Free Deadly Relations by Alexa Grace

parents dropped the charges.”
    “ It makes me that much more eager to interview him again — this time for Catherine’s murder.”
    “ That’s a stretch, Jennifer, between preying on high school girls for sex, compared to torture and murder. We need more information. Brianna said Nicholas was spending a lot of time at the Hoosier Sports Bar. Let’s find out who he was spending it with.”
    <><><>
     
    There were so many cars parked outside the Hoosier Sports Bar that Blake had difficulty finding a space to park. Inside the bar was the after-work crowd. Jennifer checked out the dining area, looking for Nicholas Connor, then scanned the bar, but she didn’t see him.
    “ If there’s anyone who can tell us what Nicholas was doing at this place, it’s the bartender.” Blake said and he led Jennifer to two empty bar stools.
    Blake got the bartender’s attention and she moved to them. “What will you have?”
    “ Two sweet teas.”
    “ Seriously? How about a couple of Long Island Teas?”
    Blake took out his badge and laid it on the bar. “We’re from the sheriff’s office. Just the sweet teas and some information when you get back.”
    Jennifer noticed the bartender’s mouth slip into a sour grin when she eyed the badge. The woman quickly turned her back to them as she prepared the iced teas. The bartender looked to be in her twenties with short, spiked platinum-blonde hair and heavy makeup. When she returned, she delivered the teas then turned to leave, but Jennifer glanced at her name tag, then caught her hand. “Patti, we need some information. It will only take a few minutes of your time.”
    “ Listen, the bar is really busy tonight. I really don’t have...”
    Jennifer cut her off. “We can talk here or down at the station. Your choice.”
    She glared at Jennifer then asked a male bartender at the other side of the bar to watch her area while she took a break. “What do you want to know?”
    Taking out her small writing pad, Jennifer asked, “What’s your last name, Patti?”
    “ Simpson. Patti Simpson.”
    “ Any relation to Butch Simpson?” asked Jennifer.
    Patti blinked and swallowed uncomfortably. “Yeah, he’s my husband.”
    Jennifer knew Butch Simpson. He was considered the town bully and never had a conflict he didn’t resolve with his fists. Butch had been in and out of jail since he hit puberty. Most people feared his vicious temper and steered clear of him. She didn’t want to imagine what it would be like to be married to the guy.
    “ Do you know Nicholas Connor?”
    Patti nervously rubbed at a spot on the bar with a wash cloth. “Yeah, I know him.” She said softly.
    “ We hear that Nicholas hangs out here a lot. We’re wondering who he’s hanging out with.”
    Patti’s looked down as her eyes darted to the right, and Jennifer knew the next words out of her mouth would be a lie. “To tell the truth, I never noticed who Nicholas was hanging out with. It’s a big place and on the weekends, it’s packed, so your guess is good as mine.”
    She was definitely lying, and Jennifer resolved to find out why.
    Blake moved in with a question. “Patti, have you seen Nicholas come in here with Catherine Thomas?”
    She licked her lips, looking down again. “I suppose I might have seen them once or twice. Lots of people come here.”
    Three men arrived and sat at the bar. Patti’s counterpart was at the far end of the bar mixing drinks. “Listen, I have a job to do. Are you finished with your questions?”
    “ For now.”
    Patti rushed off. Jennifer was far from being finished with questioning Patti Simpson. She was lying and Jennifer wanted to know why. She looked at Blake for his perspective, “What do you think?”
    “ She’s lying through her teeth. Grab your glass. We’re moving to the other end of the bar. Maybe her bartending partner will be more forthcoming.”
    Harry Brooks, the male bartender, eyed them curiously before asking them if they’d like another