Page 18 of Dissension

Detective Collins pushes forward a document with an image of a warehouse, along with a deed in Paxton’s name. “The charitable type would never fund this sort of endeavor. And fund it you did. Because you likeprofit.”

Kara looks down at the documentation stating Paxton received a loan backing his purchase. Unease stirs, unwelcome. She can’t look at Dieter, can’t say anything in front of the police.You didn’t give him the money for this, you ass, she finds herself thinking in a panic.You better not have.

Despite the anxiety tugging at Kara, Dieter remains unfazed. “You assume much, thinking I always knowexactlywhat Paxton does with the money I give him.”

“You don’t vet the sort of ventures he gets into before attaching yourself to it?”

“I’m not the sort of man to have the time. Other people do that for me.” Dieter smiles pleasantly even though his eyes remain cool. “So manypeople come to me for financing, you understand? How can I recall what was what? If Pax buys a warehouse for storing product, I don’t question it. I’m not going to go therepersonallyand make sure that’s what he’s using it for.”

“Storing product?” Ray says coldly. “Try storing people for torture!”

“I leave the detective work to people like you,” Dieter replies with a hint of attitude. “Are you expecting me to go walk into every single operation I’ve ever financed and check to confirmwhat is there? Aside from the paperwork and contracts signed by legal? When would I have the time? I would have to fly all over the world to achieve such a feat.”

Ray’s jaw clenches.

Sitting up straighter, Kara pushes her own piece into the matter to support Dieter’s callous words. Callous, because she doesn’t like them, but she knows the reality of such things. “Detective Wellis, surely you can understand. When people like my client are asked to invest, they are given paperwork, assurances, sales pitches, contracts…there isn’t always somethingto see. You invest based on the word of who you invest in. My client has done a lot of business with Paxton Brooker; he had no reason to be suspicious of one small investment.”

Detective Collins gives her a dry look filled with aversion. She’s always given Kara that look, even all that time ago when she first visited her in the hospital that dreaded night Kara unknowingly met Nicholas Havenwood-Calais for the first time. Collins probably is still convinced that Kara is a call girl of some sort. No doubt. “Your elaborations are unnecessary.”

Scowling, Kara leans forward with both hands on the table, saying, “It’s my job to defend my client. I can elaborate all I want. It’s what I’m paid to do. Move on to more questions.”

Dieter cracks his neck idly, enjoying her waspish tone in his defense.

Ray sighs and shifts through more documents and folders. When he looks up again, he asks, “Where were you Friday, April 27th?”

Dieter’s head tilts curiously and he opens his mouth-

For whatever reason, Kara senses she’d rather he not answer. An ill-omen hovers. “My client is a busy man; he will have to consult his rather busy calendar in order to answer to the fullest extent.Why?”

Ray takes a long gulp from his can of Red Bull. He never quits with the caffeine, good grief. “You may have heard. One of the chief witnesses was found dead in her home, the same day it was determined we would be interviewing her about her involvement in the torture videos.”

Trying to keep a neutral face, Kara mentally considers where the cops are trying to go with this questioning. It points to bad things. How can she stall?

Dieter’s eyes narrow slightly, his expression going otherwise flat and unamused. “I’m a murderer now, is that what you’re saying? I thought we were here about Paxton Brooker’s financial endeavors. Bit of a bait and switch, Detective Wilkins.”

“It’s Detective Wellis,” Ray corrects shortly. He opens his mouth to say more, but there’s a harsh knock on the door, just as it swings open unceremoniously. A haggard, older man in a poorly fitted suit sticks his head in and scowls at Ray. His badge glitters on his belt.

“Wrap this up now.” The older man nods to Dieter with an apologetic look. “I’m sorry about all this. Formalities and all.”

Dieter beams disarmingly. “I understand, Captain. You’re just doing your job.”

Ray looks askance. “But, Captain, we’re-”

“No buts.” The older man shakes his head dismissively. “You’ve had your time with him. This interview is over.Now.”

Detective Collins rubs her eyes in frustration, cursing under her breath.

Kara frowns. Can he really just end it like that?

“I hope all is going well on your path to the Commissioner title,” Dieter says politely as he stands up from his seat. “It’s been a long time coming.”

The Captain’s face freezes a bit, as if unsure of what to say, then nods shortly. “Thank you, Mr. Bittinger. Have a good day.”

Kara stands up and situates herself, mulling over the strange exchange.

“One last thing,” Ray says, keeping them from leaving. “Do you recognize this man?” He pushes a black and white photo across the table towards Dieter.

Dieter glances down at it, emotionless.

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