Bates stood and moved close to Kanesha. He appeared ready to step between Kanesha and me.

I must have looked more threatening than I realized, because now both deputies were glaring at me. I took a step back, my hands up to show that I meant no harm.

Kanesha jerked her head once, and Bates moved away.

“I have more questions for you, Mr. Harris.” Kanesha folded her arms over her chest. “But they can wait until tomorrow. I’m sure I’ll have more questions for Justin and Mrs. Wardlaw as well. Have a good evening.”

She stalked past me, Bates behind her. He gave me a cocky grin as he went.

Moments later I heard the front door open and close, and Julia appeared in the kitchen right after. She took one look at Justin, then hurried to his side. Diesel jumped down from the boy’s lap and came to rub against my legs.

“Honey, how are you? Did they mistreat you?” Julia examined Justin, her fingers trembling as she touched his face.

“No, I’m okay, Mama.” Justin leaned against her, his head at her waist. Julia stroked his hair. “It was pretty intense. She kept asking me the same questions over and over.”

I went to the refrigerator and retrieved a can of Coke for Justin.

“Thank you, sir,” he said as he accepted it. “You should’ve heard Mr. Charlie, Mama. He came in here and told the deputy that she should stop. And she did. But boy was she mad.” He popped the top on the can and took a long swig of Coke.

“Thank you.” Julia threw me a glance full of gratitude.

“You’re welcome,” I said. “Now, anyone hungry? How about I order us a pizza?”

Both Julia and Justin shook their heads. “Not for me, thanks,” Justin said.

When a teenager turned down pizza, he was obviously worn out.

“Okay,” I said. “Why don’t you go on up to bed? And if you get hungry in the night, there’s plenty of food in the fridge.”

“Yes, sir.” Justin stood, his shoulders tensed. “Mama, will you come upstairs with me for a few minutes? I need to talk to you about something.” He glanced at me, and I nodded. He relaxed.

I knew he wanted to talk to Julia about the pen he found in Godfrey’s room. Julia could explain, and then they could decide what to do about it.

“If you need anything, let me know.” I watched as they left the room, Julia’s arm around her son.

Diesel started after them, but I called him back. “Not now, boy. Justin and his mother need to be alone. You stay with me.”

The cat looked at me for a moment, then sat down and started cleaning his left front paw.