Sucker Punch (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter 27)

“Yes, they had it with them when they drove up,” Rico said.

“Where did they park, now that you bring it up? It’s only your cruiser out front,” Duke said.

“Your deputy was kind enough to let us use the garage,” Muriel said.

Duke’s eyes narrowed at the deputy. “So, you have no idea what they may have taken from the house and put into their car?”

“I was made to understand that it was their house and their stuff,” Rico said. His face showed that he didn’t like giving the answer, because he knew he was wrong now. He took off his hat and started running his hands around the brim like a comfort gesture. He looked better without the hat, showing that he had more curls left than the short sides had promised.

“Well, you were made to understand wrong,” Duke said.

“I know the will hasn’t been read yet, but our father always meant the house and contents to stay in the family,” Muriel said.

“Not waiting for the will to be read is one thing, but your brother’s body isn’t even cold yet. That’s jumping the gun more than I can overlook, Muriel.”

“I’m about to become the wealthiest person in this county, Duke, and sheriff is an elected position.”

“Are you threatening me, Murry?”

“Don’t call me that awful nickname.”

“How about El? You didn’t mind that nickname once.”

Her face became even more superior, but there might have been a slight blush underneath the perfect foundation. It was hard to tell, but she didn’t like him calling her either nickname. That was for sure.

“It’s not a threat, Sheriff Leduc. It’s just a reminder of the politics around here.”

“Well, now, Mrs. Babington, your brother, Ray, was the richest person in the county. That’s for certain. But you and Todd are usually broke.”

She put one delicate hand to her necklace. “It’s Mrs. Marchand-Babington, and do I look like someone who’s broke?”

“You’re wearing and driving your money, Muriel. I know that. You know that. Now everyone in the hallway knows it. If you don’t want the whole town to know it, I suggest Todd hand me the case so I can see what’s in it, and then we’ll mosey down to your car and see if anything else got packed away.”

“You will regret this, Duke.”

“I regret a lot of things, Muriel, but this isn’t going to be one of them. Now, hand over the case, or I’ll have to take it from Todd. You know I can.”

“You could have twenty years ago,” she said, and tried for the same disdain that she’d aimed at her husband.

Leduc laughed at her, and if it had a bitter tone to it, it still surprised her. She’d meant to hurt him. “Even with a few extra pounds, he’s no match for me, Muriel. You know that. Don’t make me prove it.”

“Because you know you’ll lose,” she said, and tried to sound triumphant but failed.

It wasn’t all about weight and waist sizes. Just because Todd was smaller didn’t change the fact that he was soft and doughy. There was no muscle tone underneath his weight, and there was underneath Leduc’s. But more than that, one man was huddled in on himself, and the other man was standing up straight and tall, confident in the moment. You didn’t have to know either of them to know which side would win a physical encounter or even an argument.

“Todd, just hand me the case.” Duke’s voice was almost gentle as he spoke.

Todd started to offer the case to Duke, but Muriel snapped at him, “Don’t you dare! He has no rights here.”

Todd held the case tighter again and sighed.

“Are the contents of the case breakable?” Duke asked.

“That’s none of your business.”

“Well, now, if Todd and I start playing tug-of-war with it and it falls, I just wanted to be sure there wasn’t anything fragile before we start this.”

Todd looked up at his wife. “Muriel, honey, we don’t want to risk damaging it.”