Once Upon A Half-Time 2(128)

“Did he ever tell you where he was before the fire?” Chief Craig asked.

I shook my head.

“He didn’t tell us either. Said he was out of town and just got in when he saw the flames. But Josie, that ain’t his real alibi. He’s got no one to collaborate his story, and he had all the motive in the world to start that fire.”

I took a steadying breath. It didn’t help. “Why were you following him?”

His lips curled, revealing teeth. “Instinct.”

“What did you hope to find?”

“A reason to put him away for good.” An unmistakable pride poisoned his words. “And I got it.”

I didn’t recognize this side of Chief Craig. His words, the hatred contained in the bite of the syllables, was new. He and Maddox always had a feud. Our dates were often delayed because he was hauled in for questioning about every problem in the town. It happened so much Maddox joked that two pepperoni pizzas and a six pack of beer became our very own “Chief Craig Date.”

This went beyond an innocent rivalry. Chief Craig wanted Maddox gone. I believed him when he said he searched for a way to jail him for good. But would he have set fire to my shop over a vendetta? There was more to the story. Chief Craig had a better reason than a hunch for following Maddox that night. And Maddox didn’t arbitrarily hate a man the entire town respected and loved.

I had no idea who was telling the truth or what they kept hidden, but I deserved an answer.

The chief’s receptionist rushed into the room, apologizing with a smile. “Chief, we have a…situation brewing on Main Street.”

“The dogs?” Chief Craig asked. “Millie tearing into Jean-Baptise?”

“No…” The receptionist blushed. “The other way around.”

I gasped. “Jean-Baptise attacked Millie?”

She hedged again. “Not…how you’d think. They’re uh…very friendly now. And Benjamin is having a hard time…” She made an unfortunate motion with her hands. “Extracting the poodle. And Mrs. Greentree has fainted.”

“Oh, Christ,” Chief Craig said.

“Also, the elementary school bus is stuck in the traffic jam caused by their activity. We might have to field a couple calls from some very irate parents of the first through third graders who are learning a lot about the world right now.”

Chief Craig pushed from his desk. “Sorry, Josie. Sounds like we have a situation. Call me if you have any other questions about that night.”

“Sure. Thank you.”

He led me to the door, glancing outside only to catch sight of Maddox. “And be careful around that man. He’s a liar, more dangerous than you realize. See you at the town meeting tonight.”

I followed only to ensure Maddox didn’t jump the chief as they crossed paths on the sidewalk. Both men looked at each other with vile contempt, but no blood was shed.

No matter how much Maddox wanted it.

This was impossible.

The chief hurried to the cluster of half the town shielding the Westminster-wannabes. Maddox grinned.

“You missed the good part.”

“I heard about it.”

“I’d be glad to reenact it for you.”

I swatted his arm. “You better behave before I put you in one of their choke collars.”

“Think I wouldn’t like that?” His voice deepened. “Think you wouldn’t look beautiful in one?”

I shuddered. Oh, this day was off to a marvelous start. I led Maddox away from the police station, and his playful side shaded once more. Maybe one day, it’d stay.

“What’d he say?” Maddox asked.

I lowered my voice. “You were right. He was following you the night of the fire.”

“Why?”

This wouldn’t go over well. “He said he was looking for a reason to put you away.”

“I knew it.”

I expected him to rage. Instead, he looked vindicated, like I confirmed everything he already suspected.

But why did he think the Chief was the arsonist in the first place?

And why did they hate each other so much?

I didn’t look at Maddox. “Chief Craig was adamant. You had no alibi for that night. Nothing you told him that would prove your innocence.”

Maddox turned. His expression twisted, confused.

No.

Defensive.

“So?” he asked.

Why was I even asking the question? “Where were you the night my store burned?”

“What’s it matter?”

“You were doing something that night—or the chief of police wouldn’t have been following you.”

“He always followed me.”

“That wasn’t my question, Maddox.” My stomach trembled. “What were you doing out that night?”