My head felt much better, probably because I was able to take more pain medicine and had been given a water bottle. I was so nervous I had felt like I was going to throw up. And then the good times would definitely not have rolled.
I signed the papers and left the building. I had arrived at nine, and it was now eleven, so I would have time to talk to Cody and make it back to my office for lunch.
First I had to calm myself down—big time. I took several deep breaths and held the steering wheel so tight my knuckles turned white. The queasiness was subsiding so I let go with one hand so I could call Cody. While it was ringing, I laid my head against the steering wheel. I hoped Sgt. K wasn’t watching.
“Hey, Chloe, is this your one phone call?” Cody asked, seemingly still in a good mood. Maybe not so much once I tell him about Jason. But then it wouldn’t be his case. And I didn’t do it.
“No. Apparently, my flippancy wasn’t enough to get me arrested.” He laughed, and I continued, “Quick question. Did you know Jason Tamereaux, the homeowner, was found dead inside?”
He paused and apparently moved the phone away from his mouth so he could tell Rick about the body. They talked a few seconds and then said soberly, “Where are you?”
“I’m about to leave the parking lot in Gardener.”
“Good, we have to finish up something, but by the time you get here, we’ll be back at the station. Come see me.” He stopped laughing. He had his cop voice.
I couldn’t stop thinking about the body in the house where I was almost blown to smithereens. How long ago was Jason Tamereaux killed? Did I have anything to do with the poor man losing his life? Please don’t let it be my fault. I had just started the case. Who knew I was on it? Well, a couple of people knew. But were they killers? What was the painting that someone would kill over it? Wait, maybe it had nothing to do with the painting. Maybe there was an argument in the house. Maybe it was love gone bad. I should have been paying more attention to my driving. I had no idea if the light I drove through was red. No sirens or squealing breaks. I couldn’t worry about it. I felt like I was going to throw up again. I pulled to the side and threw up. I wiped my mouth, closed my eyes a few seconds and tried to pull myself together. At least I didn’t have witnesses to that little episode although it was completely understandable. Yep, that was what I told myself.