Gun Games - Faye Kellerman [122]
Quiller said, “Darla has a substance abuse problem, which we are now aware of. As part of the plea bargain, I guarantee you she will go to rehab. All we want is for her to do community service within the confines of the church. We have a program in Africa. It will be perfect for someone as bright as she is.”
“You know that the D.A.’s office is responsible for okaying any plea bargains.”
“But you can make recommendations. That’s what I’m after. Besides, after you hear what happened, you’ll be comfortable with your decision. Darla can tell you many things that would be invaluable.”
Decker looked at the tape recorder on the desk. To Wynona he said, “This is working?”
“Yes. I’ve tested it several times.”
“Good.” Decker said, “If you want me involved, I’m here to listen.”
All eyes focused on the teen. She flipped her hair behind her ears and bit her lower lip. When she did finally speak, her voice was barely audible.
Chapter Thirty-five
“Did Gabe ID . . . he did? . . . and he’s sure? . . . Great! Hold on, Lee.” Marge turned to Oliver. They were on their way to Bell and Wakefield after picking up the search warrants for Dylan Lashay, Kyle Kerkin, and Cameron Cole. “Gabe just IDed Kyle Kerkin, JJ Little, Darla Holbein, and Nate Asaroff.”
Oliver, who was behind the wheel, pumped his fist.
Marge said, “Let’s do this. Tell Willy to let both attorneys know that we just got positive IDs on their clients.”
As Marge listened on the phone, Oliver said, “What’s going on?”
Marge said, “Hold on, Lee, I’m putting you on speaker so Oliver can hear.” She punched a button and turned the cell volume on high.
Wang said, “I just got off the phone with Willy who’s with JJ Little. The kid is sticking to the robbery story, claiming he was the victim and Gabe was the aggressor. His attorney found out about the personal relationship between Gabe and the lieutenant and he’s claiming bias. So Willy is going through the procedure by the book. He’s setting up a six-shot photo array with Gabe as part of it.”
“Good idea for a couple of reasons,” Marge said. “Let’s let JJ pick Gabe out, especially since Yasmine couldn’t ID the kid. That way JJ can’t backtrack at some point and say he wasn’t even there.”
“That’s what we’re aiming to do. Put all the aggrieved parties at the scene of the crime and then let the evidence sort it out. Neither JJ nor his attorney knows that Gabe’s been shot. When they do find out, they may change their strategy.”
“Look, Lee, in order not to appear biased, I want someone to go down to the Deckers’ house and check out Gabe’s room. Get the Loo’s permission to search and invite JJ’s attorney to come along.”
“Okay, I’ll do that. What about the girl?”
“Do Gabe first. If he comes up clean, the girl probably won’t be necessary. She’s been through enough. I don’t want to traumatize her further.”
“Does Gabe use drugs?”
“I don’t have any idea, but at least we’ll be consistent. What about Nate Asaroff?”
“His attorney wants to deal.”
“Asaroff is underage?”
“Yes. And as far as I can tell, he was just there.”
“What did he have on him when we took him in?”
“A couple of ounces of pot, a couple of pills. He’s a good one to flip depending on what he has to tell us.”
“Who’s with Nate now?”
“Drew Messing.”
Marge said, “I’ll call Drew as soon as I get off with you.”
“What are you doing now?” Wang asked.
Oliver said, “We just pulled warrants on Lashay, Cole, and Kerkin. We’re on our way to Bell and Wakefield to check out their lockers.”
“Want me to help you out?” Wang asked.
Marge said, “I’d like you to meet us there. You can pick up the search warrant for Dylan Lashay’s house and start going through it.”
“No problem. What’s the school’s address?”
Marge gave it to him and hung up. Her next call was to the station house. Within a minute, Andrew Messing was on the line. Marge spoke. “Gabe Whitman just IDed Nate Asaroff. I heard his attorney wants a deal.”
“You heard correctly, Sergeant,” Messing drawled out. “The Loo put in a call to someone from