Passion's Law. Ruth Langan

took a deep breath. “Tell me what you’ve found.”

      He shook his head. “First tell me what you saw, what you heard, and anything that the boys might have left out.”

      “Basically, what the boys told you is all there was.”

      “They didn’t leave anything out?”

      She shook her head. “It caught us all by surprise. I think we’re still a little stunned by it.” She clutched her hands together tightly to control the shaking. Now that the danger was past, she was suffering from the shock of what might have been. “Is my uncle all right?”

      “He’s fine. The window in his bedroom is shattered. Apparently the shooter was down below, saw him by the window, and took his shot, not knowing that in that instant Joe was reaching for his shoes. If he hadn’t bent down at that very moment, we might be investigating a murder instead of just an attempted murder.”

      He saw the way her face drained of color. Though he wanted to offer her some comfort, he knew better. He was a detective investigating a serious crime. He couldn’t afford to lose his concentration. Or his objectivity. And this woman was capable of robbing him of both with a single touch.

      “What can you tell me about Jackson Colton?”

      Her eyes widened. “Jackson? He’s Joe’s nephew. His brother’s son. Why do you want to know about Jackson?”

      “He was here at the time of the shooting. I came upon him just as I arrived.”

      “Jackson is here?” She glanced toward the door. “Where is he?”

      “Being questioned.”

      “But why?”

      Thad struggled to remain patient. “Because he arrived unannounced at the precise time that shots were fired by an unknown gunman. He’s alone, and has no one who can provide him with an alibi for the time of the shooting.”

      “You think that Jackson…?” She couldn’t bring herself to speak the words. “No. This is insane.”

      Thad gave a sigh of impatience. “Do you know of anyone who would want Joe Colton dead?”

      Heather closed her eyes a moment as the enormity of the situation washed over her. Then she opened them and shook her head. “No. I’m sure he’s made a few enemies during his lifetime. But for a man to want another man dead?” She let out a long, slow sigh. “I can’t even conceive of such a thing.”