Hidden Hideaways Read Online Free PDF Page B

disturbing.
    “There was a disagreement,” she frowned. She knew that Jason had already told the police about it, so there was no point in lying.
    “A disagreement that led to Paul's hands around Trent's throat,” the officer clarified stiffly.
    “One hand,” Suzie huffed and lowered her eyes. “It was my fault. I spilled cream all over Trent's pants, and Trent mouthed off about it, and well, Paul is very protective of me.”
    “Protective enough to kill someone?” he asked. “Maybe you even suggested it?”
    Suzie stared at the officer with mounting dislike.
    “I don't know what it is about your investigation that is leading you to such terrible conclusions, but I can assure you, Paul would never have anything to do with Trent's death. So, you are free to continue barking up the wrong tree, or you could actually do something to find a good man who is likely hurt or otherwise detained,” she snapped sharply in return.
    “Slow down there,” he chuckled. “I'm not looking for a lecture. I'm here to ask you for a few answers, that's all. If you really want me to find your boyfriend, then you will answer me honestly.”
    “Fine,” Suzie shook her head and braced herself for the next questions.
    “I want to know if there was anything between Paul and Trent. Had they met before Paul hired him?” he asked.
    “No, I don't think so. Paul even said that Trent didn't have much experience, and that he was taking a chance on him,” Suzie explained.
    “Hmm, so he might have grown frustrated at Trent's lack of skill when it came to being a deckhand,” the officer said and made a note.
    “That is not what I said,” Suzie said roughly. “You have a way of twisting things. Aren't you the least bit concerned about the truth in this situation? A man is dead, and his murderer is on the loose, while Paul is missing.”
    “Well, I'm very concerned,” the officer replied and glared openly at her. “I'm concerned about finding the man who would kill a boy who was barely out of his teens, over what? Insulting his girlfriend?”
    “If that makes sense to you then Parish PD is in a lot of trouble,” Suzie said dismissively. “I don't have to answer any more questions. I want you off my property!”
    “I see you have a bit of a temper as well,” he said gravely and shook his head. “If I need any more information from you, I will be in contact. I expect you to cooperate with this investigation. Especially considering that you have law enforcement in your family.”
    “If you're referring to my cousin Officer Jason Allen, I think you should consult with him on what it's like to be a real police officer,” Suzie snapped back. “Off my property,” she demanded and pointed in the direction of the driveway. The officer shook his head. From the glint in his eyes Suzie suspected he might be trying to think of a reason to arrest her. Instead he just turned and walked down the steps. Mary inched her way out of the doorway of the house.
    “Suzie, I can't believe you talked to him like that,” Mary said with awe in her voice. “Weren't you afraid that he would arrest you?”
    “For what?” Suzie shrugged and sighed. “I might make my own citizen's arrest for impersonating a police officer since he doesn't have the ability to backup that badge.”
    “Wow, Suzie,” Mary frowned. “You're on a bit of a roll. But you need to remember that Parish PD is in charge of this case. If they have more questions that same officer is likely to be the one that comes back.”
    “Well, I won't be here when he does,” Suzie replied and stomped back into the house. “I'm not going to leave Paul out there, alone and hurt, while these idiots waste time trying to build a case against him.”
    “Suzie, promise me at least that you won't do anything until morning,” Mary pleaded. “Then I will go with you to check out whatever you want to look into. If you try to go down there now you'll end up arrested, or worse. I know how upset you