“I’m sure the police will ask you the same thing,” Max said. She’d suggested that Sean return Marie’s phone to her so the police could conduct their own investigation, but it was very nice having the information before the police did.

“Why would they?”

“Because very few people knew that Stan had been released on bail. Simon, because he was there in the courthouse during the hearing. You, because Stan called you. His lawyer, me, his sister. And one other person he called after you. Spoke with you for two minutes, then three minutes to someone else. Untraceable number—for now. But the police have resources. So do I. Stan called you first, and I want to know why.”

“I don’t have to tell you anything, Maxine. Nothing. It’s personal between me and Stan.”

“Convenient, if he dies. You can say it was about anything. You can even say he confessed to you, maybe with the purpose of shutting down any further investigation.”

“You’re making no sense.”

“Do you think Stan killed Victoria? I have my doubts, but I can be convinced.”

“I—” He was torn. He hadn’t expected her to ask him. He cleared his throat. “I don’t know,” he said.

She couldn’t tell if he was lying. Either he was an amazing liar—definite possibility, considering how he was obfuscating the entire conversation—or he was truly not certain.

“Was Stan gambling again?”

“I don’t know.”

“You’re not on a witness stand, Mitch. I’ll take your opinion on the matter, weigh it accordingly.”

“This feels like a goddamn interrogation.”

“I’m going to find out exactly what happened to Victoria. If Stan killed her, I’ll figure it out. I might not be able to prove it in a court of law, but I don’t need a court of law to give Grover and Judith peace of mind. If Stan didn’t kill her, I’ll find out who did. You don’t know me well, Mitch, but I don’t give up.”

“Well, good then. You figure out whether Stan was lying then, or is lying now. Good luck with that, especially if he dies.” His voice cracked.

Stan’s shooting had really gotten to him. Max didn’t quite know what to make of it, but he seemed to be genuinely emotional. That didn’t mean he didn’t know something more about it, and it didn’t mean that he didn’t set his friend up. But guilt … guilt was a complex emotion, and people felt guilty over a myriad of things, some small, some big.

If Mitch honestly believed that Stan killed Victoria, would he be so upset about the shooting? Maybe.

It didn’t feel right.

“I don’t have time for your games, Maxine.”

“I don’t play games.”