Free Born to Be Wild by Catherine Coulter

say, Jack thought, he’d obviously thought about it, rehearsed his answer. Was he hiding anything? Protecting someone? Maybe his daughter, afraid that somehow, she was involved. Jack understood that. His father, he knew, would probably have the same instincts toward him. But would he protect him if he feared Jack had murdered somebody?
    â€œJason came to work for you after his marriage to your daughter?”
    â€œYes. I offered him a job. He’d been working for the First Independent Bank and wasn’t happy. We discussed it and he seemed pleased. He never complained. No reason to, since he made a very nice living. He was suited to it, a natural salesman. Livie’s right about the jokes. I never could figure out where he got them all.”
    â€œWere there any problems between Marci and Jason?”
    Milo said, “Certainly not! They were practically newlyweds.”
    Jack smiled at Milo, said he was parched, and asked him for some coffee. It was obvious to Jack that Milo didn’t want to leave him alone with Mrs. Hildebrand, but he really had no choice. He raised an eyebrow to Pat Bigelow. She smiled at him, nodded, and he finally left the living room. She transferred her smile to Jack, to let him know he couldn’t browbeat Mrs. Hildebrand. Jack motioned for Mrs. Hildebrand to keep seated. When Milo’s footsteps receded down the hallway, he said, “I know this is very difficult, Mrs. Hildebrand, but I surely need your help.” He studied her face a moment, then said straight out, “Now, why don’t you tell me the truth. How were Marci and Jason really getting along?”

TEN
    â€œOh, I suppose you’ve heard some gossip, but you really shouldn’t believe it.”
    â€œTell me, Mrs. Hildebrand.”
    â€œNo, there was nothing, really. They were having a rough patch, that’s all. All couples have difficult times occasionally, and they were no exception. There wasn’t anything they couldn’t patch up.”
    And pigs fly . Jack made his choice and took his shot. “I know Jason was having an affair, Mrs. Hildebrand. It’s easier if you just tell me about it.”
    He’d hit it on the mark. Not a flicker of surprise in her eyes. Her chin went up again, as if daring him to disagree. “They never spoke to me about it.”
    â€œWhat does Marci do outside the home, Mrs. Hildebrand?”
    â€œShe works at home. She’s an artist. The Flynt Gallery in Portland sells her watercolors. The sailboats over there, those are some of hers.”
    Jack looked at the grouping of six rather small watercolors, beautifully framed, on the wall beside the fireplace. They seemed rather bland to him. On the other hand, he’d never cared much for watercolors.
    â€œWas she financially independent?”
    â€œYes. No. Who can say? I don’t know exactly how much she earns from her paintings. But I do know she’s becoming quite popular. You’ll have to ask her.”
    â€œWas Marci having an affair?”
    â€œNo! You mustn’t speak like that, Chief. She’s a good girl, she wanted children. Anything that’s happened—it’s not her fault.”
    So, had she found out her husband was betraying her and—what? Bashed him over the head and in the face?
    Pat Bigelow said easily, “I think it’s time you leave that subject, Chief.”
    Jack wanted to drop-kick Pat Bigelow out the front window, but he couldn’t, and so he nodded. “Can you think of anyone who didn’t like your son-in-law?”
    Olivia Hildebrand looked down at the wedding ring on her finger. After a moment, she shook her head.
    Milo Hildebrand came back into the living room, carrying two mugs. He held one out to Jack. Jack rose.
    â€œThanks, Milo. I think I’ll see if Mrs. Maynard is up to seeing me for a few minutes.”
    Olivia jumped to her feet. “Let me go up, let me see if she’s awake—”
    She