interrogating Camille's mistake

The detectives went to the address Camille gave them for Joshua Miller. Jake knocked on it twice. There was no answer and no hint of movement inside.

Next, they drove to Costco. It took a minute to find an open parking space. It reminded Jake why he never shopped there.

As they walked into the store, Jake flashed his badge at the Young lady standing just inside, checking customers for their membership badge. She got a look of shock on her face, but gracefully motioned them in. They made their way through the crowd of shoppers. Jake bumped into a lady looking at cribs. He sincerely apologized and moved on. Then they spotted a young lady with short brown hair putting shirts on hangers and hanging them up.

They walked over. The lady looked up just as they stopped in front of her. “Yes, what can I help you with?”

Jake flashed his badge.” We’re looking for Joshua Milner.”

The lady gulped and looked around frantically. She stopped and nodded to her right . “Oh, there he is, stocking pinto beans.”

“Thank you.” Jake walked towards the man putting cans on a shelf. He had jet black hair pulled back into a ponytail. They could see his muscles bulging under neath his shirt.

He looked at them as they stopped a foot away. “ How may I help you?” His voice was very smooth.

Sally shook her head. She was already sick from his fake charm.

Jake showed him his badge. “I’m Detective Stone, and this is my partner, Detective Beaumont.” He put his badge away. “Is there somewhere we can talk?”

Joshua looked around, then faced the detectives. “You know, I’m really busy right now. What’s this about?” His voice was beginning to not sound so smooth.

“This is about a murder investigation.” He watched Joshua almost fumble the can he was holding. He waited a second to let him compose himself, then aggressively said. “Now, is there somewhere we can talk?”

“Ummm,” Joshua looked around. He put the can down and stood up. “Follow me.” He walked away. The detectives allowed.

He went down a hallway and stopped at the second door, opened it up, and stuck his head in. When he took it outside said. “Okay.”

He opened it further and walked in. The detectives stepped in behind him. The room had a refrigerator, a square table with two plastic chairs on each side, and a row of lockers lining the back wall.

Joshua walked to the table and sat down. The detectives did as well. Jake sat in the chair across from Joshua, Sally sat to his left.

“So what’s this about a murder?” Joshua said calmly.

Yes,“Jake replied. “ Of Mike Whitmoore.”

“Who’s that?” Joshua exclaimed.

Jake looked at him sternly. “Camille Whitmoore’s husband.”

Joshua slouched down. “Oh, her.” He let a burst of air that sounded like disgust.

“Yes, her.” Jake study Joshua closely.

And.” Joshua shrugged his shoulders as he flung his hands in the air. “What’s this got to do with me?”

“Well.” Jake boldly replied. “For starters, the last time you saw Camille, you told her Karma’s a b***h when she rejected you.”

Joshua got an indignant look on his face as he cocked his head. “rejected me. She was the one coming on to me.” The anger was beginning to show in his voice.

“Yes.”Jake retorted. “Then she changed her mind and told you she wouldn’t sleep with you.”

“She led me on, is what she did.” Aggressively replied.” F*****g tease.”

“Nonetheless. What did you mean by karma’s a b***h?”

“nothing. “Joshua flung his hands up in frustration and violently shook his head. “I was just frustrated. Honestly, I’m not sure what I meant.” He paused a moment and looked at Jake, then Sally, then back to Jake. “Wait a minute. You don’t think I killed her husband because of that?”

Jake and Sally gave him a hard stare, but neither replied.

“You've got to be kidding me. You think I’d throw my life away because that b***h led me on, then rejected me.” He paused and continued in a louder voice. “That’s insane.”

Maybe, But_” Jake’s phone began to ring. He looked at the screen, then held up a finger. He hit the accept button. “Detective Stone... Yes... When.. You’re kidding me? Alright, w’re on our way.”

He disconnected the call and stood up. “Thank you for your time.” Jake briskley turned and walked away.

Sally turned and hustled to catch up with him. “What’s going on?” She caught up with him.

“That was Officer Landsford.” Jake briskly retorted. “Someone called the station with an anonymous tip.” He paused and caught his breath. They said they think they might know who killed Mike.”

“Who? What did they say?” Sally excitedly said.

“She said it was a lady. She wouldn’t give her name. She just said we should check out Emily Williams.”

chapter 28

As Cassandra walke