Page 29 of Cursed By Fate

“You can’t predict what people will do in a moment of panic or anger.”

His eyes narrowed. “Did Ezra hurt someone?”

“No, but he could have. His mind isn’t what it once was. I need to know the source of these weapons, Mr. LaRue.”

Clement rebalanced his glasses on the bridge of his nose. “If I tell you where I got the weapons, will you still kick me out?”

“Unclear at this point, but you have nothing to gain by refusing to cooperate.”

His jaw clenched. “You’re a real bitch, you know that?”

My eyebrows shot up. No doubt he’d spent most of his life telling women to smile more. “You’re not helping your case by insulting me.” I remained composed. “Where did you get the weapons?”

“A guy in Savannah brings them by kayak.”

“How?”

“He attaches a dinghy to his kayak and paddles to the beach. I pack them into the sidecar of my golf cart and drive them home. My condo is on the first floor so it’s easy to transport them at night without anyone seeing me.”

“Wait. You have a sidecar?”

“I had it customized.”

“Did you get a permit for that?”

Clement gave me a look. “What do you think?”

No. Got it. “Did you know this guy before you moved to Evermore?”

“Yeah.”

“Were you a weapons dealer then?” It was unlikely. We screened residents thoroughly before they were granted a coveted spot on the island.

“No, but I knew someone who was, and this guy was his contact.”

“I need his name.”

“Jake Lillard. He lives downtown.”

I’d have to pass his information along to Vale.

“What made you decide to start a criminal operation at this point in your life?”

“I don’t consider it a criminal operation. I consider it a much-needed service.”

“Much needed by you. Is that where you got the Rolex? You traded it for a handgun?”

He grinned. “A sword.”

I wanted to throat-punch that smile right off his face. Now I’d have to track down every weapon and confiscate it. At least I had Penny to help me. This would take time and I was already inundated with other tasks.

“You’d be amazed what Neighbors have been willing to exchange for a weapon,” he continued, his grin broadening. “You know, there was a real uptick after Judd died. I got the impression people didn’t feel safe with you in charge.”

I refused to let him get under my skin. “I haven’t heard any complaints, unlike the one the HOA is about to hear about you.”

His face grew pinched. “You’ve made yourself an enemy, Maya August. I hope you know that.”

“Join the club. I hear they have their own jackets.”