Read Washed Up (A Gracie Andersen Mystery Book 4) for Free Online Page A

to do? Make her nervous?
    “Uh … the crew leader, Gary. I don’t know his last name. And Hank Ramage.”
    Gracie looked the agent in the eye, hoping he’d back off. When he didn’t, she rose from the chair. Sitting on its cushy arm, she gained a little confidence from the greater height.
    “Anyone else?”
    “Well, first the Border Patrol agents arrived. I don’t know their names. Then the two men showed up, and then the park ranger.”
    The agent eased back from his intimidating posture and stood.
    Agent Miller smiled and scribbled on a yellow legal pad. “What time was this, Ms. Andersen?”
    “I didn’t look at my watch, but it must have been around 9:00. We got to the trailhead about 8:30, I think.”
    “Did you know the victim, Manny Enriquez?”
    “No. I’m here on vacation. At least, that’s what I’m trying to do.”
    “Are you a friend of Mrs. Littlefield?” Agent Galvez asked.
    “Well, not really. I’m staying here, and she’s been kind enough to show me around since my boyfriend, Deputy Marc Stevens, who’s on your special task force, has been working more than expected.” She hadn’t planned to throw out the cop card, but Agent Galvez was getting her riled.
    “That’s right,” Agent Miller chimed in with a soothing tone. “What about Mr. Ramage? Was he with Gary Regan, or did he arrive separately at the scene?”
    Gracie swallowed hard, her throat dry. “He was with Gary. They arrived at the same time.” She glanced at her watch, hoping the dynamic duo would wrap up the excruciating interview.
    Agent Miller stopped writing and stood. “Thank you for your time, Ms. Andersen. Enjoy the rest of your stay.”
    “That’s it?” The abrupt end took her by surprise.
    “That’s it.” Agent Galvez managed an unenthusiastic smile and opened the office door for her.
    Apparently, her lack of beneficial information had earned an early dismissal, which suited her fine. She found Amanda in the kitchen, working at her laptop.
    “That was short and sweet,” Amanda commented, looking away from the screen.
    “Very much so. I’m not disappointed in the least. Now maybe I can focus on my vacation.”
    “I hope so. Is Marc coming back?”
    “As soon as Max is checked out by the vet. I hope it’s not a serious injury. If it is, it could ruin his chances for the training in El Paso.”
    “Marc’s really counting on that training.” Amanda closed the laptop. “It’s all he’s talked about lately. He and Cal really hit it off right before Cal was sent to Afghanistan. I don’t know if he’s said anything, but we sort of took him under our wing until he found an apartment that would allow Max as an occupant.”
    “Marc’s mentioned your hospitality for those first few weeks and how helpful you were.”
    “We know what it’s like to be in a new place and not have connections. Cal and I have always tried to help the newbies.” Amanda sighed, tapping a finger on the computer. “I guess I’d better see how much Hank was able to finish this morning.”
    “Speaking of Hank, is he a suspect in this murder?” Gracie felt compelled to ask.
    Amanda raised her eyebrows, frowning. “I’m not sure. Did the agents ask about him?”
    “Yes. They wanted to know if he arrived with Gary.”
    “They asked me the same thing.”
    Amanda rose from her seat. She plucked a large strawberry from a wooden bowl on the kitchen counter and downed it with one bite. “Hank has been on the trail crew for a couple of months, but he’s always avoided working with Manny. Hank’s a bit of a loner. They would speak to each other, but I’ve always had the feeling that they didn’t hit it off.”
    “Really? Hank told me that Manny was a good friend yesterday.”
    Amanda shrugged. “Maybe I have the wrong impression. Anyway, Hank’s sure not himself today. In fact, he took off to work on another job a few minutes ago. Asked me if we could delay the rest of the work for a week or two. It’s not an emergency