The Devil Wore Sneakers Read Online Free Page A

shining the spotlight on Liam? Did he have something to hide?
    “I learned McAllister got into a physical altercation a few years ago. The man wanted to press charges, but ended up dropping them.”
    “I recall the fight.” She struggled to find the words. She didn’t want Liam to look like a hothead. “A drunk hit on me at a bar. When he wouldn’t lay off, Liam stepped in and forced him to leave. Later, the drunk pressed charges. The police investigated and cleared Liam.”
    “I’m saying he’s used non-peaceful ways to solve a problem at least once. I’m sure I can find a pattern if I search.”
    He probably could. “Chief, Ryan and Liam were buddies, not enemies. I’m interested in how much my brother owed Liam.”
    “I’ll continue digging. In the meantime, you should stay away from McAllister. If your brother was drinking again, he might have run up a bill for his alcohol. Maybe to pay it off, he borrowed money from McAllister, who took care of your brother when he didn’t repay his loan.”
    Liam shot Ryan? No way. He never would. “Thank you for the update. I’ll keep my visit to the Moose brief.”
    “You’re still going with him?”
    “Yes. Liam wouldn’t kill Ryan unless he lost his mind.”
    “Insanity is hard to prove in New Hampshire.” The chief scowled and stomped a foot. “One last thing. We’re done processing the crime scene, but you should hire one of those bio trauma companies to clean up the hallway. Contrary to what people think, law enforcement isn’t paid to wipe up after an illegal activity. Your brother’s house isn’t…pleasant, Miss Watson. The sooner you contact them, the better, as there are few in the North Country, and they cover a wide area.”
    “I’ll consider it, and please call me Lucy.”
    Sullivan shot a glance at Liam lingering by his truck. “Are you sure I can’t give you a lift…Lucy?”
    “Thank you, Chief, I’m set.”
    “Remember what I said. Be careful around McAllister.” Sullivan headed for his SUV.
    She rejoined Liam and climbed into the passenger seat.
    “Did he offer his condolences?” he asked, grabbing his seatbelt.
    “He reminded me you were a person of interest and offered me a ride.” She waited for his reaction. Had he changed during the years they’d been separated?
    She was different. Who would have predicted that Lucy Watson would become involved in an illicit relationship? Ryan’s friends remembered her as the little sister, tagging along and reminding people of the rules in her annoying, goody-goody-way.
    “If I’m Sullivan’s best suspect, his case is in trouble.” Liam jammed his key into the ignition. “He has no clue what he’s doing. The last murder in Barley was thirty years ago. I’m surprised you didn’t take him up on the ride, though.”
    “I don’t need the police chief to escort me around town. You do hold a grudge against law enforcement, Liam.”
    “I don’t have a grudge, even though they picked me up for a bunch of pranks when I was young and stupid.”
    She raised her hand and ticked them off on her fingers. “Underage drinking, speeding, trespassing, fighting—”
    “Okay, okay, I wasn’t a saint, but the police should have spent their time arresting real criminals.”
    “Sullivan brought up the night you physically removed the drunk who wouldn’t take no for an answer from me.”
    “Why did you agree to go with me if I’m such a danger?”
    She groped for a response. No way would she admit she’d given in to the urge to be with him. Besides, it was a ride. “I’ve grown up and can handle myself.”
    “For the record, nothing was wrong with the younger Lucy.” The engine roared to life as he twisted the key with more energy than needed.
    What would he think if he knew the truth? How else could she explain her relationship with Matt Hastings, her priest in Hawick Falls?
    She relaxed her tense shoulders. Sullivan should arrest someone soon, and she’d leave town before Liam asked