He says nothing. Just keeps giving me that narrow-eyed stare, the door staying almost closed.
I lift the watch. “Is this yours?”
The door opens as he reaches for the watch. I withdraw it.
“May I come in, Phil?”
Phil pushes the door and turns, leaving me to follow him inside. I note his luggage, still by the door.
“How long has that been there?” I ask.
He looks from me to the bag.
“Has it been in that same spot since you arrived?” I ask.
“Yes, and before you ask, that is also where I stored my firearm. I misspoke when you asked whether it was secured. I had it in that bag, and the door was locked, so I considered it secure.”
I lift the watch box. “This was also in there?”
“Yes, it seems our killer is a thief as well.”
“Perhaps.”
His brows shoot up. “Perhaps? It doesn’t take a detective to deduce that, Casey.”
“No, which is the problem. You aren’t a detective, so the answer seems obvious to you. As a detective, I know that this watch is only a link that must be investigated. A defense attorney could point out a dozen alternate ways this watch could have gotten into his client’s house.”
“Which is why we don’t have defense attorneys. Logically, it must be the same culprit, and that is all the council requires to take the suspect off your hands. I’m presuming it’s Roy? I heard the commotion, which would have led to the searching of his apartment. I spoke to the council earlier today, and they provided a very short list of suspects. Roy was at the top. Therefore, if I am correct, I believe we can close this case. He stole my gun and watch and then killed Marshal Garcia before returning my gun. Guilt and anxiety drove him to that bizarre outburst this afternoon. I will alert the council—”
“No, you will not. I’m still investigating.”
“That is a waste of time.”
“Is it? Your gun was used, Phil. You told me it was secured. You still had it in your possession, and it seems to be the murder weapon. Would you have wanted me going to the council with that? Telling them I’ve solved the case then?”
He says nothing.
“Yes,” I say. “If you don’t want me jumping to conclusions when you’re the suspect, then you can’t expect me to do it when someone else is.”
“I was never a viable suspect, Casey. You and Eric were playing games with me.”
“No, I believe Eric and I were simply participating in the game you began when you waved a gun at us. As for you not being a viable suspect, had you ever met Val?”
“Yes, but—”
“Would you have considered her a viable suspect?”
He opens his mouth. Shuts it.
“Yep,” I say. “Lesson one of life in Rockton: no one is who they seem to be. You can’t look at anyone and be sure they aren’t capable of murder. And you can’t look at anyone and be sure they are. So, let’s talk about your suitcase.”
* * *
Jen intercepts me when I leave Phil’s house. I wave for her to follow as I return to Roy’s. Dalton is still there, and I don’t want him stuck on guard duty much longer, not when I only have a few more things to check.
“It’s about Roy,” Jen says as she catches up.
“So I heard. I know you’ve said he’s caused trouble before, and I’d like to talk to you about that.”