Page 9 of Innocent Intent

“Were you concerned when he didn’t show?”

A flash of the night in question, following Niles into the parking garage, traveled through Cassidy’s mind.

“Yes, of course.”

“But you didn’t report him missing?”

Cassidy angled her head slightly to the right, keeping her expression controlled. “You’re here, so that means you’ve done your research, Detective. You know who I am, my past, and my relationship with the APD.”

“I do.”

“Then you also know that I’m aware that it’s pointless to report someone missing before the forty-eight-hour window of their absence.”

He nodded slowly. “I am. Considering your relationship with APD, however, it seems you should have been granted some concessions.”

“Possibly, but I don’t often live my life calling in favors.”

“Not even when it concerns the well-being of someone you love?”

She straightened her posture. “No, Detective.”

He’s trying to see if I cared that Niles was murdered.

“Understood. I appreciate your time, Ms. Evans—”

“Cassidy,” she corrected.

“Cassidy.” This time, he offered a genuine smile, so she decided to pry for details.

“Do you have any leads yet, Detective?”

“No, not at the moment, but I’m hoping that will change soon. I’ll review the footage from the cameras on-site at The Atrium today. There might be something there.”

“Great. Is that all?”

“Yes, that’s all. I appreciate your time, Ms. Evans.”

His inflection on her name was intentional. He wanted hard boundaries.

He also wants me to be unsure of where he stands. Ha, I know the game, Detective.

Cassidy understood the ins and outs of the first point of contact with cases like these. She was still a suspect and being treated as such.

“You’re very welcome, Detective—anything I can do to assist. You understand how much I would like closure. My husband was murdered.”

No, he wasn’t. Jerrod Williams was murdered.

“Then, at least, we’re on the same page. I’ll be in touch.”

He didn’t once reference the false identity or discuss the obvious. If Cassidy’s husband was home every night, then how did the apartment he kept across town come into play? The detective also didn’t mention any red flags that signaled trouble in their marriage. Cassidy understood his line of questions was intentional. Detective Davis wanted to provide the semblance of trust that he was an ally.

I don’t trust you any more than you trust me, Detective.

Davis tipped his head before turning to leave. Cassidy remained in place, watching until the detective’s body disappeared inside the unmarked SUV, and he backed out of the driveway. Things were about to get complicated; all she could do was brace for the fallout.

4.

Left, right, left.

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