Page 70 of Only Girl Alive

“They wouldn’t give me info,” he said.

“Family Services probably read them statute and threatened penalty if the media got wind of what happened from medical staff,” Clyde told him.

“I don’t think we need a final walk-through at the home,” Eve said. “It’s been compromised and we know Hannah committed the murders. Her confession will stand up in court. Everything she said was voluntary. Anyone disagree?”

“I’m okay with never going back to that house,” said Ray.

Bina raised her hand. “I second that.”

Collin and Clyde both nodded. Eve was relieved. She didn’t want to return to the Tanners’ home either. She never wanted to enter the attic again.

“I need to go to Aaron’s office and talk to him in person. He’ll have some explanation cooked up or will know nothing about law enforcement leaving. I want his defense on record.”

“You’re not going alone,” Clyde told her.

“I was hoping Bina would come and wait outside while I speak to him.”

“I’m coming in with you,” Clyde insisted.

“I’ll pull rank if I must. I’ll record the conversation but he won’t talk with anyone else there.”

Clyde crossed his arms.

“I agree with Eve,” Collin said. “He can’t do anything at his office and she knows him better than we do. Let’s all go. We’ll take the van and wait outside. I’m hoping her other stepbrothers decide to pay a visit.”

“I like that idea,” Ray said. “I’m in.”

Eve knew how lucky she was.

Denise looked up when Eve entered the building. The door to the offices clicked open and she pointed in Aaron’s direction without saying a word.

It was strange and most definitely different from their last meeting.

Aaron sat at his desk. When he saw her, his face reddened and he stood.

“You fucked this up,” he said, placing the blame on her and using a word she never thought would leave his mouth. “I may never unravel the damage you’ve done,” he continued. “Did you even read Miranda?”

“Read who Miranda?” Eve asked softly, and placed her recorder on his desk. She would do this part professionally and completely by the book.

He dropped into his chair, realizing what he’d said, and stared at the recorder. She could see his mind clicking for a way to backtrack.

“I’ve been informed you have a ten-year-old child in custody. Is that true?” He came up with it quickly, his eyes leaving the recorder and finding hers.

“No, who told you that?”

“You’re playing games. You arrested Hannah Tanner yesterday.” He hesitated. “It’s all over town.”

Clyde had removed the flex cuffs before the ambulance arrived. Her team had temporary custody of her while the cuffs were on but no arrest was made. Aaron was digging his hole.

“Why would I take a child into custody?” she asked, her expression full of pretend innocence.

“Don’t play games with me,” he said, his face growing redder.

“I’m only here to ask why my crime scene was compromised. The officers watching the premises were gone and the door was left unsecured. That’s all I came to ask about.” She didn’t mention the ridiculous press conference that she’d listened to on the television this morning. He’d basically said the investigators had leads and were following up on them. His only accomplishment was drawing the media from the two homes.

“You’re telling me you didn’t place Hannah under arrest?” he sneered, much like he’d done as a juvenile.

“Again, why? I’m very curious.”

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