Devils Among Us (Devin Dushane Series Book 1) by Chastity Harris Page B

across state lines.”
    Devin’s brow knitted as she checked her mirrors again. “What
does that even mean?”
    She could hear the grin in his voice. “It means he was
running moonshine.”
    “Oh, I don’t see a lot of that in Richmond.”
    His laughter was now barely contained “I’d wager you don’t.”
    “All right, funny man, when was his first arrest?”
    “It was in June of 1964, he robbed a convenience store at
gunpoint.”
    There was a silence for a moment as both of them absorbed
that piece of information. A horn blaring broke their concentration. Devin
waved an apology to the car behind her and gunned her mustang through the
intersection.
    “Adam that was the month after Laney Bennett was murdered. 
Are you sure he used a gun and not a knife?”
    “I’m sure, the witnesses described a .45 and he had it on him
when they caught him. Hang on, let me see if he had anything else on him.”
Devin pulled into a parking space at the bank on the corner to avoid an
accident while Adam banged away on his keyboard. “Okay, he did have a knife
when he was arrested, but it was only a 3” pocket knife.”
    “That doesn’t really help. I’m sure it was common then to
carry a pocket knife, and that doesn’t match the description of the knife that
was used to kill Laney. Thanks for your help Adam, I’ll go talk to this Delluca
in the morning, see what he has to say about his relationship with Laney at the
time of her death.”
    “Relationship? I thought Laney was seeing someone else at
the time.”
    “She was, but she was also seen arguing with Delluca in the
weeks leading up to her murder. It makes sense—he missed the freedom he had
with Laney before he was saddled with a wife and child so he takes out his
jealousy and frustration on her.” Devin put the cap back on her pen and tossed
it into the ashtray. She was a closet smoker and trying to quit. Her theory was
if the ashtray was used for other purposes, she would be less tempted to smoke
in the car and stink up the very expensive leather upholstery.
    “Well, you’ll have to wait until Friday to talk to him. His
parole officer’s report says he’s at Smith Mountain Lake with his family until
Thursday night.” Adam approached his next statement carefully, likely not
wanting to incur her wrath. “Devin…be careful, this Delluca is a pretty rough
character.”
    He could almost picture her devilish grin as she answered. “So
am I, but if it makes you feel better I’ll be going to his work, with
witnesses.”
    “Alright, that does make me feel better. Before I forget I
should tell you that the Sheriff is looking for you.” He was trying to disguise
his laughter with a stern tone, but it wasn’t working.
    “Ugh. Do I want be found?” She had been ready to back out of
her parking spot, but now her hand was frozen above the gear shift.
    “No, I’d say not. Something about a bar fight and setting an
example…” He broke off in restrained laughter that he tried to pass off as
choking. In the background she could hear falsetto karate cries. “Devin I’ve
got to go, good luck.” He was able to gasp out before he hung up. Devin frowned
as she snapped her phone shut and dropped it on the seat.
    How do I just know that Shane was involved in that?
    She was so irritated with the juvenile maturity of boys that
she hit the gas a little too hard as she pulled out and barked the tires. No
sooner than letting off the gas, blue lights were flashing behind her. Come
on! I wasn’t really even speeding! She was fishing her badge and I.D. out
of her bag when a deep southern voice came through the window.
    “Well, well, well, you’ve made quite a stir in our little
town Ms. Devin.”
    Crap.
     “Afternoon Sheriff. What can I do for you today?” She was
playing it very sweet and innocent.
    “There was a little disturbance last night that I need to
hold someone accountable for.”
    Sweet and innocent went out the window. “Now wait just a
minute. That was