The In Death Collection Books 16-20 - J. D. Robb [253]
“Maybe. Go ahead and contact him, if you want to go to the trouble, the time, and the expense. We’ll see who wins in the end.”
“I don’t care for your attitude, or your demeanor.”
Gable’s fingers had curled on her thighs, with the knuckles going white. A pincher. Eve was sure of it.
“I get that a lot. Something about murder just gets me all irritable. You can talk to me here and now, Ms. Gable, in the comfort of your own home. Or we can start the bureaucratic ball rolling. Up to you.”
Gable had a good stare, icy and unblinking. But it was no match for a cop with eleven years under her belt. “Very well. You can ask your questions. I’ll answer what I deem appropriate.”
“Did Niles Renquist ever demonstrate violent or disturbing behavior under your watch?”
“Certainly not.” She sniffed even the thought of it away. “He was a well-bred young man from good family. I believe his current position and circumstance bears that out.”
“Does he keep in touch with you?”
“I receive flowers on my birthday and a card at Christmas, as is proper.”
“So, the two of you maintain an affectionate relationship.”
“Affectionate?” Gable’s face drew together as if she’d scented something vaguely unpleasant. “I neither want nor expect affection from any of my charges, Lieutenant Dallas, as I doubt you expect any from your subordinates.”
“What do—or did—you expect?”
“Obedience, respect, and organized, well-disciplined behavior.”
Sounded more like the army than the nursery to Eve, but she nodded. “And you received same from Renquist.”
“Of course.”
“Did you employ corporal punishment?”
“When appropriate. My methods, which served me and my charges well, were to suit the disciplinary action to the child and the offense.”
“To your memory, what disciplinary actions most usually suited Niles Renquist?”
“He responded best to denial. Denial of recreation, society, entertainment, etcetera. He could and would become argumentative or sullen during the deprivation, but would, eventually, submit. He learned, as did all my charges, that there are consequences for unacceptable behavior.”
“Did he have friends?”
“He had a suitably selected number of playmates and acquaintances.”
“Selected by?”
“Myself, or his parents.”
“And his relationship with his parents?”
“Was all that it should be. I fail to see the pertinence of these questions.”
“Nearly done. Did he have any pets?”
“There was, I recall, a family dog. A miniature terrier of some sort. Sarah, the young girl, was particularly fond of it, and nearly inconsolable when it ran away.”
“How old was Renquist when it ran away?”
“Ten or twelve, I believe.”
“How about the young girl, Renquist’s sister? What can you tell me about her?”
“She was a model charge. Amenable, quiet, and well-mannered. A bit clumsy and prone to nightmares, but otherwise biddable and good-natured.”
“Clumsy how?”
“She went through a stage where she tripped over her own feet quite often, or bumped into objects and had more than her share of bumps and scrapes. At my recommendation the Renquists had her vision checked, but her sight was quite perfect. It was simply a matter of a lack of coordination, and a slightly skittish nature. She grew out of it.”
“When would you say she grew out of it?”
“At about twelve, I suppose. She developed grace at a stage when many young girls lose theirs. Puberty is a difficult period, but Sarah bloomed during hers.”
“And about this time, when she developed grace and stopped turning up with cuts and bruises, her brother was sent to Eton. Would that be about right?”
“I suppose it would. Doubtless having my undivided time and attention helped her gain more poise and confidence. Now, if that’s all—”
“Just one more thing. Do you recall if there were any other family pets that went missing during your time with the Renquists? Other animals in the neighborhood that ran away?”
“Other people’s pets weren’t my concern. I have no recollection.”
“Were you following me in there?” Eve asked Roarke when they stood on the sidewalk.
“Clear enough. You’re looking to establish