Peter lifted his coffee mug and squeezed the handle until his knuckles blanched. How could Sheriff Wes Colton possibly conduct an unbiased investigation when his own family was most likely at fault? What secrets and evidence was Wes suppressing to protect his brood of vipers? Craig may have ruled out Finn, since Finn was his doctor, but Peter wasnt willing to make that leap of faith yet.
Peter gritted his teeth and shoved away from the computer. Enough waiting for answers. Hed go down to the sheriffs office and demand answers from Wes Colton.
Even if Mark Walsh had been a half-hearted father and a two-timing husband, he deserved justice. And Craig Warner, the man whod managed the reins at Walsh Enterprises for almost two decades and whod been a father figure to Peter, deserved answers about whod poisoned him.
Peter refused to rest until he had the truth.
As Peter strode up the front walk to the county courthouse, he huddled deeper into the warmth of his suede coat. A chill November wind announced the approach of another bitterly cold Montana winter, a bleak time of year that reflected Peters current mood. He glanced up to the steepled clock tower in the red brick and natural stone edifice where the sheriffs office had told him he could find Wes Colton that morning, waiting to testify
in a court hearing. The woman at the sheriffs office had said she thought Wes was due at the courthouse by 9:00 a.m.
But if he wasnt, Peter would wait.
He nodded a good-morning to an elderly man who shuffled out the front door of the courthouse, then shucked his gloves as he entered the lobby and got his bearings. The scents of freshly brewed coffee, floor cleaner and age filled the halls of the old building. Peter could remember thinking how old the courthouse seemed when hed come down here with his mother to get his drivers license when he was sixteen. Little about the building had changed in the intervening years, even if Peter felt hed lived a lifetime since then.
Jamming his gloves in his coat pocket, Peter spotted Wes Colton down a long corridor and headed purposefully towards him. Sheriff?
Wes turned, lifting his eyes from the foam cup of coffee he sipped. The sheriff stilled, his expression growing wary, before he lowered his cup and squared his shoulders, taking a defensive stance.
Peter. Wes gave a terse nod of greeting. Something I can do for you?
Yeah. You can tell me why no ones been arrested yet for my fathers murder. Peter stood with his arms akimbo, his chin jutted forward.
A muscle in Wess jaw tightened as the sheriff ground his back teeth. Because we dont have enough evidence to make an arrest stick yet.
Youve had more than four months. What the hells taking so long?
Were doing all we can. The sheriff lifted one eyebrow, his blue eyes as cold as his tone. Im sure you wouldnt want us hauling anyone in prematurely, just to lose an indictment due to lack of good evidence. Wes paused and canted his head to the side, his eyes narrowing. Unlike the last time your father was murdered, I intend to build a case based on solid evidence. Forensics. Facts. Not the circumstantial tripe and suspicion they used to railroad my brother when your father pulled his disappearing act years ago.
Peter stiffened. He should have known this discussion would deteriorate to a rehashing of the Walsh and Colton families ancient feud. Even before Mark Walsh had forbidden his eldest daughter, Lucy, to date Damien Colton, the families had been rivals. Two powerful families in the same small town couldnt help but butt heads every now and then, in business, or in politics, or, in the case of Lucy and Damien, in the personal lives of their children.
Your brother may have been innocent of murder, but even your family cant deny he looked guilty as sin.
Wes curled his lip in a sneer. Thanks to your family greasing the skids of the judicial system to see that the prosecutors flimsy circumstantial case slid by the judges and jury.
Peter stepped closer, aiming a finger at Wess chest. We did no such thing!
The sheriff sent a pointed gaze to Peters finger before meeting his eyes again. Want to back off before I charge you with assaulting an officer?
Drawing a deep breath, Peter dropped his hand to his side, balling his fingers into a fist. Just tell me where the current case stands. Who are you investigating? What clues do you have?
Wes shrugged casually. Everyones a suspect until the investigation is closed.
Dont give me that crap. I want answers, Colton! Damn, but the Coltons could push Peters buttons.
He paused only long enough to force his tone and volume down a notch. A public brawl with the sheriff would serve no purpose other than to land him in jail for disorderly conduct. What are you doing to catch my fathers murderer?
Im not at liberty to discuss an ongoing investigation.
When Peter shifted his weight, ready to launch into another attack, another round of questions, Wes lifted a hand to forestall any arguments. And Im not just saying that to get you off my back or because theres no love lost between our families. I truly cant answer any question for you right now.