Page 81 of Seducer

Leave it to the pinhead to try to use the law against me. How many sons of bitches had done that over the years? “Mack, you and I both know there are times when discussions have no effect. He refused to leave Ms. Capshaw alone. I found him in the parking lot in the process of sexually assaulting her. That led to me asking him to stop. He laughed. Things got heated. He threw a couple of punches, but I’m a better fighter. He left. End of story.”

“It would be except he’s dead.” He made the statement in such a way that he was waiting for my reaction. Any reaction.

“Are you insinuating the punches I delivered killed the man?”

He took a few seconds before answering. “He was killed in a traffic accident.”

“O-kay. Now, I’m confused. Since when do detectives become involved in traffic accidents?”

“Since when the victim sent an email warning the department if he ended up dead, to look your way.”

I choked, then burst into laughter. False laughter. “You’re kidding me. He sent an email? Are you sure it came from him?”

“Positive it came from his computer, yes. I’m going to need to know your whereabouts on the day he died.”

“I’ll be happy to supply whatever you need, Mack, but I do live alone. I don’t have a housekeeper and rarely go out after I get home.”

“Oh, he was killed in broad daylight. Funny how the two witnesses have suddenly disappeared.”

“So I took them out as well. Come on. I’m a businessman.”

“What do you drive?”

“Am I under arrest? Should I contact my attorney?”

Mack sighed and sat back. I could sense his frustration. “No, you’re not under arrest. But there are some suspicions inside the precinct, which is why I volunteered to take the case. Just do me a favor and tell me what you drive.”

“Sure. I own a black Charger, older model and a new black Corvette. I also own a motorcycle, a Harley, but I haven’t driven it lately. You can come check my garage to see if there’s any damage. I wouldn’t have had time to repair either one.”

“You don’t have access to a Humvee?”

Mack was losing traction. Perhaps he was trying to squelch whoever was pushing for a crazy indictment.

“I do not. I don’t know anyone who owns one either, including my two brothers.”

He nodded several times. “Well, as long as you can confirm where you were two days ago around four in the afternoon, then I think we’re good.”

I checked my calendar and shrugged. “I was right here. Plenty of staff who will corroborate the truth.”

“That’s good to hear.” He stood and took another look around the office. “I think we’re done here. I appreciate your time. Now, on another note. Why don’t we try and catch up in a few days? Grab a beer or two? My treat.”

“I’d like that.” I pulled out a card from my desk, scribbling my personal cell phone on the back. “Here you go. Call me about when you’re thinking of getting together and I’ll see if I can take the time.”

He did the same thing, offering me his card. “I admit I work constant hours, but you can call my personal cell phone any time. I’d love to catch up.”

“Yeah, that would be cool.”

“Good deal. Nice to see that you’re doing so well.” He hesitated as he slipped the card into his suit jacket. Even though years had passed, I knew him well enough to catch the scrutinizing look. The man believed I was lying. If I wasn’t so annoyed, I’d be amused. Now I almost wished I’d killed Jerry.

“Hard work. That’s the answer.”

He laughed as he scratched his head. “I’ll try and keep that in mind.” Winking, he headed for the door. “One last question and I’ll admit it’s pretty personal.”

“What the hell. Go for it.”

Mack at least turned back to face me. “Any truth to the crap that reporter threw out at you?”

Great. He witnessed the atrocity like at least half the city had. “I don’t know my parents, Mack. I told you that. For some reason, the records were sealed. Do I suspect my father was an asshole? You bet. I can feel that in my blood.”

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