“I had no idea. I thought both died of natural causes.”

“New information has come to light.”

What did that mean?

Had law enforcement found a crack in BK’s airtight murder weapon?

The sheriff continued to watch him, but he didn’t ask any more questions. A common intimidation tactic, designed to get people to say more than they should. A staple in movies and TV crime shows.

He mashed his lips together and waited the man out.

“Do you have any enemies, Mr. Mullins?”

At Cox’s unexpected question, an image of Lee flashed across his mind.

“No.” The answer was knee-jerk—and too fast, based on the slight narrowing of Cox’s eyes. “I mean, I’m sure I’ve ticked off a few people through the years, but I assume you’re asking if I know of anyone who hates me enough to connect me to what sounds like a murder investigation.”

“I am. You certain no one fits that category?”

“Yes.” Even if his stomach was doing flip-flops and he was close to losing his lunch. What benefit would there be in sharing Lee’s name? If she was BK, she could find a way to implicate him in the scheme without revealing her own involvement. If she wasn’t, he’d be sending more grief her direction.

After a moment, the sheriff pulled out a card and set it on the table. “If any names or information you think could be helpful come to mind, give me a call. Day or night.”

“I’ll be happy to.”

The sheriff rose. “I’ll leave you with one thought. The courts are more favorably inclined toward guilty parties who cooperate. Have a nice day.”

With that, Cox exited the office, closing the door behind him.

Dave swallowed.

The sheriff knew he was involved. Perhaps he didn’t have details, but the man had picked up on his culpability. Realized he was privy to more information than he’d shared.

Raking his fingers through his hair, Dave stood, bracing his fingertips on the table as his legs quivered.

Now that law enforcement was on his scent, he had another incentive to come clean beyond saving Lorraine’s life. Cox had a reputation for being as tenacious as the raccoons that burrowed for grubs in the mulch in Kimberly’s garden. And he could leave as much chaos in his wake as those nocturnal mammals did.

Would it be smarter to take the initiative, as Cox had suggested, and throw himself on the mercy of the court?

With a life hanging in the balance, what choice did he have? Knowing what he knew now, could he live with himself if Lorraine died?

No, not if. When.

Because unless he acted fast, another victim would soon perish at the hand of a merciless killer.

Yes!

As Nate compared the bank statements provided by the attorneys for Mavis and Fred, another link between the two emerged.

Both had withdrawn $100,000, give or take a few thousand, several months before they died. About thirty days later, deposits began showing up in their accounts near the beginning of each month, continuing until they died. Always the same amount. Like interest payments.