Murder Fir Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page A

going out for it.
    This was as good as it was going to get.
     

Chapter Four
     
    Bonnie had never been involved in a murder investigation. She’d been part of several drug stings and investigated out of season hunting incidents and other wildlife related issues. She’d drawn her gun but never fired it except at the range.
    Sitting across from Chief Rogers and Officer John Trump made her nervous.
    “This is a map of the island,” John told her. “You can see the various landmarks. If you could put an X near the spots Harvey and Ray Hoy were killed, that would help the investigation.”
    She picked up the pencil and made a small X near the old dock and a few hundred feet away to the south where she’d found Harvey and the wolf.
    “How much time was involved between each man being shot?” Chief Rogers asked.
    “I can only guess about Harvey since I wasn’t there when it happened. I’d say there was about twenty minutes between Ray Hoy being shot and when I found Harvey.”
    “What about the weapon?” Chief Rogers asked.
    “Hoy had a rifle with him. I don’t know if that was the weapon that killed Harvey. I’m assuming there was another person on the island. Someone shot Hoy, but I didn’t see who.”
     John looked at the chief. “I could probably get both men to Sevierville.”
    “I don’t want to risk that,” Chief Rogers said. “They’ll keep until tomorrow. We’ll take them over to the ice house. It should be plenty cold to keep them. We’re gonna have our hands full here with the storm.”
    “All right.” John nodded. He smiled at Bonnie. “That’s enough for now. If we have any other questions, we have your cell phone number.”
    “You’re not trying to get down the mountain tonight, are you?” Chief Rogers asked her. “We have plenty of places to put you up in town. I don’t want you to end up in a wreck.”
    “No, I don’t plan to go down the mountain. Thanks.” The idea of driving in the snow and ice made her shiver. She’d never liked it when she lived here. She was spared that weather in Alabama. It would take some time to get used to it again.
    Sandie gave her a map that they normally gave out for the Sweet Pepper Festival. It looked like a cartoon but showed all the local places she could find a room for the night. “Your best bet is probably the bed and breakfast right across the street,” she said. “Even if the place was full, she’ll take in stragglers because of the storm.”
    “Thanks.” Bonnie took the map from her. “Any idea where I could get something to eat?”
    “I think the cafe is closed, but Flo always has something. Let’s hope this snow has stopped by morning, or we’ll all be in a pickle.”
    Bonnie’s cell phone rang. It was Matthew Brown Elk.
    “Are you almost done in there?” he asked. “It’s been three hours. How many questions can they ask?”
    “I’m finished now. How’s the wolf?”
    “He’s sleeping comfortably. I guess you’re not going into the valley tonight since the road is blocked. Where are you staying?”
    She looked at the cartoon map. “I guess I’m staying at the bed and breakfast across from town hall. Where are you?”
    “I was planning on sleeping in my truck. You’re welcome to join me.”
    Bonnie smiled at the invitation. “Why don’t you come to the bed and breakfast?”
    “I don’t think Flo would thank me for bringing your wolf there, and he needs to be kept warm tonight. He can’t sleep in the truck by himself.”
    She felt guilty that he had to sleep in his truck to take care of the wolf she’d saved. “Where are you now?”
    “Outside town hall. They’re bound to stay open all night—protect and serve, you know. At least they’ll have a pot of coffee on and bathrooms. I’m staying where I am.”
    “All right. Thanks.” She put her phone in her pocket. It looked like she was going to be spending the night in his pickup. She wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing he was out there because of