Daniels B.J. - Odd Man Out стр 3.

Thats not enough evidence to convict a man of murder.

I know, especially since Pete has an alibi for the day of the murder. Supposedly he was in Missoula with his band. But I called to check. The Montana Country Club band was there, but when I described Pete to one of the cocktail waitresses, she didnt remember him. If Petes good looks didnt make an impression on her, that blue-eyed charm of his would have.

Thats pretty weak, Maggie.

Pete wasnt in Missoula. Id stake my life on it.

I hope you wont have to do that. J.D. tugged at his collar; he wasnt used to this kind of weather anymore.

I have to go, Maggie said.

J.D. walked with her to her Land Rover parked along the edge of the road in the pines. It still doesnt make any sense, he said. Why would Pete want to kill Max?

Max wasnt part of anything dishonest if thats what youre thinking. She hugged herself against the cold wetness. Ill admit something was bothering him.

What?

She shrugged and opened her car door. If Pete finds out that I called you or that I suspect him

Dammit, Maggie, tell me why youre so frightened. It has to be more than a hunch and an old ripped photograph.

She nodded, fighting more than grief. That last week, Max was...afraid.

J.D. had never known the man to be afraid of anything, or anybodyno matter how big or tough they were.

She slid into the front seat and shoved her hands into the pockets of Maxs hunting jacket. He seemed to be looking over his shoulder as if She broke off and shivered. As if something had come back to haunt him. He was obsessed with death and kept talking about his brothers murder.

J.D. fought the chill that stole up his spine. Dennys father?

She nodded. He felt responsible for encouraging Timothy to become a cop. He blamed himself for Timothys death.

Maggie, what does that have to do with Pete? J.D. asked.

She shook her head as if to chase away the memories. I havent told anyone this because I was afraid of what Pete would do, she said, her voice barely a whisper. The last time I saw Max, he was furious at Pete. She bit her lip. Ive never seen Max like that. He said he had to stop Pete...before someone got killed.

* * *

IM SORRY ABOUT that reporter, Pete said as they headed south toward the town of West Yellowstone. Are you all right?

Denver nodded, wondering if shed ever be all right again. Leaning back in the seat, her hat in her lap, she watched the pines and snowfall blur by outside the window. Max dead. Murdered. It wasnt possible. But worse yet were the rumors. She ran a finger through the water droplets beaded up on the brim of her hat, fighting the pain.

You know, that woman was right... Her voice broke. People are saying that Max was dirty. That hed gotten himself involved in something illegal.

Denver, why do you listen to it? Pete demanded angrily. You knew Max better than anyone. If your uncle had a fault, it was being too honest. Naively so.

It wasnt that she believed the rumors. She just couldnt stand seeing Maxs named dragged through the dirt. But more than that, she knew the rumors were somehow tied in with the way Max had been acting the past few weeks. Secretive. Something had been bothering him. And Denver felt that if she knew what it was, shed know who killed him.

Hes gone, Denver, Pete said, taking her hand as if he could read her thoughts. As much as we both hate it, hes gone. Leave it alone.

Concentrating on the click-clack of the wipers, she closed her eyes. Now wasnt the time to let grief blind her, not when there was something much more important that had to be doneno matter what Pete said.

I think

it would be a good idea if you stayed at my place and didnt go back out to the cabin tonight, he said.

Denver opened her eyes, tempted to take him up on it. Since Maxs death, shed been having the nightmare again. Thanks, but the cabins home and I need that right now.

Petes look reflected a mixture of annoyance and worry. I dont like the idea of your being out there alone. Its too deserted this time of year.

You know how I feel about the lake. I love this time of year because its quiet out there. She touched his arm. Ill be fine.

I wish youd change your mind. He sounded angry.

And she wondered if he was talking about her staying at his place or about the argument theyd had earlier.

I swear, sometimes youre as stubborn as

As Max? she asked. Max McCallahan had given stubborn a new definition.

Petes smile faded. Yeah. Max. She could see him fighting painful emotions as he turned on the radio. Intermittent snow flurries, the newsman said. A slow, sad Western song came on. Pete took her hand. I just worry about you.

I know. She smiled, feeling the familiar tenderness shed felt for him since they were kids. Pete, Denver and J.D. Max had called them the Terrible Trio because of all the trouble theyd gotten into. Pete and J.D. had been the older brothers shed never had; now Pete was her best friend. She chastised herself for arguing with him earlier; he was just trying to protect her the way he always had.