“Because they have to. And because I did them a solid by taking your protection off their plate. They didn’t want the responsibility of protecting you. They owe me one, even if their commander thinks the marshals service pulled another fast one on him.”
“Another?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
I sighed deeply. “Okay, so what will I be doing tomorrow? Just riding along?”
His scoff was loud. “I know what you’re doing.”
“I’m sorry?” I tried to sound as innocent as possible.
“You’re trying to see if I remember that I told you your ass is staying home. Which it is. You’re not going anywhere.”
“Yes, but—”
“You can catch up on your sleep, use my gym equipment, binge-watch Netflix or something on one of my many other streaming platforms,” he finished cheerfully.
“Watch TV?”
“Depending on what we find out tomorrow, it’s possible that we can go for a run later in the evening. I’m not keeping you prisoner, but you have to be conscious that your colleague died in front of you today and we have no idea why.”
“What if Senan was collateral damage and the killer was gunning for me?” I asked him, suddenly broken. “If that’s what really happened, then Senan’s dead because of me.”
Eli took a breath. “I honestly don’t think the murder had anything to do with you. Whoever killed Senan had too many opportunities to take you out as well. But if I’m wrong, the killing still didn’t happenbecauseof you. You’re not responsible for Senan’s death. The person who killed him is.”
I opened my mouth to argue.
“From what I understand, Senan was killed in front of the big window next to the barre, do I have that right?”
“You do.”
“And as you told me when you gave me the tour of the place, that’s your spot.”
“It is—was,” I choked out.
“Everyone knew that, even Senan. Yes?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I have to tell you that from the building across the street, that’s the only spot in the room with a clear line of sight.”
“How do you know?”
“Because that’s what the forensic team’s notes say.”
“That’s fast.”
“It’s just their notes, not the official report, but it’s doubtful their findings will be revised. The only change will be adding in the measurements and all the environmental factors.”
“I see. So if he were anywhere else, he wouldn’t have been shot.”
“Yes, basically. If he were anywhere else in the building, hecouldn’thave been shot.”
“You have access to a police forensic report?”
“What part offederal marshalare you missing?”
He could get so indignant when questioned. “Fine. Go on.”