Page 120 of Fire and Bones

“Is that a question, detective?” Ronan’s tone now held all the warmth of a walk-in cooler.

“Our mother died when we were kids,” Roy offered, hoping to ease the escalating tension.

“Uh-huh. During what hours were you at your grandmother’s home?”

“We usually arrive at six,” Roy said. “GrammaSue always opens some excellent wine, and it’s a long drive out to Mount Airy, so we usually spend the night.”

“You did so on that occasion?”

“We did.”

“Your grandmother’s name, please?”

“Susan Jane Lipsey.” Roy flashed one of his tiny tooth smiles. “The old dear is eighty-eight years old but still goes by Susie. We call her GrammaSue.”

“Ms. Lipsey can corroborate that you were with her for the entire night on both the twenty-second and the twenty-eighth of May?”

“It’s Mrs.” Ronan sniffed and recrossed his legs. “GrammaSue hates being called Ms. Detests the whole concept of hiding one’s marital status.”

“I’ll need Mrs. Lipsey’s contact information. And that of the cousin who lent you the SUV. And the address of your garage.”

Deery dug a Bic and small spiral from a hip pocket and extended them to Roy.

While Roy scribbled, I compared the brothers. Spotted not the tiniest feature to distinguish one from the other.

“Please don’t take offense, detective.” Roy returned the pen and notebook with an apologetic grin. “My twin can be overly protective when it comes to our grandmother.”

His twin raised one offended brow.

I understood Ronan taking offense. But giving Deery the benefit of the doubt, I assumed his use of the term “granny” was meant to bait.

But had he noticed? Deery was a skilled interrogator. Was he an equally good listener?

I couldn’t wait to leave. To be alone so I could ask him.

Still, I kept my face totally neutral.

“None taken.” Deery rose, pocketed his phone and other belongings, and placed a card on the hippo.

“If you think of anything further, call that number.”

I knew there was no way that would happen.

Ronan walked us to the door.

Back in the Durango, Deery was his usual taciturn self.

Before he could start the engine, I said, “You caught it, right?”

“Caught what?” Deery’s eyes were on me now.

“Caught that the bastards are lying.”

CHAPTER 27

Explain.”

“Let me rephrase. I think the brothers know more than they’re saying.”