“That’s correct,” Kanesha said. “I’m sure you’re aware by now that Godfrey Priest was found dead under suspicious circumstances. We are investigating his death, and I have some questions for you and also for your son.” She nodded in my direction. “And for Mr. Harris, too.”

“I’ll be happy to answer your questions,” Julia said.

Kanesha regarded Julia with a bland expression. “Mrs. Wardlaw, what was your relationship to the deceased?”

“I’ve known him most of my life,” Julia said. “We were not particularly close, at least in recent years.” Her face colored slightly. “But I suppose you could say we were friends.”

“I see,” Kanesha said. “And your son? What was his relationship to Mr. Priest?”

Did Kanesha already know? The way gossip traveled in Athena, I figured she must.

But why didn’t she ask directly?

“Godfrey was Justin’s biological father.” Julia’s cheeks stayed red. “They met for the first time today.”

“Is your husband aware of this?” Kanesha was an excellent poker player, I was willing to bet.

“Yes, he is,” Julia said.

“How does he feel about it?”

“He’s not happy,” Julia said, in a tone that indicated she thought it a stupid question. “He has always considered Justin his own son.”

“He knew he’s not the boy’s biological father?” Kanesha was poking at every possible sore spot—and none too gently.

“Yes, he knew. He has always known.” Julia’s color heightened.

“Where is Mr. Wardlaw?” Kanesha asked.

“In the hospital,” Julia said. “Where he has been since about one o’clock this afternoon. I was with him until about thirty minutes ago.”

Julia had stated her own alibi and Ezra’s very clearly, but Kanesha did not appear interested.

“There was an altercation between your husband and Mr. Priest today.” Kanesha appeared to be well informed about the day’s events.

“They had words.” Julia frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. “My husband struck Godfrey, and Godfrey hit him back. In the face. My husband was bleeding and in pain, so I took him to the emergency room.”

“Did you see Mr. Priest again after that?”

Julia hesitated. “No, I did not.”

That was the first question Julia hadn’t answered right away. Was she lying?

“You’re sure about that?” Kanesha had noticed the hesitation, too. She looked ready to pounce.

“I am.” This time Julia didn’t falter.

“So you have no further knowledge of Mr. Priest’s movements after you saw him at lunchtime?” Kanesha leaned back in her chair, relaxing her rigid posture for the first time since the interview began.

“Only what Justin and Charlie have told me.” Julia smiled briefly. “But I’m sure you’d rather hear it from them.”

“Yes,” Kanesha said, “and I’ll also need to talk to your husband. How long will he be in the hospital?”