Page 125 of Passions in Death
“That would be up to you. She’s entitled to one. If you decide to bring one in, he can come to Cop Central. Peabody, go read Ms. Lopez her rights and ask if she wants medical assistance.”
“Yes, sir.”
The grandmother turned to Shauna. “I would apologize to you, Shauna, and to all who came to honor Erin on this solemn occasion.”
“No, señora.”
“Yes,” she insisted. “Our very deep apologies. If you’ll excuse us.”
With considerable dignity, she took her husband’s arm and walked out.
“I don’t want to press charges,” Shauna began.
“Yes, you do. Actions require consequences. If it all comes down to a slap, she’ll get off with a slap.”
“You think—”
“I’m going to find out. Leave this to us, and finish what you’re here to do.”
Eve glanced around the room, at the shocked faces, the fascinated ones, then left them all to it.
She walked to where Lopez sat on a sofa with her grandparents, and with Stillwater standing like a baffled and reluctant guard beside Peabody.
“Go back in, Marcus,” Eve told him. “Drama’s over.”
“Sure. Okay. Wow.”
“Ms. ChiChi Lopez states she doesn’t require any medical assistance at this time.”
“Fine. Did you inform her of her rights?”
“Just more bullshit,” Lopez snapped. “But she rattled them off.”
“ChiChi.” For the first time, the grandfather spoke, and in tones of absolute authority. “Mind your tongue.”
She set her bruised jaw, pressed her lips—the full bottom one split on the corner—together. And said nothing more.
“We’ll forgo the cuffs,” Eve told her, “unless you want more trouble.”
“Go with them.” Her grandmother patted Lopez’s hand, then rose. “Behave sensibly. The lawyer will come if needed.”
“I don’t need a damn—” She broke off at her grandfather’s cold stare. “Yes, Abuela, thank you.”
Getting to her feet, Lopez walked between Eve and Peabody.
“It is bullshit.” She snarled it once she was out of earshot. “And you know it. So I slapped the bitch. Big deal.”
“Yeah, big deal known as assault. Add verbal assault for good measure, and let’s kick in disturbing the peace just for the hell of it.”
“You’re enjoying this.”
“Can’t say otherwise. I’m also doing my job.”
Outside, she put a hand on Lopez’s head as she put her in the back of the car.
“We could throw in public drunkenness, couldn’t we, Peabody?”
“Well, Lieutenant, she’s definitely had more than a couple this morning.”
