Read Online Don't Die Under the Apple Tree by Amy Patricia Meade - Free Book Online Page A

also the court of public opinion.”
    Rosie frowned as she slid her eyes toward the metal doors that led to the yard. “I suspect that jury has already handed in their verdict.”
    â€œYeah, I can only imagine the welcome you must have gotten. Which makes me wonder. Why did you fight so hard to get your job back? If everything you told me last night is true, I’d have figured that this was the last place you’d want to be.”
    Rosie’s gaze met Riordan’s. If the lieutenant suspected the true motive behind Rosie’s return to Pushey, there was no trace of it in his dark blue eyes.
    â€œWhere else am I supposed to work? Do you know of any other places that are willing to hire a murder suspect? I only ask because I’ve never been one before and thought, perhaps, you might be able to offer some pointers.” Although she had added the last comment as a serious gibe, she could feel, for a few moments, the hint of a smile spread across her lips.
    â€œI guess I had that coming to me.” Riordan hung his head. “And what about Mr. Keefe? What does your husband think of you coming back to work?”
    â€œMy husband enlisted right before Christmas. He has no idea I was ever working here in the first place.”
    â€œEnlisted, huh? Brave fellow.”
    â€œMmm,” Rosie grunted in reply. How she wished that he would change the subject.
    â€œSo he doesn’t know about Finch and the, uh, murder either?”
    She shook her head solemnly.
    â€œWell, at least you have your sister to lean on.”
    â€œShe ... she has her own problems to contend with.” Rosie looked away lest she burst into tears. “Can I ask a bold question, Lieutenant?”
    â€œSure.”
    â€œDo you believe I’m innocent?”
    â€œOf course. It’s my job to believe you’re innocent until I can prove otherwise.”
    She looked him squarely in the face. “That’s not what I meant. I want to know if you’ve found anything that might have swayed your opinion in one direction or the other.”
    â€œI can’t tell you that, Mrs. Keefe. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t.”
    Rosie nodded somberly. “I understand.”
    â€œHowever”—Riordan paused dramatically—“that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t feel free to tell me what you find during your little investigation.”
    She nearly jumped out her skin. “My what?”
    â€œInvestigation. Unofficial investigation, of course, since you can’t dust for fingerprints or gather evidence. But you’ll probably be talking to people here at the yard about Finch. You might overhear some things, too, but I’m sure you realized that before you asked to be rehired.”
    â€œNo,” Rosie answered flatly. “No, it, um, it never occurred to me.”
    â€œReally? I had you figured as being pretty sharp. Ah, well, good thing I prepared you, then,” Riordan replied with a broad grin. “That way you can keep your eyes and ears open.”
    â€œYes. Yes, I’ll be certain to do that,” Rosie agreed absently. Had Riordan been aware of her plans all along?
    â€œIf you hear anything interesting—anything at all—give me a call at the precinct. You still have the card I gave you?”
    Rosie nodded and pulled the rectangular piece of cardstock from the pocket of her sweater.
    â€œGood. Be sure to keep it handy.”
    â€œI will... . Um, well, I’d best be going. My sister will be wondering where I am.” She excused herself and inched tentatively toward the front door. “Good day, Lieutenant.”
    â€œGood day,” he replied with a tip of his hat. “Oh, Mrs. Keefe? Aren’t you forgetting something?”
    She spun around, her face a question.
    Riordan pointed a finger at the set of wooden doors behind him. “The ladies’ room is over there.”
    Rosie’s face registered surprise, but