Teasing Jonathan by Amber Kell Page B

up that Nelson Andrews had a few gambling debts, and that Mark Philips’ father owned the casino they were owed to. Andrews had been ousted as a board member. Jonathan had seen the expression on Andrews’ face when Kai had fired him—resignation. Andrews wasn’t the killer or even the type to hire a killer. Right now, Patrick was scouring the databases to get anything on Deke, but so far—nothing.
    “Afternoon, Detective. Do you have any new information for me?” Kai asked.
    “What can you tell me about Deke Ford?” Detective Fine asked, brushing off politeness.
    “I told you everything I know,” Kai replied.
    Jonathan smiled at Kai’s confidence. His lover had no hesitation in standing his ground. He wouldn’t be intimidated by anyone. A jolt of pride slid through him while he watched his man.
    “I know you had him investigated. Did you learn anything more? All I could find was he didn’t have a criminal record.”
    Kai motioned for the detective to sit down and retook his seat. “He was my sister’s boyfriend. According to Jeni, when she broke up with him he turned kind of stalkerish. From what she’s said, he doesn’t strike me as being overly bright.” Kai frowned. “Why?”
    Jonathan wondered that too. When they had mentioned Deke before, the cops had brushed him away as if they had been making things up.
    “He’s dead,” Fine said. “It’s more important than ever that we learn about his past. Let me know if you pick up any useful information.”
    “Dead?” A cold chill went through Jonathan. Someone had killed Deke? It couldn’t be a coincidence. Kai could be next. “What happened?”
    “When was the last time your sister said she saw Mr Ford?” Fine asked, not answering Kai’s question. Jonathan didn’t like the detective’s tone.
    Kai paused a moment before answering. “Jeni told me she thought she saw him last week. I never witnessed it.”
    “It might be because it never happened. The coroner said he’s been dead for at least a week and a half.”
    “Jeni claimed she saw him a couple of days ago,” Jonathan said. Kai had begun to split his time between his place and Jonathan’s. When they’d gone to Kai’s home a few days ago, Jeni had said she’d thought Deke had been at her work. She’d caught a glimpse of him, but her bodyguard hadn’t found him when he’d given chase.
    “Do you think she mistook someone else for him?” Kai asked.
    None of this made any sense.
    “I think she killed him,” Detective Fine stated baldly.
    “She didn’t kill anyone!” Kai snarled. “My sister isn’t a killer.”
    Jonathan waited to find out where the detective had got that impression. Fine didn’t appear to be the type of person who jumped to wild conclusions about anything.
    “Her fingerprints are all over his place,” Fine argued.
    “They were dating. I’m not surprised she went to his place,” Kai said snidely.
    “She has massive credit card debt and her creditors are clamouring for cash. I called around, and although her business is growing, her personal life is a mess. You say she’s living with you now?”
    Kai nodded.
    “Any signs of drug use?”
    “Of course not, I wouldn’t tolerate that kind of behaviour,” Kai said indignantly. He didn’t mention that he’d pretty much vacated his condo and stayed at Jonathan’s place most of the time. Kai had told him more than once that he hated going to sleep without Jonathan. In a short amount of time, he’d learnt that he really did like snuggling.
    “There are ways to consume drugs and never leave traces. She could shoot up between her toes. She could inhale the powder. Has she had any mood swings or done anything out of the ordinary?”
    “She’s female. Aren’t they all moody?” Kai asked.
    “Not all of them.” Fine smiled. Jonathan suspected that the detective didn’t find whichever female warmed his bed to be temperamental.
    “I’ve never seen any sign of drug use. She’s always been a bit