Page 72 of Fortune's Control
“Wilson Skane. I realize my past statements are inconsistent.” Lilah waffled. “It was so dark, and I never saw his entire face, but it was him in that car. I know it.”
Moore didn’t believe her. “Skane is in Atlanta. His anklemonitor showed no suspicious activity, and we asked a patrol officer to perform a drive-by after the local sheriff told us about your attack.”
Davis tried his gentler approach. “He was at his parents’ home, and they vouched for his presence the entire day. Parents aren’t always reliable regarding alibis like this one, but in this case, we believe them.”
“He was in Atlanta that day?” Lilah asked and glanced at me. Her voice trembled. “That’s impossible.”
Moore opened a dark leather satchel, pulling out a manila envelope. “Are you familiar with photo lineups?”
His sharp question threw her off. “I…yes. We did one after you arrested him. I messed it up.”
Davis leaned forward to speak in a voice meant to provide comfort. “Lineups are only one tool out there. Witness recall is shaky, even under the best circumstances, so please don’t feel guilty over it.”
Moore slapped several photos on the coffee table, one after the other. “Can you identify the man who attacked you here in town?”
Lilah shut her eyes tight to block out the six images.
“Take your time and do your best. There’s no wrong answer,” Davis encouraged.
“Tell us which one is Skane, Ms. Mayberry.” Moore shoved the pictures closer to her.
A cold anger grew in my stomach. Her agitation was visible to anyone who took the time to notice. “I suggest you tread slowly,” I said, and shot the detective a stern glare.
He glared right back. “She’s a witness throwing a wrecking ball at our case. We fully intend to follow up, to my satisfaction.”
“Is she underarrest?” I asked.
Davis didn’t hesitate. “Not at all. This is a follow-up.”
“Then I repeat my words.”
Lilah shrank into her chair.
Davis tried again. “I understand this is a difficult time for you, Ms. Mayberry. A loss such as this is painful for everyone involved. My younger sister was the victim’s age when she was murdered, and I still wait for justice. That’s all this case is about. Take your time and let us know if you recognize anyone in the photos. There is no right or wrong answer.”
Lilah leaned forward and checked each image. “I don’t recognize any of them. They’re close, but this one is clean-shaven, and this one only has a mustache. None of them is Wilson Skane.”
“This one is.” Moore slammed his palm over the picture closest to her. “He’s in Atlanta right now and hasn’t left.”
She jumped at the noise.
He went on. “Empty beer cans and a blue sweatshirt were found inside the vehicle. The nearby university’s colors are blue and orange. Is it possible you saw the wrong color?”
Lilah looked at me, and her eyes glistened. “Maybe. I don’t know.”
“Maybe reconsider your accusations before blowing up a murder case, Ms. Mayberry.”
I stood. “We’re done here.”
Moore went on. “You wouldn’t be the first hysterical woman to accuse an innocent man. A college student stole the car for a night of entertainment. That’s it.”
“Detective Davis, I suggest you remove your partner from my house.” Right fucking now.
“Is that a threat?” Moore stood. “You’re speaking to a police officer.”
“A cop who isn’t in his jurisdiction,” I reminded him. “And I don’t make threats.”
“Dammit.” Davis pulled his hand into a partial fist. “He gets that way, so let me apologize on his behalf.”
