Page 72 of Wild Justice

The reporter turned on her high heel and whirled away, but she didn’t go far as the door of the sheriff’s station opened up again. Lulu and Tony Witscoff walked out onto the sidewalk, ready to make their statement. Immediately, the reporter had a microphone in their face, while Kai turned on the recorder in his phone.

He might not be able to do a “live” on television, but he could at least get an article online within the hour.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see another familiar vehicle pull up as close as possible. Ray Ramsey and Ellen Dunphy - both from the town council - had apparently driven over to see the spectacle firsthand.

Tony Witscoff cleared his throat, and everyone’s attention turned to him.

“We have prepared a few remarks, and we will take some questions, although we cannot comment on certain aspects of the investigation as it continues to unfold. First up, Sheriff Reilly.”

There was applause from the people gathered behind the barricade along with a few “whoops” and a “Hell yeah” from one particular bystander. Lulu might have had her detractors when she became the sheriff, but she’d obviously had some fans, too.

Lulu had a piece of paper she’d made notes on.

“This afternoon, Allison Baker was arrested for the murder of Dana Cartwright. This was after a search of her home, vehicle, and workplace that turned up items of interest in this case. At this time, Ms. Baker and her attorney have declined to give any additional statements to law enforcement. She will be held here at the Harper City jail until she is arraigned in county court tomorrow. Tony?”

Tony Witscoff, the DA, stepped forward.

“When arraigned, the judge will make a determination of whether bail is appropriate, and if it is, what amount. If no bail, Ms. Baker will be held at the county lockup until trial. Any questions?”

The only reporters there were Kai and the woman from the local television station, so this wasn’t exactlyMeet the Press.The reporter was eager to ask more, so Kai let her go first.

“Is it true you found the murder weapon in Allie Baker’s apartment?”

Small towns didn’t have many secrets apparently.

“I cannot comment on an ongoing investigation,” Witscoff replied. “Any more questions?”

“Is it true that Allie Baker threatened Dana’s life the night before the murder?”

“We do have corroborated evidence that is the case,” Witscoff confirmed.

“I want to ask Sheriff Reilly a question,” the reporter said, pointing her microphone directly under Lulu’s nose.

“What will your father think of your success, and did he help you at all with this investigation? Or any of his friends? Did you use any of his law enforcement resources gathered over the years? After all, everyone in this area knows your reputation as a…let’s say…troubled youth. And now suddenly, you’re the model sheriff. That’s quite a transformation, Lulu. Do you have any comment about that?”

What a bitch. Is that the only way you can get viewers? Provocative questions?

Kai wasn’t a big fan of using the b-word, but sometimes it just fit a situation so perfectly. No other word would do. To Lulu’s credit, her expression remained bland as if she was asked impolite questions every day of her life. If the woman had been trying to bait Lulu into making some sort of scene, she was going to be disappointed.

“I don’t think that’s a subject for this moment,” Witscoff said hurriedly, waving away the question with his hand. “If you want to interview Sheriff Reilly about her career, you can always put in a request.”

“I’ll do that,” the reporter said, her eyes narrowed nastily and her lips a flat line.

She was trying to stare down Lulu but was getting nowhere. Lulu wasn’t giving the reporter any reaction at all.

“Do you have any questions?” Witscoff asked, turning away from the woman and toward Kai.

“Just one. Does this arrest mean that all other suspects have been cleared?”

Kai thought that Lulu might chime in, but she remained silent, not meeting his eyes. She probably didn’t want anyone to think she favored him since they were seeing each other.

“As far as we’re concerned, we have the right person in custody. Thank you. We’ll let you know if we have any more statements,” Witscoff replied.

The two of them turned to go back into the sheriff’s station, but Ray Ramsey and Ellen Dunphy ran up to them before they could get back inside.

The now-ignored television reporter had stomped back to the news van. Kai had only heard a few choice words from the woman as she chewed out the cameraman for something that probably wasn’t his fault. She wasn’t a happy camper about not getting to rile up Lulu.

And you have a nice day.

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