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“I called his probation officer, and she said he was sent home, still adorned with his ankle monitor. There was a deal worked out.”
“He turned confidential informant,” Amanda said, grinning at Trent, considering this payback for him swooping in a moment ago.
“Changes nothing. We do this by the book. That means a residential search warrant, and SWAT will clear the home before you move in. Holden very well may be a willing accomplice in all of this.”
“Agreed,” both Amanda and Trent put in.
“We’ll secure an arrest warrant for him too,” Malone said. “We do have him on record as confirming he had the plates in his possession?”
She thought of the recorded interrogation, and she didn’t recall him admitting as much in so many words off the top. “We have a witness willing to testify to that, possibly two.” Simon Wheable might be harder to get on board, but his cooperation could lessen the sentence he’d be facing for fraud.
Malone reached for the phone on his desk. “Then let’s move.”
FIFTY-SIX
Warrants and arranging things with SWAT always took time. Strategic Weapons and Tactics needed to analyze the best approach and be prepared for several scenarios. Among those was that the shooter might be inside the house with Barry Holden.
It was nearing five o’clock by the time Amanda and Trent parked near Barry’s home. His street had been cordoned off to limit traffic and avoid possible casualties, which was a necessary precaution considering the circumstances.
Amanda and Trent, wearing Kevlar vests, were positioned behind the vehicle, using it as a means of cover.
SWAT officers approached Holden’s front door, guns at the ready, looking like they were loaded for warfare. Other members of the team advanced on the rear of the property.
Their roar of “Prince William County PD” echoed through the neighborhood and shook Amanda’s core, infusing a fresh dose of adrenaline into her bloodstream. Moments like this weren’t black and white and could turn deadly quickly.
No one answered their cries, and officers stepped back to let one through who had a battering ram. He forced entry, and the officers swarmed into the house like a bunch of angry ants.
Thumping and shouts traveled through the air, but so far, no gunfire. If that continued, it was a good day.
Shortly after, two officers came out with Barry Holden, each one with a firm grip on his arms. His hands were cuffed behind his back. He struggled against their hold, but to no avail. These SWAT guys could bench-press the man without breaking a sweat.
“I didn’t do anything. What the hell?” Barry’s fight seemed to leave him when he caught sight of Amanda and Trent walking across the street. “I should have known.”
Amanda smiled, pleased they made a lasting impression.
Barry snarled. “What is this?”
“I would think that’s quite obvious,” Amanda said. “You’re under arrest for your involvement with the murders of Leah Bernard and Lynnette Johnson and the abduction of Katherine Graves.”
“We’ve been through all this. I’m innocent. As for the plates, I don’t know who I passed them on to. You released me.”
“Apparently our mistake. New evidence has come to light that implicates you.”
“How is that possible? Wait a minute. You said Lynnette Johnson? She was murdered?”
“You should know since you’re in this up to your neck,” Trent said.
A uniformed officer came to retrieve Barry and load him into the back of their squad car.
“Hold up,” Barry said. “What’s going on exactly? Lynnette was murdered?”
He wasn’t exactly smart, but not all criminals were. The officer motioned to ask if he were to take Barry now or hold off a moment. Amanda shook her head, and he retreated a few steps. The SWAT team were already headed for their command vehicle.
Barry’s forehead was beaded with sweat despite the fact it was below zero. His anxiousness did nothing to waylay Amanda’s suspicions.
“We need to have a talk down at Central,” she put out in a firm tone.
Barry looked from her to Trent. “I know how I look on paper. I’ve got a record, and I admit to having those plates you mentioned, but please talk to me. Lynnette is dead?”
