“Sorry to spoil the evening, folks,” the blond cop said. “I’m sure most of you know Chief Langham. I’m Detective Swenson.” He proceeded to explain that while it would be up to the medical examiner to determine the exact cause of John’s death, the evidence indicated he had been the victim of a homicide, and it would be necessary to detain everyone a bit longer in order to conduct some preliminary interviews.
That went over about as well as one would expect.
Beau ignored the questions and protests. His blue gaze swept the room and lit on Archie.
For a moment they stared impassively at each other.
Beau said something in an aside to Swenson and Swenson turned his attention to Archie. “Mr. Crane? You reported finding the body?”
“That’s correct,” Archie said.
“We’ll start with you, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course.” He could feel the silent, uneasy stares of the other guests as he walked toward Beau and Swenson. He was no longer looking directly at Beau, and Beau was no longer looking directly at him.
“It’s been a while.” Beau held one of the double doors open.
At the same time, a uniformed officer started into the room, so Archie did an awkward sidestep. He brushed uncomfortably close to Beau, close enough to smell his aftershave—a complicated blend of peppery apples and crushed amber—glimpse that same little dark curl behind his ear, note his body cam, the department issued Glock 19 at his right side.
