The In Death Collection Books 26-29 - J.D. Robb [213]
“Excuse me.” Another man nudged forward. Not quite as tall as the first, he had sharp cheekbones and a mouth set in hard lines. “Unless my mother-in-law is a suspect, I’m going to insist she be allowed to return home. She’s given her statement, and you have no legal reason to detain her.”
“And you are?”
“Samuel Wright, Jimmy Jay’s son-in-law. I’m a lawyer.”
“Really? I wouldn’t have guessed. I’m not detaining Mrs. Jenkins, but am requesting she, and anyone involved in last night’s production, remain in New York and available while this investigation is ongoing. And I didn’t hear Mrs. Jenkins request permission to return to her home residence.”
“We’re making arrangements for that. She needs to—”
“Then she can talk to me about it herself. In the meantime, I have some follow-up questions. I’d like to speak with you, Mr. Crocker.”
“Yes, of course. Could we make an appointment?” He actually reached for his memo book. “We still have so much to do—arrangements, and cancellations.”
“It won’t take long. And it should be now.”
“But—”
“Unless Billy’s a suspect,” the lawyer began.
“Let’s make this easy then. You’re all suspects. As far as I can ascertain, every one of you, along with the other members onstage, and behind it, had the opportunity to lace the water with cyanide. Means? Cyanide’s not something you pick up at the local pharmacy, but it’s easy to obtain through black and gray markets. Motive—lots and lots of money.”
“That’s both insulting and inappropriate.”
“Sue me. Meanwhile, I can follow up with Mr. Crocker here, or we can go downtown.”
“That’s not necessary, of course that’s not necessary. Sam.” Billy tapped a calming hand on Sam’s arm. “We all want to do whatever we can to help the police.”
“You’re not talking to her without me being present as your representative.”
“Works for me,” Eve said cheerfully. “Want to do this here in the hall?”
“Let’s just take a moment.” Luke lifted his hands. Though his voice was soft, Eve recognized the command under it. “We’re all on edge. Lieutenant, would you and the other officer like to use the parlor? Could we get you anything? Tea? Water?” He stopped, shut his eyes a moment. “Will I ever be able to pour a glass of water again and not think of it?”
“The parlor’s fine,” Peabody told him. “We don’t need anything, thanks.”
“There’s an office on the second floor. I’ll be working there, if you need me for anything. Billy, Sam, I’ll continue with the arrangements until you’re done. Lieutenant.” Luke offered his hand again. “Mama Jo has put her faith in you. So will I.”
Not just head of the family, Eve thought as he left them. She’d lay odds she’d just shaken hands with the new head of the Church of Eternal Light.
Furniture, statuary, memorabilia, and photographs fought for position in a parlor of deep colors. Privacy screens shielded the window that afforded twin shafts of morning light.
A number of cups, glasses, and memo cubes scattered over tables.
“Please excuse the mess,” Billy began. “We’d been making plans and arrangements, discussing the memorial when you arrived.” He cleared his throat. “The media hasn’t as yet learned the address or the direct number for this house. We hope to keep it that way.”
“They won’t get it from me, or any member of my investigative team.”
“Reporters have managed to unearth my ’link number. I haven’t given any comments. I thought that best, for now. But I will have to make a statement. Or rather, Luke will. Very soon. As soon as possible.”
“If Mr. Goodwin wants or requires any cleared data from my department for a statement, I’ll be happy to discuss it with him. Meanwhile.” Eve took out her recorder. “Since your representative wants to keep this formal, I’m informing you that I’m recording this interview. You have the right to remain silent.”
As she recited the Revised Miranda, Billy lost another two tones of color.
“Is that necessary?”
“It’s for your protection, as your representative will tell you.”
“It’s best, Billy. It’s best if we keep everything to the letter of