“Now we come to an interesting point,” said Williams. “You told us that Remmy threatened Junior. That she wanted some things back and she didn’t want Junior showing them to anyone.”
King nodded. “At least that’s what Lulu told us that Junior said. But it wasn’t Remmy Battle who beat Junior up before strangling him to death.”
“But Lulu said Remmy told Junior that she knew people.”
King shook his head. “I’m not sure why Remmy would want to kill him, at least not now. According to Lulu, she was going to give Junior some time to think it over. If he’s dead, he can’t very well tell her where the stuff is—not that he could anyway, since I don’t believe he took it in the first place.”
“But if he’s dead,” said Bailey, “then he can’t show the stuff, whatever it is, to someone else.”
King remained unconvinced. “But Remmy couldn’t be sure of that. He might have made arrangements in case something happened to him.”
“You’ve got a point there,” said Williams. “But it’s still something we’ll have to check into. Not that I’m looking forward to going down that road with Remmy.”
“Well,” said King, “we’ve got people to see and places to go.”
“Where and who?” asked Bailey sharply.
“Steve Canney’s father and Janice Pembroke’s parents.”
“We already talked to them. And to everyone connected to Diane Hinson too.”
“But you don’t mind another set of eyes,” said Michelle.
“Go ahead,” said Williams. “You have full authority.”
“Just report back to me if you find anything interesting,” said Bailey.
“I’ll count the minutes,” muttered King.
CHAPTER
44
KING AND MICHELLE
drove to their office to do some work before heading out to see Pembroke’s and Canney’s parents. The silver Volvo station wagon and BMW Eight Series were parked in front of their office.
“Eddie and Dorothea,” said Michelle as she got out of the Whale. As if on cue the doors opened on each of the vehicles and the pair got out.
“Driving separate cars,” commented Michelle in a low voice.
“And maybe going in separate directions.”
Eddie was dressed in gray dress slacks, white shirt and a blue blazer and carried a leather briefcase. With his deep tan and strong, weathered features, plus the nice clothes, he looked very handsome, Michelle noted appreciatively.
Dorothea was dressed all in black, which seemed appropriate under the circumstances, but King knew it had nothing to do with mourning the loss of the family patriarch: the fishnet stockings, stiletto heels and very visible cleavage were the giveaways.
King unlocked the door to the office building, and they all went inside.
When they were all settled, King said, “We’re really sorry about your father, Eddie.” He glanced at Dorothea but said nothing because the woman’s look invited no such condolences.
“I still can’t believe it,” said Eddie. “Mom was there at ten, and at ten-thirty he’s dead.”
“Remmy told us she saw no one when she was leaving,” said Michelle.
“Well, it’s not like the person would’ve been jumping up and down in front of Remmy yelling, ‘I’m going in to kill your husband now,’ ” said Dorothea irritably.
Eddie said, “Thanks for pointing that out, Dorothea. If you have nothing helpful to contribute, why don’t you just sit there and continue sulking?”