Page 126 of Delusion in Death

“Hold until I get there. Coming now.”

“Yes, sir.” She clicked off, shot a finger up in the air again, then contacted Reo.

“Cher Reo.”

“We’ve got Callaway, Interview A, and enough evidence to bury him on its way in.”

She watched the petite blonde scramble for her suit jacket. “The boss is in court. I’ll tag him now, head to you. Give me some details.”

“We tied him to Menzini. He has the formula, the chemicals, the works in his apartment. You want more, get here fast.”

She clicked off. “Has he said anything I can use?” she demanded.

“He’s claiming he’s not related to Menzini, keeps asking to be allowed to contact his parents. How they’ll worry about him. Mira’s playing it soft, so he’s trying to wheedle.” Peabody took a breath. “Holy shit, Dallas. He really had everything in his apartment?”

“With some precautions. He never believed we’d make the connection. He wasn’t worried.”

“I’ve contacted my superior.” Teasdale replaced her ’link. “HSO will be filing federal charges. In addition to the murder charges, Lieutenant,” she added quickly. “Not in lieu of.”

“Fine. I don’t care which cage he lives out his miserable life in. Here’s how it’s going to work.”

She broke off as Whitney stepped in. “Commander.”

He nodded, turned to study Callaway through the glass. “He looks ordinary, doesn’t he? An ordinary man in a well-cut suit.”

“That’s his problem. He couldn’t tolerate being ordinary. That’s why he’s in there, and that’s why he’ll confess.”

“If the formula and the items required to create the substance were in his possession,” Teasdale said, “in addition to the statements of his parents, on record, the biological connection to Menzini, a confession may be superfluous.”

“Not for me. He’s going to say what he did. He’s going to look me in the eye and tell me what he did. Peabody, I want you to go in. Hard-eye him, but don’t talk to him, don’t respond if he talks to you. Whisper to Mira we’ve got the evidence, and I’m coming in. She should keep going until I do. Go in now, stand against the wall, and look tough. It’ll add some sweat.”

“Looking tough.” Peabody tightened her jaw, hardened her eyes as she went out.

“I’d like a shot at him myself,” Whitney stated.

“Commander, I’d like to keep the room unbalanced. All women, and him.”

“Understood.”

“I want to circle him awhile,” she said to Teasdale. “He’ll expect the direct hit, and he’s prepared for that. I’m going to dribble out what we have on him, keep hacking at his ego. Follow me?”

“I do.”

“Commander, if you could direct APA Reo to come in as soon as she arrives? Another woman’s going to piss him off. Ready?” she asked Teasdale.

“Very ready.”

Eve walked in first. “Dallas, Lieutenant Eve, and Teasdale, Agent Miyu, entering Interview. Excuse me, Dr. Mira, we’re going to have to cut you off. You’re welcome to stay, of course.”

“This is bullshit.” Callaway jabbed a finger into the table. “As I’ve been telling Dr. Mira, you’ve obviously got me confused with someone else. I’ve never heard of this Menzini person. My maternal grandfather was a decorated military officer, Captain Edward Gregory Hubbard. I can verify that. I demand to contact my parents. It’s my right to have communication.”

“Not once you’re charged with terrorism.” Eve shrugged as she sat. “We can hold you for forty-eight hours without communication or representation. It sucks, but that’s how it plays.”

“If there’s been a mistake”—Mira lifted her hands—“it would save time, and any additional stress to Mr. Callaway, if you arranged for his parents to come here. If you spoke with them to verify his parentage.”

“I won’t have my family subjected to interrogation by incompetent police and witch-hunting government agents.” Callaway folded his arms. “I’ll wait. I have nothing to say for the next forty-eight hours.”

“Okay. You can just listen. We can and will run DNA tests to prove Menzini’s your grandfather.”

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