Page 34 of Death in the Family
“You have to remember she’s upset,” Miles went on. “Something like this can do a real number on a kid—especially with everything else going on. We’re moving next week.”
“Oh?” Tim said.
“Bebe and I are separating.”
All of the emotions I’d expect from the delivery of a statement like that were present and accounted for. Miles looked equal parts confused and pissed off. I kept my eyes off Tim, didn’t want Miles knowing this was news we could use. “Sorry to hear that,” I said. “Can I ask why?”
“Sure thing. My wife is cheating on me with Ned Yeboah.”
I couldn’t help it—my eyes went wide. Miles adjusted his glasses, and despite his matter-of-fact delivery I noticed the bridge of his nose was shiny with oil. “That’s why I came in here,” he said. “I know Bebe doesn’t want to talk to you, but frankly, I don’t give a shit. I think you should interview her. I’d like to be there when you do.”
It was all I could do not to poke Tim in the ribs and hiss,Are you hearing this?in his ear. “Mr. Byrd, do you think Bebe knows something about Jasper’s disappearance she isn’t telling us?”
“I know she does. And for the sake of Jasper, my daughter, and everyone else on this island, it’s time she came clean.”
If Bebe was concealing information, I didn’t see why she’d open up to us with Miles in the room, especially given they were breaking up, but I was happy to oblige this man if it meant we might finally get somewhere with finding Jasper. “That works for me,” I said. “Why don’t you bring her in?”
“Good,” said Miles, and left the room.
Tim and I traded glances and he whistled, low and slow.
“That was weird,” I said.
“Can’t hurt to try. What are the odds she’ll talk?”
I shrugged. “Slim to none, but I’m dying to know what she says.”
“At least there’ll be coffee, right?”
I didn’t return Tim’s smile. I couldn’t stop thinking about Abella. I had my choice of interviews, both of which could be vital to our search for answers—but I also had time. What had Tim said?It’ll keep. With that in mind, I sent Tim back to the parlor and prepared to turn my attention to the unhappy couple.
SIXTEEN
I prefer to interview people alone—no distractions, no intrusions. There are times, though, when tackling witnesses as a group has its perks. You can learn a lot from watching people interact. Some witnesses egg each other on, and I was hoping for that from Bebe and Miles. No, I was counting on it.
I knew interviewing Jasper’s sister would be a challenge. She gave off an air of superiority that implied she did what she pleased and gave zero fucks about anyone else. On the library’s butter-soft leather couch Bebe crossed her legs and stared at me with revulsion. When Miles sat down he left a foot of space between them. The energy in the room felt lethal.
I had just closed the door when my phone buzzed in my pocket. McIntyre. Had to be. She probably had something to report about our witnesses. I was dying to check the message, but with Milesand Bebe right in front of me and Abella waiting across the hall, it would have to wait.
“I’d like to make it clear I’m here under duress.” Bebe shot a glance at Miles as she said it. Before we sat down Norton had brought us each a coffee, and while Bebe’s sat on the table untouched, Miles took slow, noisy sips while eyeing her over the rim of his cup. “I have no interest whatsoever in speaking with you about my brother.”
“Duly noted. This is all standard stuff, Mrs. Sinclair. We need to get some timeline details for his file. So.” I tapped my lip like I was thinking hard. “Yesterday. Miles and Jade arrived at the island first, but you came later. That right?”
She sighed emphatically. Bebe’s foundation, two shades too light and applied with a trowel, wasn’t looking as fresh as it once had. When she spoke, deep pleats formed at the sides of her mouth. “What an amazing display of deductive logic.” Bebe’s voice was as rough as a jazz-club singer’s, all smoke and sex. As she spoke she tucked a lock of short, shiny hair behind her ear and I thought,No dollar shampoo there. Rather than Jasper’s fine features, Bebe’s face mirrored Flynn’s, with oversized lips and a bulbous nose. One could argue Jasper had his siblings beat in the looks department, too.
“And you came here with Ned?” I said.
“He happened to be in the office picking up his check. We were both ready to go, so we went. Believe me, I would have loved to be here sooner to spend more time with Nana, but I had to work.”
I hadn’t seen Bebe so much as acknowledge Camilla, let alone engage her in conversation. “Let’s move on to last night. You had cocktails. What was that like?”
“Refreshing.”
“Try to be more specific.”
Bebe sighed again. “We did our duty and chatted with Abby. Philip served roast pork with dried prunes for dinner and pie for dessert. It was a typical night up here.”
“Your chat with Abella included throwing around the idea of her coming to work for you, yes?”
