“We should both drive over,” she said as they rode the elevator down to the garage. “In case we need to split up.”
At their SUV’s, he kissed her goodbye. She seemed a little distant, like her thoughts were elsewhere. Despite herestrangement from Liliana, arresting her mom had to be stressful.
They parked a few houses away from the Krause home, met on the sidewalk. Together, they walked toward the line of cop cars parked farther down the street.
Detective Cardoso exited her vehicle. Six officers got out of three police cruisers. Everyone made their way over.
“Jules Marshall, FBI,” Brit said to the officers. “My partner, Bob Jones.”
Moving as a unit, they headed toward the Krause’s modest brick-front home in a quiet Merrifield neighborhood.
Three officers split off toward the rear of the house. Three stayed with them.
As he moved toward the front door, Rebel felt nothing but hatred toward the woman who’d brought horrific pain to his family. If their evidence held up and she went to prison, justice would be served.
I can live with that.
Britain
With their guns drawn,Brit pounded on the front door.
BAM! BAM! BAM!
“FBI, open up!”
“Any movement out back?” murmured Cardoso through her comm.
“A male occupant just pulled back the curtains,” relayed one of the cops.
The front door opened. Liliana’s eyes grew large. Her gaze jumped from Brit to the group of law enforcement all pointing their weapons at her.
“What’s going on?” Liliana asked as Jordan strode into view.
“Come outside,” Brit said.
“What for?”
“Mrs. Krause, I’m Detective Cardoso with Arlington County Police. I have a warrant for your arrest. We need you to step outside.”
When Liliana did, Cardoso cuffed her.
“Why are you doing this?” Liliana protested.
A lump formed in the back of Brit’s throat. Her heart felt heavy, but she had to push forward.
“Liliana Krause, you’re under arrest for the murders of—” one by one, Brit listed each of the six victims by name. “You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you. Do you understand these rights as they have been read to you?”
This cannot be happening. I’m arresting my mom for being a serial killer.
Liliana stared at Britain. “I’m being arrested for all those murders?”
“Mrs. Krause, please acknowledge that we read you your rights,” Nikki said.
“What? Yes, I understand. Jordan, I need an attorney!”
The officers who’d been guarding the back door strode onto the front lawn.
“Please bring Mrs. Krause in for questioning,” Detective Cardoso told them.
