
“It was a tiny kiss. You’re acting like I forced myself on her. Chloe isn’t a child. She knows how to wrap men around her little finger.” He laughed. “Hell, she’s got Dakota following her around like a lovesick puppy.”
“Regardless, that was out of line.” I frowned.
