“I assume you’re aware of the contents of the will, so you already know the answer to that question.”

“I meant no disrespect,” he said. “You’re just…”

“A woman? A young woman?”

“Well…yeah.”

“Mr. Wolfe trusted me with the writing and execution of his will. I was a woman when that happened.”

His cheeks reddened. Typical male chauvinist cop. Probably been on the force for thirty years or more.

“I meant no disrespect,” he said again.

“Why are you here, Detective?” I rubbed my temples. The sooner he left, the sooner I could see if I could get an appointment this afternoon with my massage therapist.

“We’re questioning anyone who might have had a motive to kill Mr. Wolfe.”

Say what? “Surely you don’t think I had any motive. What would I have to gain?”

“That’s what I’m here to find out.”

Really not the day for this. My brain was throbbing. “In that case…” I picked up my phone. “Charlie? Could you see if Dane Richards is available? I’ll need him to come in here. Thanks.” I put down the receiver.

“Who is Dane Richards?”

“I’m surprised you don’t know. He’s one of my partners. He’s also the best criminal defense attorney in the state.”

“Ms. Ward, I think you’ve got the wrong idea. This isn’t a formal interrogation. There’s no need for you to have an attorney present.”

“I see that a little differently than you do. If Mr. Richards isn’t available, we’ll be tabling this discussion for now.”

My phone buzzed, and I picked it up. “Yeah, Charlie?”

“Dane’s in a deposition, Lace.”

“Okay. Thanks.” I hung up and turned back to Morgan. “Mr. Richards isn’t available, so I won’t be answering any questions today.” At least not until the jackhammer inside my head calmed down.

“Ms. Ward, as I told you, there’s no need—”

“That determination is mine to make, Detective, not yours. I’ll be happy to assist you in any way possible…when my attorney is present. Now, if you don’t mind, I have work to do.”

He made no move to stand.

Seconds passed.

“I can have you removed.”

“By calling the police? I am the police, Ms. Ward. And by not cooperating—”

“I have told you I’m perfectly willing to cooperate, Detective Morgan. Just not right now. If this is not a formal interrogation.”

“But—”

“Am I under arrest?”

“No, but—”

I stood, walked to my door, and opened it. “Then good day, Detective.”

That finally got him. He stood and walked toward me. “This isn’t over.”

“It is for now.”

As soon as he was out the door, I shut it, and then slid down the wood panel until I was sitting, my back against the door. My head continued to pound. I pulled my hair out of its ponytail and massaged my scalp, to no avail.