Chapter 9

Markie eyed Bryce's hand as he patted his shirt pocket where he'd placed the note from Sarah. His self-assured smile irritated her. Had every female in this town dated him at some point?

What struck her odd though was the brief look of distress that flashed through his eyes as he read the note. When he realized everyone's attention was focused on him, the look quickly transitioned to his usual overly-confident one she'd grown to despise. What did the note say to cause a concerned look, though only temporarily?

The mysteries of Bryce intrigued her more and more every day. She began to think he wanted everyone to think he was something he wasn't. His words, and larger actions sent one message, but his eyes and the small things he did sent another. His fingers patting his pocket didn't send the same message his concerned gaze sent.

Sarah delivered another round of beers, giving no special treatment to Bryce this time, and vice versa, causing Markie to want to see that note even more.

It didn't take long for the conversation to turn to the murders of Sister Ann and Edwin Hulbert. Bryce's jaw tensed and a muscle above his right eyebrow pulsed. He gripped the handle of his beer mug and took a long swig. His knuckles turned white.

Markie felt sorry for him. Not only did it look bad that two people he knew were murdered, he genuinely grieved the loss of Old Hulbert.

The non-law enforcement people at the table, other than Bryce, offered their theories about who could have committed the murders and why. She, Captain Tomie, and Chief Bosley listened attentively. Maybe their theories would spark something.

"Bryce, I'd like to hear your thoughts?" Tomie cut in.

He studied the former Marine for a few beats before the man spoke again. "I'm serious. With your background and education, I'd like to hear what you think."

His background and education? What did being a Marine and holding a degree in Public Administration have to do with investigating murders? Markie couldn't help but wonder.

The sheepish look on Bryce's face was out of the norm.

"I don't really have anything. It's just unfortunate."

"That's crap. What do you think?" Captain pushed.

Bryce leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. "I've only lived here a couple of years so I don't know everyone like you guys do, so I have no idea if there could be a connection between the nun and Edwin. Are they related? Did they go to the same school or church?"

"We didn't find a lineage connection, and I don't know where, or if, Edwin was a church goer. The only connection we have so far is they were both prop..."

"Property maintenance issues for the city. Code violators. Subjects I was working with," Bryce finished for the captain.

Tomie nodded along with the chief and everyone else at the table.

"Yeah, that's about all we have right now," Captain replied as his gaze cut over to her. "But Markie's on it so I'm sure we'll get some answers soon."

Pride sifted through her at the conviction in the captain's tone when he spoke of her.

"I'll do my best," she replied.

"I know you will," he replied before swinging his gaze back to Bryce. "So, any thoughts?"

Markie wondered if Bryce realized his hand had drifted back to his shirt pocket where he'd stuffed the note from the waitress. Did something in that note provide a theory - suspect for Bryce? She considered point blank asking, but the tight set of his jaw, and clouded eyes indicated he would offer nothing at all, especially about the note.

"Sorry, sir, I've got nothing," Bryce said before he grabbed his mug and took another swig, draining it dry.

Sir. Of course that's what he'd call a former Marine officer.

"Well, if you think of anything let me know," Captain replied, letting Bryce off the hook.

The waitress came by and swiped Bryce's mug off the table. "Want another?"

"No. I'll take a Jack and Coke instead."

Hitting the hard stuff. Who could blame him after the week he'd had.

Bryce caught her stare. "I walked here."

"I didn't say a word," Markie replied.

"The disapproving look on your face said enough," he snapped back.

She felt Captain Tomie's gaze burning a hole in her, and she risked a glance in his direction. His hushing look silenced her.

Clayton and both the fire and police chiefs finished their beers and left. About five minutes later, Captain Tomie, Building Inspector Franke, and Assessor Lutz followed suit, leaving only her and Bryce at the table. They sat in uncomfortable silence. Markie milked her beer. She could certainly use another one, but she needed to drive so two was her limit.

"You don't need to sit here and babysit me. I'm fine," he blurted coldly. "Or, are you here to make sure I don't kill any more of my code violators?"

"I'm not babysitting you, nor are you a suspect. I'm just...I'm just having a beer with a co-worker, but if you don't become better company you will be sitting here by yourself."

"That's the way I prefer it."

"Why are you being such an asshole when I'm trying to be nice to you?"

"Nice? You think you're being nice? Sorry, but I think you need to work on your soft skills, and need to do a better job of getting control of your body language if you want to come off as a nice, concerned friend."

He was really starting to irritate her.

"When did you become a body language expert?"

"I didn't say I was, but yours is so transparent it's kind of hard to misinterpret."

Wasn't that interesting? Little did he know she was apparently a master at disguising her body language. Her heart ached for him, yet right now, he seemed to be under the impression she was judging - already sentencing him for the murders of Sister and Edwin. Or, was he reading her correctly, and this effort by him was the classic attempt to push her away - push away anyone who tried to help him?

Markie willed her tense muscles to relax as she tried to figure out a way to turn this conversation around. "My apologies. The job hardens a person. Makes us skeptical. I don't believe you had anything to do with the murders of Sister and Edwin, and I don't care how much you drink. I just wanted to come out and have a couple of drinks with some friends to help unwind after a pretty tough week."

His gaze landed on the table top. "Me, too."

After a few moments of silence, Lori Holloway flitted up to the table. "Hi, Markie. Hi Bryce. Mind if I join you?"

Actually, she did mind. Lori was nice enough, but she'd hoped to use this time to get to know Bryce better, find out more about him and why he behaved the way he did. Lori would just get in the way of that.

Bryce stood and pulled out the chair next to him for the woman to sit.

She sat and set her drink on the table. "Busy in here tonight," the woman commented as she smiled and looked adoringly at him.

Bryce returned her smile, but his gaze did not match Lori's. His was more of a friendly acknowledgment. Hmm, so this one didn't do anything for the man. Interesting, but good.

Markie eyed her empty glass. She should leave, but her feet felt as heavy as cinderblocks, and curiosity kept her weighted down in her chair. Maybe if Bryce had enough alcohol his tongue would loosen about his life.

"Do you want another drink?" the waitress asked as she reached down and snatched Markie's glass.

"No thanks."

The waitress nodded and hustled away.

Markie sat quietly, listening to Bryce and Lori chat about their dart league and some upcoming community events they'd planned to attend. The desperate woman threw out vibe after vibe to draw deeper attention from Bryce, but his good defense kept her at arm's length and in the dreaded friend zone. She had always wondered if he and Lori had been, or were an item, but from what she witnessed now she knew the answer.

Lori was an easy target for a player, yet Bryce wasn't taking the bait. Was he not the man she'd pegged him to be? A little thrill snapped through her. She hoped she was mistaken about him. A true player would take anyone, right?

When Bryce finished his whiskey, Lori asked if he wanted another. At his hesitation, Markie thought he'd order another, but then he shook his head. Disappointment washed over Lori's face, but she kept her friendly smile in place.

"All right, then."

Bryce stood.

Lori followed suit and fixed her admiring gaze on him. "I didn't see your vehicle in the parking lot, do you need a ride home?" The woman's tone was hopeful.

"No thanks."

Hmm, still fending her off. Or, is he clueless to her intentions. No, nobody could be that naive.

Lori stepped toward him, gave him a quick hug, then took a step back. "Okay then. See you later." She spun and left.

Markie stood and followed Bryce out the door and into the parking lot. Tiana's shrill voice screeched Bryce's name. He flinched and glanced at Markie. His gaze begging her to save him. She would bet her last paycheck he'd never say the words though.