Zello sighed. “Yeah. Believe me, she didn’t seem like a victim.” He lifted his hands. “It’s no defense, I know. But she asked me in, offered me wine, and then we started talking and really connected.” His mustache was a distraction and his eyes were seriously bloodshot. Apparently he hadn’t slept much. “One thing led to another, as you know, and I spent the night.” He leaned forward, one large hand pressed against the table. “She’s incredible. Brilliant and beautiful.” His gaze moved to Laurel, who sat at Huck’s right. “Stunning.”

“Okay.” Laurel wiped her hands up her face and dug her fingertips into her forehead. Then she sat back. “You’re a trained officer. Give me a hypothetical of how she could have gotten out of the house to go attack Rachel without your knowing it.”

He shook his head. “There’s no way. We slept in the same bed, and I would’ve felt her move. Besides, she’s not that kind of a person.”

“What?” Laurel asked.

His shoulders hunched and he quickly shot them back. “Abigail is smart, sure. But she’s also sweet and just wants a relationship with you. It hurts her that you won’t give her a chance.”

Huck swore—almost beneath his breath. “You’re not thinking with the head on your shoulders.”

Laurel visibly attempted to keep the interrogation on track. “You were drunk and passed out. It’s okay to admit that.”

“I’m also a cop and would’ve known if the woman in my arms left not only the bed but the house.” His chin set at a stubborn angle. “She’s right. I’m smart and am not reaching my full potential. I’d make an excellent investigator.”

Abigail had apparently really gotten into the man’s head. Based on the number of wine bottles Laurel had reported seeing, they’d been severely impaired. Or rather, he had been. But Abigail might’ve drugged him as well. Though Huck couldn’t see any evidence of that in his face.

“Do we have your permission to have your blood tested?” Laurel asked.

The officer stilled and then clenched his teeth. “No.”

“Why not?” Huck asked.

“Because we live in the United States, and I don’t have to give my blood up to anybody,” the officer snapped. “This is bullshit and I’m not playing along.”

Huck kicked his chair back. “I don’t give a shit if you’ve smoked pot, Officer. That’s not what we’re looking for in your blood.”

“I don’t care. It’s my blood and you’re totally off base even suspecting Abigail of something like this. I won’t be a part of it.” He stood.

Laurel’s stunning eyes narrowed. “How long did your affair with Sharon Lamber last?”

Zello froze.

Huck motioned for him to retake his seat.