SEE HIM DIE by Debra Webb Page A

nudged her. “Didn’t they check my hands for gun powder or something?”
    “They did.” He searched her eyes for a moment. “Where did you hide the gun and the gloves, Mrs. Barton?”
    “I didn’t have any gloves or a gun. I never bought that gun!” Someone was framing her!
    Cannon pushed the paper closer to her. “Look at the signature. The copy of the driver’s license.”
    Julie stared at the paper. The signature looked like hers. The driver’s license was hers. Jesus Christ. “This is impossible.” She looked directly at the lieutenant. “I didn’t buy this gun. I’ve never owned or fired a gun in my entire life.”
    “Your brother-in-law said you cheated on Austin first. His brother confided in him that he’d endured your promiscuousness for as long as he could. Austin was concerned that you wanted rid of him without losing access to the Barton money. He suspected you might try to get him out of the way in hopes that his brother would be more generous.”
    Randall would never have said those things. “That’s impossible. I spoke to Randall yesterday, he—”
    “Came to me immediately after seeing you. He was disturbed by your behavior at the meeting. He believes that perhaps you’re unbalanced.”
    Julie stood. Her chair screeched across the floor. “I won’t listen to any more of this. I think I will call an attorney after all.” Would she even be able to get an attorney? Why would Randall say those things? Was the lieutenant twisting his words to confuse her?
     “I will find the murder weapon, Mrs. Barton. Until I do, I’ll be watching every move you make.”
    Did Detective Duncan believe she had killed her husband? The possibility that he considered her a killer hurt far more than the realization that this man was actively pursuing that avenue. “I thought the detective was watching me because the department was concerned for my safety.”
    Cannon’s face changed. His gaze narrowed. “What detective?”
    Beneath the table, her fingers knotted together. “Detective Duncan. He’s been watching my friend’s house. He… he said the killer might come after me. I thought that’s why you wanted to see me this morning. I thought there was news.”
    Cannon jumped to his feet. “Stay away from Blake Duncan. He’s on administrative leave pending an investigation into his recent behavior.”
    “Are you saying you didn’t assign him to watch the house?” Julie felt stunned. What kind of fool was she that she repeatedly allowed men to deceive her?
    Cannon snatched up the folder. “Trust me, Mrs. Barton, you’re in enough trouble without getting mixed up with Blake Duncan.”
    With the lieutenant’s order not to leave town ringing in her ears, Julie made her way to the exit. A whirlwind of emotions roared through her. She wasn’t sure whether to cry or to scream…
     
    There was something wrong with Julie. Whatever happened in Cannon’s office, she looked seriously upset. Blake had a hard time keeping up with her as she drove back to Morrison’s house.
    She whipped into the driveway practically on two wheels. What the hell? Blake parked on the street and got out. Had Cannon suggested she was a suspect? According to Lutz, that was where this investigation was headed. He and Julie needed to have a talk very soon.
    As if she’d decided the same, she strode up to him. “Still protecting me, Detective Duncan?”
    “Is something wrong, Mrs. Barton?” Whatever had happened, the woman was immensely pissed.
    “Your lieutenant said he didn’t order you to watch over me.” She planted her hands on her hips. “He said you’re in serious trouble and that I should stay away from you.” Her lower lip trembled. She withdrew her cell phone from the back pocket of her jeans. “So, before I call and tell him you’re here again. Why don’t you tell me what the hell you’re doing watching me? Why were you at the bar the other night? Did you kill Austin?”
    Keep your cool
. “I did not kill