A Southern Noir: Deception by Any Other Name

Chapter 18

I arrived back home after my conversation with Shannon. He's mad at me for asking so much from him lately. Can't say I blame him for that. It's one thing to lean on him for information, but I'm pushing the limits. It can't be helped, but Shannon's a friend, and there are lines I shouldn't ask him to cross. Sometimes it sucks having a moral compass.

Rusty met me at the door as usual when I got home. He tapped his front paws on the floor in excitement while his tail wagged back and forth in a blur. We entered the kitchen, where I filled his bowl before making myself a sandwich.

While eating my sandwich by the island in the kitchen, I thought about how Danny could have gotten involved in a murder. He didn't strike me as the kind of guy to hire out a hitman. Besides, if he did, why not go after Stella instead of those who set you up with a new girlfriend? A cover-up for the affair, maybe, but that seems too extreme. Besides, the Freemans were friends with Danny and Stella, so there had to be another answer.

Collecting the sandwich plate and can of Coke from the island, I went into the living room. I sat on the sofa and opened my laptop, typing in Knight Brothers Construction Company in the search engine. Kevin, Walter, and Russell Knight inherited the company from their father, Lawrence. The company specializes in high-end home construction but dabbles in remodeling and retail and commercial properties as well.

I got an idea, but I hated it as soon as it came to me. God has an ironic sense of humor sometimes, I thought as I picked up my phone and dialed. The urge to gag hit me as he picked up the phone. "Hunter, what a surprise. Missed you Saturday night at the party."

"Clayton, how are you? Are you busy?"

"Not at all. What can I do for you?"

"Do you know anything about Knight Brothers?"

"Of course. You and Emilie interested in a new house?"

"No, I just need some information. One of their employees died yesterday and I think it's possibly connected to a case I'm working."

"Oh, that's terrible. Do you think one of the brothers did it?"

"Well, that's not the part I'm working on; that's a police matter. My client might somehow be tied to the crime, so I'm trying to clear him."

"I see. I can tell you that all three brothers are good guys. I've known them for years and can't say I would think any of them are killers. They don't even hunt."

"Like I said, that's not my role in the investigation. Tell me, have they had any money troubles or business issues?"

"It's been slow for all of us recently with the downturn in the economy and the supply shortage. It's why I sent Emilie to Orange Beach to handle that sale."

"Yeah, what about their sales recently? When's the last time you sold a house for them?"

"Hunter, I don't know if I should tell you that information."

"Look, I know that you may have some reservations, but a man's life may be on the line. I'm not a cop and I'm not going to use any information you give to do anything more than clear my client's name."

"Alright, Hunter. No, I haven't sold one of their properties in at least a couple of months. I don't know how cash-strapped they are, but like I said, it's been slow for everyone."

"Where can I typically find the brothers? Do they hang out somewhere outside of work? Some place that isn't their office or home?"

"Hunter, you didn't hear this from me, but...Kevin has a girlfriend that he sees at Smokey's Lounge. They usually meet there a few times a week. Hunter, I mean it; you did not hear that from me."

"Promise, not a word, Clayton. Thanks, you've been a big help."

I hung up the phone with Clayton and called Emilie. "Hello, sweetheart, how's the beach?"

"It's been pretty these last couple of days, but hot. How are things at home?"

"Good, I just talked to your boss a few minutes ago."

"Hunter, you didn't do something stupid, did you?"

"No, no it wasn't anything like that. He actually was very helpful to me."

"So, is that why you called?"

"Yes, I mean, no. No, Emilie, I have some good news, and a little bit of bad news."

"Of course you do, Hunter. You always have bad news."

"Emilie I know I can be stubborn sometimes, but-"

"Sometimes?"

"Maybe more than a few times, but I can admit when I'm wrong."

"You can?"

"Yes."

"Then say it."

"You were...you were right about Clayton. He's arrogant, and annoying, but he's not a bad guy. I was wrong to doubt his intentions. I'm sorry. I get insecure sometimes, and I shouldn't. Anyway, I'm sorry. Now let me-"

"Thank you, Hunter." She grew quiet. "Hunter, I'm probably going to have to stay down here for a few more days. The buyers are dragging their feet like the last ones. It should only be until early next week."

"That's, that's okay. Take as long as you need."

"Hunter, maybe I should come home. I'll tell Clayton-"

"No, you need this. You need to be there now."

"Hunter, are you sure?"

"Emilie, I miss you more than anyone or anything, but I want you to do what makes you happy. This is a big career move for you, and I don't want to stand in your way."

"Thank you, Hunter. I promise I will try to hurry things along."

"Do that. When you get home, why don't we both take some time off? Just you and me."

"Sounds perfect. Thank you."

"Wait I-" but she already hung up the phone. I thought about calling her back, but instead I started on a plan for tomorrow. I decided to begin my d at the office and then try to make contact with the Knight brothers. Then I needed to talk to Stella and get more information from her. I hope to hear from Shannon sometime tomorrow as well. It was going to be a busy day.