Page 15 of Deadly Sins: Gluttony
Hazel pulled the sleeves of her hoodie over her hands and nodded.“There was a guy outside who walked past the bakery a few times while Gideon was there.”
“Did he ever come inside?”
“He didn’t.He was just pacing or whatever.I didn’t think much about it then, but once I heard about what happened to Gideon, I thought it was weird.”
“Have you mentioned the man to the police?”
“I have.”
“What can you tell me about him?”I asked.
“Black hoodie, black jogging pants, a cap tucked under the hood, and mirrored shades.”
Like someone who didn’t want to be recognized.
“How do you know the person was a man and not a woman?”I asked.
“I suppose I can’t say for sure.I just assumed it was a man.”
“Tall, short, or …”
“Kinda average.My height, maybe?”
“Did he look young?Old?”
“I’m not sure.I didn’t get a good enough look at him.”
“Is there anything else I need to know?”
Another shrug.“Nothing comes to mind.”
I turned and noticed an elderly woman walking toward us.She gave Hazel a squeeze and said, “Are you all right, dear?”
“Yes, Grandma,” Hazel said.“I’m fine.This is the detective Camille hired.”
“Good to meet you,” her grandmother said.“How’s the investigation going?”
“Slow, but I’m making progress.”
“Glad to hear it.Well, I suppose we should get on home, Hazel.You about ready?”
Hazel nodded, and we parted ways.On the walk to my car, I replayed the day’s conversations.It was only my second day on the case, yet the suspect list was already long: the sheriff, Gideon’s siblings, and his wife.They were all accounted for inside—everyone but one.And I meant to find out why.
11
“Well, well, if it isn’t the lady detective,” Greg said with a smirk.“Figured you’d show up sooner or later.”
“Nice to meet you, Greg.”
He swung the door all the way open, waving a hand as he turned.“Come on in, and let’s have ourselves a little chat.”
I followed Greg to the kitchen, noting several cans of beer in the trash can as I entered.Greg cleared a few magazines off one of the barstools and offered me a seat.Then he opened the door to refrigerator and said, “You want something to drink?I got beer, orange juice, water, and … well, not much else.If neither of those options sound good, I can make you a cup of coffee.Or, I have everything to make a tequila sunrise, if you’re so inclined.”
“Water’s fine.”
He gave me a nod and said, “Water it is, then.”
He grabbed a beer for himself, then opened a cupboard door, grabbed a glass, and filled it with water.Sliding it in my direction, he walked around the bar and took a seat beside me.
