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“That’s okay. I understand. Interview end. If you’d just wait here a minute. Peabody?”
“You’re cutting him loose?” Peabody asked when they stepped out.
“I want you to take him to the lounge, ask him and Arianna to wait. I might need him to talk to Dickerson, interpret some of the science stuff when we get to it. Then do a round with Gupta. He may have something to add here, and he knows you now.”
“Okay. You’re taking Dickerson alone?”
“I’ll start on him. When you think you’ve got all you can get from Gupta, take him to the lounge, then come in to Interview.”
“Check.”
“And bring Dickerson a drink.”
Peabody sighed. “Because I’m good cop.”
“So far.” Eve walked down to the next interview room, entered.
“Dallas, Lieutenant Eve,” she began and completed the documentation. “Hey, Ken, you look a little wrung out.”
“I’ve been waiting a long time. Like two hours.”
A little sweaty, Eve observed. Hollow-eyed and very pale. “These things take time.” She read him his rights, watched those hollow eyes widen.
“I’m a suspect? Why are you saying all that?”
“For your protection, Ken. Just procedure. You know about procedure. Do you understand your rights, your obligations?”
“Yes, but I don’t understand why—”
“Four people are dead, Ken, and you knew all of them.”
“I’m not the only one who—”
“We’re talking to the others. So what did you think of Billingsly?” she continued, conversationally. “An asshole, right?”
“I don’t really have an opinion. I didn’t know him, really.”
“Take my word. Asshole. Anybody who tries to horn in on another man’s woman, especially when she’s not interested, is an asshole.”
She smiled when she said it, watched his eyes skitter away. “I nearly forgot.” She took out a swab. “I need some spit. DNA check.”
“I—I don’t have to do that.”
“Seriously? It’s just some spit, Ken.”
“I don’t have to do that unless you have a warrant. That’s my right.”
“Suit yourself.” She shrugged. “Now, about assholes.”
“Should I get a lawyer?”
“Do you want one? Fine with me. It’ll take more time. Probably a couple more hours.” She started to rise.
“It’s okay, for now. I just want to get out of here.”
“Can’t blame you. Like I said, you look wrung out. Up late?”
“I didn’t sleep well. It’s hard, with what happened.”
