Deadly Accusations by Debra Purdy Kong Page B

Cheyenne’s behavior wouldn’t prompt anyone to confront them. She looked down the lane and saw a face peer out of Birch’s window. Oh no, had he spotted them running past his place?
    After they clambered into the truck, Casey said, “I wonder if the girl’s just a hot date or his girlfriend.”
    â€œDoes it matter?”
    â€œIt could. What if Birch had an accomplice shoot Jasmine? Someone who’d do anything for him.”
    â€œYou really think that Noel is innocent?”
    Casey stroked Cheyenne’s head. “He seems sincere, and the evidence against him is a tad too convenient.”
    â€œAside from sincere, what else does he seem?”
    Casey hesitated. Why was he asking? “Quiet, polite, intelligent. The complete opposite of Marie.” Lou’s downcast expression surprised her. Was he a bit jealous, or did he think she was being naïve?
    â€œMarie once told me he lost the use of his legs in a motorcycle crash,” Lou said. “It seems he had a passion for Harleys and speed.”
    More candid conversations with Marie. How many other personal things had she shared with him? “Did she ever mention if Noel can get around with crutches or other support?”
    â€œNo.” Lou headed east toward Vancouver.
    â€œMarie will go ballistic when I tell her that two strangers gave Birch a solid alibi.”
    â€œYou’ve dealt with her emotions before.”
    â€œThat doesn’t mean I’m looking forward to it.”
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    â€œNO FRIGGIN’ WAY!” Marie shouted over the phone. “Birch can’t be innocent!”
    While Marie railed, Lou put his arm around Casey. He’d told her he wanted to hear Marie’s response to tonight’s events. Casey had a hunch he also wanted to make sure she didn’t become further involved.
    â€œAre you sure you didn’t recognize the woman with Birch?” Marie asked.
    â€œYes.”
    Marie sighed loudly into the receiver. “I’ll call Child Protection Services and tell them about the woman. Maybe she’s involved in Jasmine’s death. Meanwhile, could you check out the half sister’s alibi?”
    â€œI don’t think—”
    â€œSince Gabrielle O’Reilly was in Coquitlam two days before the murder, and she and Jasmine argued, her activities should be investigated. God knows I can’t count on the police to do it,” Marie said. “Maybe Gabrielle brought the pistol from home and stalked Jasmine until she saw her chance. That would explain how she learned about Noel and his van.”
    â€œI can’t do this anymore, Marie, I’m sorry.”
    â€œBut you’ve put my brother in deeper shit than he was before, so can’t you please help him out a little more?”
    Casey did feel guilty about that. “What if Gabrielle has an alibi and I make things worse?”
    Lou wandered toward the guinea pig cages.
    The line was silent a few seconds. “It makes me sick to say this, but then we’d have to look at coworkers’ alibis.”
    â€œNo way, Roberto’s a friend.”
    Lou turned to her.
    â€œDavid Eisler isn’t anyone’s friend,” Marie said.
    â€œDo you have a reason for suspecting Eisler?” She watched Lou’s eyes widen.
    â€œAfter I had lunch with Jan today, yeah.”
    Casey had shared a few coffee breaks with Eisler’s administrative assistant. She knew that Jan loathed her boss.
    â€œThe day Jasmine died,” Marie said, “Eisler didn’t come to work until noon, and Jan didn’t know where he’d been. Apparently, he’s been disappearing a lot lately.”
    â€œThat doesn’t make him a killer.”
    â€œIt doesn’t rule him out either. When he showed up at your place, something was obviously bothering his conscience.”
    â€œThen tell your brother’s lawyer about it.”
    â€œWe need more than