Page 43 of These White Lies
“He’s in the waiting room,” I lie and pull out my phone to thumb a quick message to Luke to get here, fast.
Simpson sneers. “Why would you need a lawyer? You’re the victim here. Right?”
Elizabeth doesn’t answer. She doesn’t even blink. Even injured, her hardcore boss lawyer mode is engaged.
Before the detective can press again, Luke steps into the room, his expression grim.
How the hell did he get here so fast?
He goes to Elizabeth first. “You okay?”
She nods, her lips pulling tight, and I feel the slightest release in her grip.
Luke stares down at our hands with narrowed eyes, but doesn’t comment. Instead, he turns to the detectives. “Gentlemen. How fortuitous that I was already on my way here to check on my client before work. As I believe you were told, you can direct your questions to me, and I’ll provide you with Ms. Gowan’s response. She’s on painkillers, and it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to answer questions at this time.”
Ross shrugs. “We just want to know what happened. Off the record?”
Luke doesn’t look impressed.
“I’m fine.” Elizabeth’s voice is a little weaker than normal, but she sounds clearheaded.
Simpson casts me a triumphant smile, and I’m proud of myself for not instantly punching him in the face.
“Let’s start with yesterday,” Detective Ross begins. “Can you tell us what happened?”
I feel the faint tremor that runs through her hand, but her voice is matter-of-fact when she describes the events of the night before.
“Did they say anything? Give you an indication of why you are being targeted?”
Elizabeth shakes her head, and then stops. She looks at me before returning her attention to the detectives. “The first man told me to tell them where it was or something like that. I don’t remember the exact words.”
I have a distinct feeling she’s lying, but that’s something to address later.
“Where what is?” Ross’s voice is sharp, and I bristle.
“I don’t know.”
“Come on.” Simpson scoffs. “Your ex-husband is murdered with a warning to ‘Give it back,’ and now someone is trying to pull you off the street with a similar message, and you don’t know what it is?”
Luke stiffens, but I beat him to it.
“Watch your tone.” My voice is deathly cold.
Simpson ignores me. “It sounds like you’ve crossed the wrong people, Ms. Gowan. If you tell us where the item is hidden, it will help us identify who is after you.”
Ross gives his partner a warning glance before saying in a gentler tone. “If you are in possession of something you shouldn’t… maybe a client…”
He lets his words trail off, inviting Elizabeth to fill the silence, but her lips remain closed, and Ross sighs heavily.
“I’m concerned about this second attempt on your life.”
“Second attempt?”
He gives her a look. “If you didn’t kill your ex, someone else did. Someone who still wants something from you. Any information you can give us helps.”
Elizabeth’s face creases in frustration for a second before she smooths it to blankness again. “I don’t know what this person wants. Trust me, if I did, I’d give it back.”
“Or maybe you’re a good actress,” Simpson sneers. “You represent enough of them. Could have picked up some tricks. Maybe you killed your ex, and your alleged attempted kidnapping is just a diversion.”
