You Belong to Me – 29

 

 

“How did she get in to your apartment when you weren’t there?” Kerry asked.

 

“That’s where it gets… complicated,” Corey replied

 

“Well, un-complicate it for me.”

 

There was a long pause before Corey said, “Kerry, can you come out here and help them? Please?”

 

“I don’t have any jurisdiction there, even if I can get the time off.”

 

“But you know what… what to look for. What to do.”

 

“I’m sure the detective in charge does too.”

 

“Yeah, but he’s not… you. Not family. I know he wants to arrest me as soon as he can find enough to pin the killing on me. I didn’t do it, Kerry. I didn’t kill him. I swear!”

 

“Hang on a second. Him? I thought it was a woman. Someone you had a date with from the sound of it.”

 

He heard Corey hiss in a breath before he replied. “Well, that’s where it gets… like I said, complicated.”

 

“Corey, is there something you want to tell me? I mean other than about the murder?”

 

“I don’t want to. No. And for damned sure I don’t want you saying anything to the rest of the family. Even about the murder.”

 

“I won’t. You know that.” Kerry chuckled dryly. “Unless you get arrested, that is. I don’t think I can keep that quiet.”

 

“And if I do, it all comes out.”

 

“All right. Let me guess. You and the victim, this man, had something going on between you. That being the case… well, I’m getting that you’re gay, right?”

 

“Yes,” Corey whispered.

 

“Whoa. Okay, I will admit I’m more than surprised.”

 

“And shocked? And ready to write me off and tell me to go to hell? That I got what I deserved getting caught up in this?”

 

“Not at all! I’d never write you off. You’re my brother and I love you, no matter what. Yeah, maybe there’s a bit of shock too, but you’re still you. Being gay doesn’t change that in my book.”

 

“Thank you,” Corey said so softly Kerry barely heard him.

 

Kerry considered talking more about Corey’s revelation, then decided right now was not the time. “All right, tell me exactly what’s going on. I believe you when you say you’re not the killer. Do you have any idea who it might be?”