Page 129 of Passions in Death
“Get her out, Peabody. Interview end.”
Chapter Nineteen
While she waited for Peabody, Eve wrote up her report, made more notes on the interview.
She heard someone coming toward her office—not Peabody. But she recognized the tread and got to her feet.
Commander Whitney filled the doorway, then her office. Broad-shouldered in his suit, the same color as the gray threaded through his close-cropped hair, he flicked a glance at her board.
Eve said, “Sir.”
He gave an absent wave of his hand toward her desk chair, but she didn’t sit.
“You arrested, interviewed, and are now booking a ChiChi Lopez.”
“Yes, sir.”
He nodded, and now his dark eyes flicked toward her AutoChef.
Eve didn’t ask, simply programmed coffee, black, and offered it.
He nodded again. “On assault.”
“Yes, sir. Also drunk and disorderly and disturbing the peace. Ms. Lopez disrupted a memorial service, then verbally and physically assaulted the fiancée of the deceased.”
“I take it since you wouldn’t waste your time interviewing this individual over an assault while conducting a murder investigation, said individual is on your case board.”
“She is.”
“She is,” he agreed. “I’ve received and reviewed copies of your reports. Also received a call from the mayor, who is a frequent patron of the family restaurant.”
Politics, Eve thought, and struggled not to hiss. “The grandmother contacted the mayor?”
“The mother. Apparently there’s a family disagreement on the issue. Due to the nature of the younger Ms. Lopez’s career, the mayor would like to keep a low profile on any involvement.”
“I bet. Sir.”
Whitney’s mouth twitched, just a little. “In any case, the mayor’s office would like to see some leeway on the matter, due to the emotional state of all parties involved.”
“I believe that will be up to the court, Commander.”
“Agreed. I’m on my way out to a meeting or I wouldn’t have interrupted you with this. While the mayor is also in agreement, the Lopezes’ enchiladas are exceptional. And one of the younger Ms. Lopez’s cousins works in the mayor’s office.”
Eve said nothing while he polished off his coffee, handed her back the mug. “So, I’ve done my duty, and have no doubt you’ll do yours.”
He started for the door, then stopped, turned back. “Is she your killer?”
“She has the nature and temperament for it, Commander. She’s the center of her own world, and expects to be treated as such. A slap back by the court wouldn’t hurt. But no, sir, I don’t think she killed Erin Albright.”
“I’m sure that will be a relief to the Lopez family, and the mayor. Have you got the scent?”
“I do.”
“Then good hunting, Lieutenant.”
When he left, Eve turned back to her board.
Yeah, she had the scent. What she didn’t have was evidence. She believed, strongly, in following her gut. But without evidence, she couldn’t make a case.
