Read Online Homicide! (Parker & Knight Book 2) by Donald Wells - Free Book Online

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    “Joanna Knight and I are not sleeping together; she’s my partner on the job, and a friend.”
    Rachel studied him.
    “I believe you.”
    “Good, now, back to Nico, we know why Hearn is offering him an alibi, the two of them are working together to buy Taggart’s cheaply, but there’s no reason why you should let them drag you into this thing. Come back to the station with me and make a statement.”
    “What was the name of the girl who came to the hospital with you the other day?”
    “Her name is Heather, but now listen to me, we will question you eventually and it’s much better if you come in yourself. We’ll find out the truth anyway. If you lie to protect Hearn or Nico it will not end well, and then there won’t be anything I can do to help you.”
    Rachel stared at him, as her features grew harsh.
    “You’re bedding that girl, aren’t you, that girl Heather?”
    “What? Rachel, listen to me. If you get tangled up in Hearn’s lies it will drag you down with him.”
    “That girl is young enough to be your daughter, Rick.”
    “That’s none of your business, now will you come back with me to the station and talk?”
    Rachel stood and glared down at him.
    “I’m not going to help you hurt Tim, and once we’re married you won’t be able to make me testify against him.”
    “Married? You’re marrying him?”
    “That’s right, so go have fun with your teenager and leave us alone.”
    Rachel walked out of the diner in a huff as Parker sat stunned by the news of her impending marriage. By the time he roused himself and went outside, she was driving away.
    He took out his phone and called Jo.
    “So, how did it go?” She asked.
    “She’s not going to help us, or herself, how about on your end?”
    “I put in requests for Hearn’s and Rachel’s phone records, but Nico doesn’t own a phone, at least not one in his name. I’m also trying to get a warrant to check Hearn’s computer records; maybe we’ll find something there.”
    Parker said nothing in return.
    “Hey Rick, you still there?”
    “I’m here, but... the chief was right. I’m too close to this case now that we’re investigating my ex-wife and her lover. As much as I hate to do it, I’m going to bow out of the investigation.”
    Jo sighed.
    “I was actually going to bring that up when you got back. I’m glad you came to the conclusion yourself.”
    “You don’t need me in order to solve it. You’re one of the best cops I’ve ever worked with, but I do have some news for you.”
    “What’s that?”
    “Rachel told me that she and Hearn are getting married.”
    “I’m sorry if that hurts you, Rick.”
    “Thanks, but I was actually thinking about how it might impact the case. If she’s willing to marry him, she’ll definitely lie for him.”
    “I agree, so I’ll have to break both of their alibis, but one way or another, we’ll get Nico for Charles Woolley’s murder.”
    “I know you’ll do it, now I’d better call the chief.”
    “All right, and I’ll keep you informed.”
    Parker called Chief Gabe Howard and told him about his decision. The chief not only agreed, but told him that he would have been reassigned in any event. He also suggested to Parker that he take a few days off to let his injuries heal properly.
    Parker declined that offer, but did opt to take the rest of the day off. He was no longer investigating the murder of Charles Woolley, and so Heather was no longer off limits.
    Also, Taggart’s was closed, and that meant that Heather had the evening free.
    He drove to her home, and as he did so, he passed by the scene of a previous murder, the murder of Tiffany Grace.
    He slowed as he drove by the Kents’ home and saw that it and the Grace home next door both had For Sale signs in their yards. Both homes also looked uninhabited and no cars were parked in their driveways.
    He shook himself free from the memory of the sad events that had taken place inside the Kent home, but cheered as he