Page 107 of Tasting Fire
“He?” Emmy asked Windell, hopping up and trying to sidle in between Cash and the kid. Cash blocked her with his shoulder. “You know it was a man?”
“Nah. I just assumed.”
“This person happen to mention someone named Emerson McKay?” Cash asked him.
“Never heard of him. Really, I didn’t have any idea anyone would be hurt.”
Emmy sighed and said to Cash, “I believe him.”
“He broke the law.”
Holding up his hands in surrender, Windell tried to draw back at Cash’s aggressive tone. “This is the only time I’ve done anything like that. Promise.”
Cash sincerely doubted that, based on the kid’s screen name,Play4MONEY. He pulled him in close, almost nose to nose. Windell Owens would not forget today. Ever.
“The kid you swatted was fifteen years old. He was shot during that SWAT call. And he died later that night. Do you understand what I’m saying? You could very well be charged as an accessory if not for straight-up murder.” Finally Cash released him, and the kid’s collar was a mangled mess.
Windell hunched his shoulders and seemed to shrink half a foot. “Will I be arrested?”
“You can definitely expect a visit from the sheriff. Tell her everything, the whole truth, and I might put in a word for you.” Pointing a finger in the kid’s face made Cash feel like he was a grumpy old man of ninety, but this was serious shit.
Hand up scout style, Windell said, “You have my word. I will tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”
Emmy patted the kid on the arm. “Thanks for being honest, Windell.”
“Any time. Uh… I mean not any time because I won’t ever…”
Cash put a hand on Emmy’s lower back to lead her to the truck. Before they made it to the end of sidewalk, Windell called out, “So does this mean the tournament is off?”
