Page 22 of Tide and Seek
“Could still have been kids.”Gonzalez shrugged.“Anyone who’s watched a few episodes of CSI would know to wear gloves.”
“True,” I acknowledged.“What about the security footage?”
Gonzalez scrunched his cheek.“Unfortunately, that didn’t prove helpful either.”
That struck me as odd.“But the security company said they saw someone inside my home.”
“Absolutely.There was definitely someone inside your home, Dr.Thornton.However, the footage merely showed what appeared to be a male wearing a ski mask.There were no tattoos or any distinguishing clues to help identify who the perpetrator was.He appeared to be average weight and maybe a little above average height.The perp could be anyone.”
“Damn,” Royce muttered.“That’s too bad.”
“Yeah.”Gonzalez grimaced.
“Did you talk to the neighbors?”I asked, remembering James had said he hadn’t been interviewed.
Gonzalez said, “We tried.”
“You tried?”I scowled.“I’d hope you would do more than just try.”
Face tense, Gonzalez said, “We canvassed the neighbors after the break-in.Ms.Jameson next door was home but didn’t hear anything.The guy at the far end, Westbrook?Useless.He didn’t see anything.Said he didn’t even hear the alarm.Not sure how.The home alarms tend to be loud to scare off intruders.But to be honest, he was so high, I wouldn’t have trusted anything he said anyway.Dr.Harper was out of state so we weren’t able to talk to him.We’ve been shorthanded, but we’ll get to him soon.”
“Maybe we can save you a trip,” Royce said, his tone casual.“Max and I just happened to talk with James Harper last night.”
“Is that right?”Gonzalez perked up.
Grimacing, Royce said, “Sorry to say, he didn’t see anyone suspicious before or after the robbery.I was hoping maybe he had, but apparently not.”
Gonzalez exhaled tiredly.“Sure.Why would we get lucky?That stuff only happens in the movies.”
“Ain’t that the truth?”Royce said.“Max and I will be here until next Thursday.We’ll try to keep our eyes and ears open.Who knows, maybe we’ll hear something useful.”
Gonzalez nodded.“If you do, give me a call.I’ll try to follow up.”
“Will do.”Royce held out his hand.“I appreciate your time, deputy.”
“My pleasure.”He shook Royce’s hand and I got the feeling he genuinely liked Royce.Then his gaze shifted to me and his mouth tightened.“Let me know if you need anything from my department, Dr.Thornton.”
“Sure.”I noticed he didn’t shake my hand.
Maxwell Thornton, making friends and spreading goodwill everywhere he goes.
Since we’d already given our statements and there wasn’t anything we could do to help, Royce and I left the scene, making our way back to my beach house.I grabbed my shirt off the patio and slipped into it.I felt drained as we entered the house.So far this trip wasn’t going as planned.I’d really hoped Royce and I could just relax and enjoy each other’s company.Finding dead bodies on the beach hadn’t been on the trip’s itinerary.
Royce must have sensed my dour mood because once inside, he hugged me, kissing the side of my head.“Why don’t you call that car rental place C.J.suggested?Once we have wheels, we could go into town and have some food.We’ll feel better if we get away from here and eat.”
“You think so?”My voice was muffled against his shirt.
“I do.”
I held him tight, relishing the comforting feel of his arms around me.I was still bothered by the conversation we’d begun right before we’d discovered the body.Why had Royce hinted he thought I wanted to move back to LA?I’d given up that idea when Royce and I admitted we were in love and wanted a future together.I didn’t think I’d said or done anything since we’d been here to make him think I wanted to move back to LA.It wasn’t even true.
“Sorry about all this,” I mumbled.“Do I know how to show a guy a good time, or what?”
He rubbed my back in comforting small circles.“None of this is your fault.”
“I know that, logically.Still, I really hoped we could just unwind and not have a bunch of stress.At this rate, we should have just stayed home.I can’t believe these words are coming out of my mouth, but I’m beginning to regret not just staying in Rainy Dale and handling this remotely.”
“Nah, I’m glad we came here.”He kissed the side of my neck, sending warm shivers down my spine.“I’m enjoying just being with you, Max.”
