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“They aren’t guests, Sylvia.” Dukes snapped it out. Eve saw his wife flinch as if from a blow.
“Don’t trouble yourself, Mrs. Dukes.”
The living area was whistle clean. Flanking a sofa done in a pattern of muted blues were two identical tables. On each was a matching lamp. There were two chairs in the same pattern as the sofa, and the green area rug showed not a speck of dust or lint.
There was a vase holding yellow and white flowers arranged too precisely to be cheerful. It was set exactly in the center of the coffee table.
“I won’t ask you to sit.”
Dukes stood, clasping his hands behind his back at waist level.
Another soldier, Eve thought, prepared for interrogation.
Chapter 15
“Mr. Dukes, it’s my understanding that approximately four years ago, your son had occasion to purchase an illegal substance from Louis K. Cogburn.”
“That is correct.”
“And on learning of this, you reported same to the police, filing an official complaint at that time.”
“That is also correct.”
“Subsequently charges in this matter against Cogburn were dropped. Can you tell me why?”
“The prosecutor’s office refused to follow through.” He stayed at attention. “Cogburn was put back on the street where he could continue to corrupt young minds, young bodies.”
“I assume your son gave a full statement of the occurence, and with the illegal substance in evidence traced back to Cogburn, it seems unusual that the prosecutor wouldn’t press.”
Cogburn’s lips thinned. “The illegal substance had been destroyed. I would not have it in my home. It seemed my word, my son’s word, was not enough against the word of trash.”
“I see. That was difficult for you. Frustrating, I’m sure, for your family.”
“It was.”
It was interesting, Eve thought, that Dukes wore nearly the same blue uniform as his young son. The creases down the center of his trousers were so sharp they looked capable of cutting flesh.
More interesting were the waves of fury rolling off him. Hot, smothering waves of rage barely held in check.
“To your knowledge did your son continue to have dealings with Cogburn?”
“He did not.”
But Eve saw the truth on Sylvia’s face. The kid had gone back for more, Eve thought. And everyone knew it.
“I assume Child Services recommended illegals counseling for Devin.”
“They did.”
Eve waited a beat. “And did he complete the program?”
> “I fail to see what this has to do with your investigation, Lieutenant,” he said tightly.
She changed tacts again. “Can you tell me about the events surrounding Devin’s experience with Chadwick Fitzhugh?”
“The man sexually molested my minor son.” The first crack showed in Dukes’s composure. But it wasn’t grief Eve saw so much as disgust. “He forced himself on my son and engaged in unnatural acts.”
“And this molestation took place in Fitzhugh’s home?”
