Chapter 52 Part 52
Maggie
She had barely slept, but knowing that Finn was just down the hall did make her feel better. When they’d returned home, Dakota had searched the house for Asher, resting his head on Asher’s side of the bed.
“He’ll be back soon,” Maggie whispered, rubbing his ears. As if he understood her, Dakota went back to Melody’s room.
She felt conflicted about telling Asher’s family about his PTSD. How didn’t they know? She realized soon enough that perhaps Asher never spoke about his days in the Army. They didn’t know about the little boy who had shot him. They didn’t see the darkness swirling in his eyes, because he hid it well. From everyone.
It was barely 7 a.m. when Finn walked into the kitchen. Maggie took the freshly baked muffins from the oven and placed the pan on a rack to cool down.
“If I’d known this was the kind of breakfast I’d wake up to at the ranch, I would’ve become a rancher,” Finn said.
Maggie smiled. Bacon, sausages, and eggs stood on the counter. “Do you want some of Asher’s special coffee?”
“Heck yeah,” Finn said, yawning.
Maggie got the coffee machine started and turned at the sound of Dakota’s nails on the floor. He gave a soft bark, and a few seconds later, she heard the electronic doggy door opening and closing.
“Melody’s awake. I’ll just be a minute.”
“That dog is something else,” Finn said.
Maggie smiled as she walked into Melody’s room. She was trying to pull herself into a standing position with a lot of grunts and babbles. She turned her little head, and a smile broke out over her face.
“Mama,” Melody said.
Maggie changed her diaper, and kissed her cheeks as they headed back to the kitchen. She stopped short when she saw Sheriff Connely sitting at the table. Finn was standing with his back to her.
“I don’t think now is a good time to ask Maggie questions.”
“It’s routine, Finn, you know that,” Sheriff Connely said.
“What I know is that you accused my brother of murder, put me on forced leave, and now you want to interrogate her? I don’t think so, Sheriff.”
Maggie walked into the kitchen, and looked at the sheriff. “That’s okay, Finn.”
“Morning, Ma’am.”
“Sheriff, what can I help you with?”
Melody held her arms out to Finn, and he took her from Maggie. She started babbling. Maggie noticed that Dakota was positioned between them and the sheriff.
“Where was Asher on the night Malcolm Walters was killed?”
“We went to bed at around 10 p.m., and I woke up at 6 a.m., and Asher was in the kitchen making coffee,” Maggie said.
“Did Asher leave the house at any point during the night?”
Maggie shook her head. “No, Sheriff. His side of the bed was still warm when I woke up.”
“Were you aware of the blood in Asher’s shed?”
“No, Sheriff. I didn’t know about any blood. I rarely go into Asher’s shed, mainly because I work during the day, and weekends we spend together.”
“Would you say Asher could kill a man?”
“I’m not going to answer that,” Maggie said.
“Sheriff, you’re coming close to crossing the line,” Finn said. His tone suggested irritation or anger.
“I’m sorry, Finn. Do you think I want to be here questioning Asher’s movements? You really think I want him behind bars?”
“No, I don’t, Sheriff, but right now, my brother is behind bars, and you’re here at the crack of dawn, questioning Maggie about his sleeping habits,” Finn said.
Sheriff Connely sighed, and looked at Maggie. “Did you know Malcolm Walters?”
“No, Sheriff. Asher described the man, and I couldn’t recall ever meeting him before,” Maggie said.
“Do you have any idea why this man was looking for you?”
“No. Is there anything else, Sheriff? I really have to get breakfast started before Melody starts complaining.”
The sheriff’s gaze went to the baby in Finn’s arms. “Just one more thing. Is there anything you can recall about Asher’s behavior during that time? Was he acting odd, disappearing, or anything at all?”
“I’m sorry, Sheriff, but Asher didn’t kill that man. His heart is pure, and he’s a good man. You’re barking up the wrong tree here,” Maggie said, as she stood up from the table.
“I’ll show you out, Sheriff,” Finn said.
Maggie realized her hands were shaking as she turned her back on the sheriff. She could hear their footsteps recede, and she closed her eyes. She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly.
“Are you okay?” Maggie turned and saw a concerned-looking Finn watching her closely.
“I’m fine,” she said softly.
“You did good, Maggie. Your answers were solid; even I believed you, and I know Asher wasn’t in the house,” Finn said.
“Asher said he didn’t do it, and I believe him.”
“Okay.”
Maggie took another deep breath, and turned back to the counter. “Let me get breakfast on the table. I’m sure either Blair or Colt will rope you into morning chores.”
Finn chuckled. “They already tried, which is why I was up so early.”
Maggie finished making breakfast, and Finn kept Melody occupied. They made small talk about everything except Asher being in jail. Maggie chuckled at Finn’s antics while she cooked.
“Finn,” he said, and Melody giggled. “Come on, Melody, say Finn.”
“Fff.”
“Finn,” he said slowly, and Melody smiled at him.
“She’ll say it when she’s ready,” Maggie said.
“Listen, Maggie, the next time Sheriff Connely shows up, decline to answer any questions without Preston being present. The sheriff knows better, so I’m not sure what his angle on this is.”
“I think it’s more a fact-finding mission to prove Asher’s innocence rather than his guilt. The man was very uncomfortable, and he was here so early so he could avoid your father and brothers,” Maggie said.
“I take it then that I’m supposed to stay quiet about this little interview.”
Maggie almost smiled as she looked at Finn. “You’re a smart one, Finn. Asher doesn’t need any more stress right now, and I didn’t exactly lie. For all I know, Asher could’ve been watching TV on the couch.”