Read Murder Take Two for Free Online Page B

muscles around his eyes created a smile that gave out warmth. It had made him famous, also made him a megabucks star and she could see why; he exuded sensitivity and understanding and, being big and strong, gave the impression he could take care of any threatening dangers.
    â€œShe won’t mind,” he said with a touch of malice, suggesting Ms. Edwards would mind very much.
    The first lie, she thought. “Where were you during the lunch break?”
    â€œIn my trailer.”
    â€œThe entire time?”
    â€œMost of the time.”
    â€œWhen you weren’t in your trailer, where were you?”
    With a thumb, he flicked the end of the cigarette to get rid of ashes. “Uh—the caterer’s truck, wandering around to work the kinks out. Uh—I don’t know. Around.”
    â€œHow well did you know Kay Bender?”
    â€œNot at all.”
    â€œShe worked on this movie.”
    â€œYes, but we did no—socializing.”
    â€œDid you ever talk with her?”
    â€œMaybe.”
    â€œWhat did you talk about?”
    He didn’t have his mind on Susan or her questions, or even on his answers; he kept craning his head to flick glances at Parkhurst. Parkhurst made a lot of people nervous, especially if he was behind them just out of their range of vision, but Nick didn’t seem nervous.
    â€œYou know,” he said after a moment’s thought. “I don’t believe I ever did talk with her.”
    â€œTell me what you know about her.”
    He puffed on the cigarette. “Nothing. I didn’t know anything about her.” There was surprise and sadness in his voice. “Who said no man is an island?”
    â€œWho went into the barn during the lunch break?”
    â€œOh, hell, I don’t know. People might have been in and out. They’re always in and out.”
    â€œYou?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œWho wanted to hurt Kay?”
    Nick again focused attention on Susan. “I thought the fall was an accident.”
    Lie number two. She’d questioned too many suspects to miss the slight rise of shoulder muscles. “That’s what we’re trying to determine. Who had problems with her?”
    â€œNobody that I know of. You have to understand, I really had nothing to do with the girl. She did her work, doubling for Laura, and that was it. I mean, she must have been around, but—” He shrugged. “Sorry. We have dividing lines here just like every place else.”
    â€œWere you aware a pitchfork was on the set?”
    â€œSure.”
    â€œWhen did you last see it?”
    â€œThis morning. I used it in one of those cutesy bits where city slicker male ineptly spreads around straw.” Engaging self-deprecating smile.
    â€œWhat happened to it then?”
    â€œI don’t know, the prop man would take it.”
    â€œAnd do what with it?”
    â€œPut it in the prop truck, most likely.”
    This was said with such offhand sincerity that Susan didn’t know whether it was lie or truth.
    She glanced at Parkhurst over Nick’s shoulder and gave him a nod. Let’s see how Nick Logan responded to Parkhurst. Moving fluidly, like one of the big cats, Parkhurst slid from the padded bench and came around where Nick could see him, then took a step closer, forcing Nick to look up at him.
    â€œWhat’s the conflict between you and Laura Edwards?”
    Nick stubbed out his cigarette. “Conflict?”
    â€œLove gone sour?”
    Nick paused. “What does that have to do with Kay?”
    â€œWhat do you know about her death?”
    â€œNothing.”
    â€œYou didn’t find her attractive?”
    Nick answered that with a look of “come on, you can do better than that.”
    â€œYou only interested in actresses?”
    â€œWhat does that mean?”
    â€œSheri Lloyd.”
    â€œI see you’ve been picking up the on-site gossip.”
    â€œYou’re sleeping with Ms. Lloyd.