Page 30 of Elliot

Chandler’s forehead frowned, and his head snapped up. “What’s this? That’s disgusting.”

“Your presents to Maya Callahan are disgusting?”

“What? No! No, that wasn’t me.” The man pushed away from the table and shook his head from side to side. “I didn’t do that. I’m in therapy. I know I have issues. I’ve got issues, okay, but the animals I sent when I was a kid were already dead. I got them from a pet store. They were supposed to be for snakes. I didn’t kill anything.” The man shuddered and rubbed his arms.

“Can you tell me where you were yesterday and the day before?” Asher leaned back in his chair.

“I can. I was in Connecticut with friends. You can call them. I’ll give you their contact information.”

Asher pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. Chandler grabbed it and pulled out his phone. He started scribbling numbers. “There.”

“Can you tell me where you went when you left the venue tonight?” Asher asked as he put the numbers in the file.

“The bar on the corner of the block. I was talking to the bartender when we heard the shots. I didn’t know what the popping was, but someone ran in and said someone was shooting near the hall. I ran out. By the time I got there, it was insane.”

“Hold on, I have that footage,” Con said in Elliot’s ear. Elliot glanced over to Asher and held up his finger.

Asher stared at Chandler. “We’re checking.”

“How?” Chandler looked from one to the other.

“Fuck. He’s telling the truth.” Con sighed.

“He’s telling the truth about where he was,” Elliot said.

“What? Are you a mind reader or something?” Chandler scooted his chair away from Elliot.

“Something like that,” Elliot said and crossed his arms. “How often have you been to Maya Callahan’s office?”

Chandler looked down. “Probably too many times. But I only wanted to talk to her, and she wasn’t answering my calls. You have to understand; I know we’re perfect for each other. With her business acumen and my connections, we’d be the city’s power couple.” Chandler closed his eyes and smiled. “She’s perfect.” The movement of the man’s hips in a thrusting movement was too fucking much. Elliot used his foot and pushed Chandler’s chair. The man’s eyes popped open, and he grabbed at the table. “Why did you do that?”

“Because she isn’t for you.”

Chandler narrowed his eyes and retorted, “Is she for you?”

Elliot leaned forward and stared at the weasel in front of him. “That isn’t your business. Maya Callahan isn’t your business or your concern. If you ever try to see her or contact her again, you’ll deal with me, and let me assure you, Mr. Kates, Ihave killedand not helpless little animals.”

Any color on Kates’ face disappeared as Elliot stood up and leaned over the man. Elliot whispered, “Tell me you understand, or I’ll visit you sooner rather than later.”

Kates pushed back hard, tipping his chair over. He crab-walked backward on the floor, sitting in the corner. “I understand. Shit, man, I understand.”

“Language, Mr. Kates.” Asher stood up. “We’re going to track down your friends and confirm your alibi. You’ll be our guest for a couple of hours. Make yourself comfortable.”

“Wait, am I being charged with something? If I’m not, I can leave. I know my rights,” the man said from the corner of the room where he was sitting.

“Domestic terrorism is the charge. We can hold you as long as we want.” Asher tucked the folder under his arm.

“What? Terrorism? I wasn’t there! Ask the bartender. I didn’t shoot anyone!”

“All it takes to arrange something like this is money, Mr. Kates, and you do have that.” Asher winked at the guy and opened the door. Elliot walked out without a backward glance. Asher shut the door behind them and turned to Elliot. “Dude, you can interview suspects with me anytime. And thanks for kicking him out of his fucking wet dream in there. Sick mother was fantasizing about her.”

Elliot’s jaw cranked tighter. He knew it. The viewing room door opened, and Ross followed Maya out. He looked over Maya’s head and mouthed,Sick bastard. Elliot nodded and then focused on his charge. “Are you ready to go home?”

“I am so ready,” she admitted, her shoulders slumping a bit.

“I’ve got a driver and an armored limo waiting for you. I know you have a service, but the big boss has authorized this and said there would be no arguments,” Ross said.

“There’s no arguing with that man.” Elliot put his hand on Maya’s back. “Let’s go.”

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