Alex Kava Bundle - Alex Kava [592]
And instead of bragging about his sexual escapades or rather dysfunctions, or when discussing the sexual mistreatments of his childhood, James seemed almost shy and remorseful, especially when talking about the abuses he had suffered at the hands of a Catholic priest he had admired and trusted. Both Nash and Campion had been two teenage boys taken advantage of by adults they had trusted. But that’s where the similarities ended.
Gwen sat back, feeling her shoulders relax, only now realizing how close to the edge Rubin Nash was able to put her. She watched James cross his arms, tucking his hands under his armpits before deciding to uncross them again and leave his hands in his lap. His handsome, boyish face seemed almost soulful, his eyes attentive but patient as if waiting for her permission to begin.
No matter how long it took, Gwen felt certain she could help James Campion. Rubin Nash, she wasn’t sure about.
CHAPTER 17
Downtown Police Station
Omaha, Nebraska
“This is ridiculous,” Nick Morrelli told the detectives who introduced themselves as Detectives Carmichael and Pakula. They were an odd pair, a short, chubby Asian woman and a middle-aged linebacker with a shaved head. Hardly Hollywood’s version of the good cop/bad cop. “You’re treating him like he’s a suspect.”
“Who exactly did you say you are?” Carmichael asked.
“His friend, Nick Morrelli.”
“Who happens to be an attorney,” Tony added.
Nick could see it wouldn’t matter. Detective Carmichael already had that I-don’t-give-a-shit look that he recognized. He had even used it himself a time or two as a deputy prosecutor when he had to convince some lowlife that the deal he was offering was final.
“Morrelli?” Pakula was scratching his shaved head. “Do I know you?”
“No, I don’t think so.” Nick was growing impatient. Carmichael may have noticed. She uncrossed her arms, but that was all.
“My apologies if the officers may have given you the impression that you’re a suspect,” she told Tony. “And that they dragged you all the way down here. We only want to ask you a few questions. Is there a reason why you wouldn’t want to answer our questions?” Her voice was a little softer suddenly. Nick wondered if she wasn’t used to playing the role of bad cop. Or was she simply changing her route of manipulation?
Tony looked to Nick as if he expected Nick to answer for him again. Nick gave him a nod that it was okay, but at the same time, he didn’t like how nervous Tony seemed. Did he have something to hide?
“Go ahead,” Tony told the detective. “Of course I don’t mind answering your questions.”
“We understand that the monsignor called you from the airport,” Detective Pakula said as he started pacing the length of the room. Carmichael remained sitting, but Nick noticed her foot tapping out her nervous energy under the table.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“You may have been the last person to talk to him. That he knew, that is. You mind sharing the contents of that conversation?”
“We had spoken earlier in the day about the schedule. I was going to fill in for him while he was gone. He couldn’t remember if he had told me about the church board meeting and where he kept his notes.” Tony crossed his legs, his right ankle rested on his left knee. To Nick he looked perfectly calm and natural. Almost too much so.
“Where were you when you got the call?”
“In the rectory,” Tony said without skipping a beat and Nick thought this should be easy. No big deal.
“Really?” Pakula asked.
Nick