Free The Green Children: A Sycamore Moon Novel (Sycamore Moon Series Book 3) by Domino Finn Page A

Maxim.
    Diego sneered. "How about you give me the guilt trip later, after Hazel's safe?"
    Maxim backed away and spread his hands in surrender. The detective was good like that. He was a cop, for sure, but his priority was always the victim.
    Officer Bagley approached to help Diego exit the car. The biker shrugged away the assistance. He gladly turned around and accepted the uncuffing of his hands, though.
    "Today's your lucky day," said the cop. "But Arnold doesn't want you in the Gold Room again."
    Diego rubbed his sore wrists. "I like my bars with a little less puke anyway."
    The officer smiled and shut the door.
    "So are we done with this?" asked Detective Harper. The man crossed his arms and stood tall. "You promise not to harass Mr. Bower anymore?"
    "I promise," said Diego. "Just a conversation, if I can."
    The detective shook his head and turned to Maxim. "Is this guy serious? He—" David stopped himself and stepped into Diego's personal space. "No. Listen to me. Mr. Bower's had a long day. And he's in a world of shit already without you. He sold his car today to cover a gambling loss, and might need to sell the house."
    "That's his problem," replied Diego. "If you really gave a shit you could put a protection detail on him."
    David Harper laughed. "I don't give a shit, man. As long as I'm not dragged away from my work. He could dig his own grave for all I care. So can you. But you're not talking to him again."
    Diego's face must've gone red. He wanted to tell the cop off even though he'd just done him a big favor. That consideration made him pause. Thankfully Maxim cut in.
    "Actually, I don't want to step on anyone's toes, Detective, but if you're done with Jason Bower I'd like to chat with him for a few minutes."
    The next few seconds were filled with silence. Diego's friend had done exactly what he expected, and he didn't see how he wouldn't get his conversation now.
    "Fine," said David, scowling. "You do whatever you want. But don't expect any more favors, Mr. Torre. You've been warned." The detective swept his hands together as if he washed them and addressed Maxim. "He's your responsibility now." David Harper made his way to his car. He sat inside, started the engine, and rolled down the window. "Officer Bagley," he called out. "You might be inclined to wait here until their interview is done, to keep things civil."
    The young police officer stammered like a deer caught in headlights, but composed himself. "Sure."
    With one last shake of his head, Detective Harper drove off, hopefully gone from Diego's life.
    Diego moved for the house but Maxim put his arm across his chest.
    "I don't need to ask if you're done throwing punches, do I?"
    "Just words."
    The detective nodded. "Okay. How about I start things off? You can come in only if he has no objections." Maxim beat the biker to the porch and knocked softly. Jason Bower must have expected some follow-up questions because he opened the door and let them inside without a word. Officer Bagley remained by his car.
    "I'm Detective Dwyer, from the Sanctuary Marshal's Office."
    "I'm not in any trouble, am I?"
    "Not besides running out of college ball games to double down on. I just want to ask some questions. Maybe Detective Harper already asked you some of the same things, but please bear with me."
    Jason glanced at Diego while he considered, then nodded at Maxim. "You're the one that found that girl up there."
    "I am."
    "Yeah, man, I'll answer whatever I can. Shit like this shouldn't happen."
    Although the man was cooperating, he hadn't invited them to sit down. The three of them huddled by the door.
    Maxim cleared his throat. "Mr. Bower, you told Detective Harper you saw Hazel Cunningham right before you left?"
    "What? No. I didn't say that."
    Diego realized Maxim was setting Jason up, coming at him with skewed questions to catch him in a lie.
    "When did you see her last then?" asked Maxim.
    "I didn't. Not really. I mean, I may have clocked the family the day before.