Michael slid burgers from the sack, plopping the paper bag with the fries in the middle of the desk. "Have at it," he commented, selecting a fry for himself. He moved his chair closer to Olivia so that their knees touched.
Jets, on the opposite side of the desk, stared at them both. "Let me cut to the chase. We don't have a lot of time to figure out Franco's death, what with the anxious parents breathing down my neck. We could keep them a couple more days after the big concert, but after that I'm afraid Simon Court will file a lawsuit. He's like that."
"Litigious," added Michael, grabbing a second fry from the bag.
"I have some information for you," Olivia said quickly.
Janis held up her hand to stop Olivia. "I know you do, but not until I've filled you in on what the report from down the hill revealed. The coroner and the forensic detectives looked for certain indicators. We have three assumptions here. Our victim may have accidentally tripped. He may have jumped, or he may have been pushed."
"I have information from first-hand witnesses just before the murder," Olivia said.
"It's not your turn yet, Nancy Drew. Didn't you learn to raise your hand in kindergarten like the rest of us?"
Olivia raised her hand with a smirk.
"Put your hand down. That was an example, not a request."
Jets reached for a fry. She turned to Michael. "These are soggy. Do better next time."
Michael nodded and then grabbed the whole bag. "No problem, more for me. You were saying?"
Jets frowned as Olivia turned to Michael. "Be careful," she said in a loud whisper. "Janis is crabby and is afraid of losing control of her investigation."
Michael nodded, his face looking serious. "I see. Thanks for telling me. Want a fry?" He offered her the soggy sack.
Olivia took one, looking back at Janis, who glared at them both.
"As I was saying, the first thing we look for when considering a suicide is previous attempts. Since we found Franco lying on his side, we were pretty sure he didn't jump. But pretty sure isn't enough in my line of work." Janis gave them a direct look.
"Detectives down the hill took a deep dive into Dave Franco's past and found absolutely nothing that would indicate he was suicidal. He has no history of hospitalizations for injuries or psychiatric issues. Never even saw a therapist or called one. In fact, his tutoring work with the teens leaned into life coach more than tutor, and he was taking classes for a certificate.
"Plus Linnea, his wife, says he seemed concerned but perfectly fine with the news of having a baby. I did suggest that she look for any notes Dave might have left, just in case he considered taking his own life and wasn't telling anyone his plan. Linnea looked high and low and did not find a suicide note. Nor did we find any emails on his computer or phone. No texts. Nothing. So we ruled out suicide."
"He was a little concerned about being a good dad," Olivia added. "In one of our last conversations, he mentioned his own difficult upbringing and that he hoped he could do a better job than his father. He said his dad wasn't a great role model. That's what he mentioned."
A thoughtful expression came over Janis's face. "That's good evidence but not what you might think. He was concerned but hopeful. Do you hear that? He wanted to do better than his father, which means he planned on being a great dad."
"He was just working through his new life," added Michael. "Women aren’t the only ones who worry about having babies."
Olivia felt relief. Until this moment, she didn't realize she'd been condemning herself for not picking up on Dave's concerns and inquiring more at the time.
Janis looked at Olivia, her face softening. "Just so you know, most people who take their lives by jumping off a steep cliff leave stuff at the top before they leap. We found a wallet and a cell phone at the bottom of the cliff…near the body."
"So you don't think it was a suicide?"
"I feel ninety-nine percent certain he did not take his own life," said Jets. "Unless we can find an actual witness who saw him jump, then we can rule out suicide."
Michael crumpled the bag in his hand, tossing it over Janis's shoulder toward the trash can. "So what about an accident?"
Jets flipped open her laptop. She clicked a few tabs, stopping on one. "We have to eliminate other possibilities as well as an accident. According to the coroner's report, if he jumped or if he was pushed then we have a physics problem."
"I was terrible at physics," said Olivia under her breath.
"I know a little," Michael said. "It's all about gravity."
"Well thank you, Mr. Smarty Pants," Janis commented dryly. "Forensic science can give us a bit more than that."
Olivia held up her hand. "Could you spare all the details and just tell us—was he pushed or did he accidentally trip?"
"Let's just say I don't think he tripped." Janis's face looked grim. "Dave was a young guy, in good shape, a frequent hiker of the Lily Rock trail. He knew the territory and he knew the potential dangers. Linnea said they hiked the trail nearly every week and that Dave often took the kids he tutored for a hike when they were working through difficult issues. Plus there were no rocks or bushes at the top of the cliff that would cause a person to trip and fall. Only a steep drop-off."
"He did wear those hiking boots all the time," Olivia agreed.
Maybe that's why all of the Tone Rangers have identical hiking boots. Dave encouraged them to get outside in nature. He probably did less formal tutoring while they hiked together.
"The coroner found no trace of drugs or alcohol in his system," Jets said, looking over her computer screen.
"Did you look for footprints?" asked Michael.
"We did. We found Dave's bootprints, size 11 hiking boots, and another pair of size 8½ hiking bootprints. The dirt had been kicked about, it took my guys some effort to distinguish all the footprints, but those two stood out as the most distinct and recent.
"We're looking into the prints, but I don't think it will help. Lots of people stand in that area to gaze at the view, including students and faculty. The footprints could be from anyone.
"They did find bruising on Dave's neck but no blood under his nails or skin or anything like that." Her voice died off, causing Olivia to look up.
"Are you telling us everything?"
A flush brightened Janis's cheeks. "What do you mean, everything? This is an ongoing investigation and I'm keeping you in the loop." Her voice sounded indignant.
"You didn't answer my question," said Olivia. "I have this sense that you're holding back some information."
"All in good time, Nancy Drew. Now tell me your information," Jets said smoothly.
"Just so you know," Olivia said, "I do have eye witnesses. Two of them. Oh, and one person who overheard a phone call between Abbey and her father."
Janis Jets sat up straight in her chair. "Did someone actually see Dave pushed over the cliff?"
It was Olivia's turn to sit back and take her time. "Not exactly." She pulled a small notebook from her back pocket. "I took some notes right after our rehearsal so that I could tell you what I learned from the Tone Rangers."
When Olivia finished explaining, Jets began typing furiously on her computer. "Let's back this up, so we can get the timing right."
"Abbey Court called the constabulary around four thirty last Friday afternoon." Jets looked to Olivia for confirmation. "That's when we first learned about the body."
Olivia nodded.
"Then a couple of your Tone Rangers, Legend and Raleigh, told you they saw Dave smoking a cigar with Cookie at around 3:54 p.m. Rather specific, isn't it?"
"He took a selfie and had a time stamp," Olivia explained.
"But those two claim to have scampered away into the forest like Hansel and Gretel, so they didn't see anyone push Franco," Jets said dryly. "And then you got a report from Anais that she overheard Abbey Court and her father discussing Dave's death."
"They didn't sound very sorry either," said Olivia. "If we can believe Anais, they thought they would be better off with Dave dead." Olivia swallowed a lump in her throat. "Plus I'm not sure Cookie is telling us everything he knows. He's the guy you need to interview because he may have been the last one to see Dave alive."
Do I tell Janis about the key business with Cookie? I think that's more about Sage and her job. Plus Janis is worried about getting this wrapped up before the parents rebel. That would be worse for Sage, so I don't need to complicate the investigation any more than it is.
"It's not Cookie," exclaimed Janis Jets, her face flushed. Then she corrected herself. "I guess it could be Cookie, but he feels so controlled. I can't imagine him pushing someone over a cliff impulsively, and this act, it just feels like a knee-jerk reaction."
Olivia wanted to object but stopped herself. Just 'cause a guy has a secret ingredient for pea soup, it doesn't mean he isn't a killer.
Michael turned to Olivia, his eyebrow raised.
He caught it too. Janis is very defensive of the Curated Cuisine chef. Interesting.
Jets closed her laptop, sliding it to the end of the desk. She looked across at Olivia and Michael. "Good work. You brought me some interesting clues."
"All you got from me was a burger," commented Michael.
Jets nodded. "Don't forget your vast knowledge of physics."
Michael grinned. "Ah shucks, Janis, happy to help."
Olivia sat back, enjoying the return of the easy banter between Janis and Michael, but stood just a moment later, looking toward the window. "Do you hear that?"
"A car alarm?" asked Janis, standing behind her desk.
"I bet it's the Beemer in the lot," Michael said, sprinting to the door.
"How do you know which car?" asked Olivia, following quickly behind.
"The man is a fountain of knowledge, from physics to car alarms," remarked Jets. She grabbed her keys, the last to follow.
In the parking lot Rydell Cox stood near his BMW holding his key fob up, his thumb pushing repeatedly. Beeeeep. The horn kept sounding.
"Someone try to break into your car?" Michael asked, standing close enough so that he could be heard over the blaring alarm.
"Must have been one of those kids," hollered Cox. He pushed the button on the key fob again. "Stupid idiot probably tried to open the car door, looking for money on the floor."
"Give it a minute," Michael told him, pointing to the fob. "Your battery may be low."
Cox stopped clicking and the incessant alarm stopped.
Michael turned toward Cox. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Michael Bellemare, a Lily Rock resident."
Cox held out his hand. "I'm Rydell Cox. Are you a supporter of the arts?”
Michael nodded his hand vigorously. "Sure am. I've heard that you’re the new admissions counselor for the Lily Rock Music Academy?"
"I am. I've been here since the fall." Cox slid his hand back from Michael's grip, wiping it against his pant leg.
"Nice car you got there," Olivia commented, standing just a foot away.
Cox turned to look at Olivia, and then his glance went beyond her to stop at Janis Jets. "Yes, it is a nice car, one of my favorites. I have a couple more in the garage at home. Beverly Hills, that's where I live."
He's rich. He has more than one car. He probably lives in a big house in an expensive neighborhood. He knows how to wheel and deal, and if I wait I'll hear a name drop.
"My neighbor, Magic Johnson, told me about Lily Rock. He sent one of his kids here for summer camp a few years ago."
And there it is. That about completes the introduction. He's local, from Los Angeles, like the Tone Rangers. That's interesting.
Olivia glanced at Michael, who maintained a disinterested pose, his hands in his jeans back pockets, his face immobile. "Say, I've met Magic. We have friends in common."
Rydell looked surprised. "You have? Well I haven't seen him in a while, you understand."
"I know we can't call him right now, but why don't we have a drink at the pub anyway and share our stories?" Michael suggested.
Cox looked sheepish. He stammered, "Sure, b-but—"
Michael jumped right in. "How about right now. You don't have anything planned, right? Let's meet at the pub. You know the place, you've been here long enough."
Cox rocked back and forth on his expensive loafers. Olivia found herself looking down at them and then looking up at Janis.
I wonder if those are some of the footprints they found near the cliff.
Janis stood nonchalantly to the side, watching Michael and Rydell circle each other. To Olivia's amazement, Cox turned to Janis, a huge grin coming over his face. "Hey, honey, why don't you join us for a drink at the pub? You and…" He pointed to Olivia. "I don’t remember your name."
"Olivia Greer," she said calmly, trying not to look surprised.
In an instant Cox took charge of the situation by grabbing Janis by the arm as he pulled her closer to his side. "The four of us then, in half an hour at the pub."
Michael didn't flinch. "See you soon." He grabbed Olivia's hand before she could blurt out an excuse.
"I'm coming," she hissed at him, trying to shake her hand away from his.
Michael kept hold of her hand in his firm grip. He walked briskly, slightly dragging Olivia by his side. They didn't speak until they reached his truck. He helped Olivia with her door, holding his finger to his lips. Then he let himself in behind the steering wheel.
Michael made sure all the windows were closed before he began the conversation. "So that's Rydell Cox," he said, laying his arms on the steering wheel.
"Yes, it is."
"Thinks he's really important," said Michael. "Do you think he really knows Magic Johnson?"
"Doesn't really matter if he does or doesn't. What we know is that he needs to impress people."
"Were you…impressed?" Michael's left eyebrow lifted.
"Not at all," answered Olivia.
"Me either. In fact, the guy makes me just a little nervous, especially the way he acts around Janis."
"He is not the type of guy I thought she'd hook up with," admitted Olivia. "At first it was kind of funny, but now it feels slightly sinister. What's his game anyway?"
Michael looked over at Olivia and smiled. "We'd better keep our eyes open. I think our friend Janis may be in a bit of trouble."
Olivia felt her stomach drop.
He's right. I think Rydell has motives for getting close to Janis. Maybe he wants to know what she knows, to use the information to support his case that Sage is in over her head. I don't like that man, that's for certain.
Michael patted Olivia's thigh before starting up the engine. Backing out of the parking space, he shifted, directing the truck toward the main road. "To the pub we go," he told Olivia. "I'm concerned about their budding relationship. Let's see if we can find out more over a beer and a sparkling water."
Michael gave Olivia a side-eye and she filled in, "I know Cox likes her leather pants."
"Right," said Michael, "but what else does he want from our Lily Rock police officer?"
"If they're busy giggling on the phone, then she's less focused on figuring out who killed Dave Franco."
Olivia reached over to take Michael's hand. She curled her fingers inside of his. "I'm worried about Janis. Plus I wanted to tell you sooner…"
Before she could broach the subject of Janis's job interview, Michael jammed his foot on the brake. The truck came to a sudden halt. "What the…"
Lights flashed overhead, as the sound of slapping filled the air.
"Is that what I think it is?" asked Olivia, dropping Michael’s hand to open the passenger window. She stuck her head outside and then pulled it back in. "It's a helicopter. Looks like it's doing surveillance."
Michael shifted the truck into drive, making a left turn into the Lily Rock Brew Pub parking lot. "Not just looking, it's trying to land in the middle of the pub parking lot. I'll pull up on the street. We can walk from there."
Michael made a U-turn, edging to the side of the road. Olivia hopped out of the truck as Michael pulled his keys out of the ignition. He stood with her on the side of the road and locked the truck.
"I don't know what's happening to Lily Rock. First we got Magic Johnson's best friend working at the music academy and now a helicopter parked at the pub."
Olivia nodded. "Just hearing the helicopter made my stomach turn."
Michael took her hand, looking both ways before walking across the road. "Let's see who needs a beer so bad he's parked his helicopter in front of the brew pub."
They walked side by side down the driveway. He kept a firm hold of her hand. When they reached the bottom of the incline, the helicopter had already landed. A man in a tracksuit ducked under the blades, making his way toward the front of the pub.
"I think that's Abbey's dad," observed Olivia.
"He's wearing white sneakers," Michael commented.
"Yes, he is," confirmed Olivia.
"I’m thinking footwear is important," Michael said with a smile.
"Because Janis has lots of footprints at the crime scene," Olivia said.
They stopped walking and watched from a distance.
Cox pulled in, parking his BMW at the far end of the lot. Olivia saw Janis let herself out of the passenger side. She ran her hand over her uniform and then sauntered around the BMW to meet him. He grabbed her by the shoulder and she came willingly.
"Did you hear that?" Olivia asked Michael.
He nodded, his face grim. "Janis giggled. I heard it with my own ears. Gave me chills, not in a good way."
Cox gestured at Simon Court, who waited for the couple at the foot of the stairs. Court was the first to stretch his hand out in greeting. When Court dropped Cox's hand he turned to Janis Jets, enveloping her in a big hug.
"I guess they're all friends," commented Michael dryly.
Olivia bit her tongue to keep silent, an escaping sigh giving away her dismay.