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The song concerning the snowman lying in front of her blared through the speakers. She rolled her eyes at the annoyance of hearing the song for the fifth time that day.
Then started singing it.
Because why the hell not? She needed something else to help lift her spirits, and there was nothing like a bit of Christmas cheer to help.
16
“So…”
Griffin let Duke’s one meaningful word sift through the air. That combined with his hand resting on his weapon as they walked toward the house told him everything he needed to know.
How were they going to handle this?
A little interrogation first? Find the tapes? Throw the handcuffs on and be a little rough? Griffin wasn’t sure which approach to take, especially when the anger coursed through his veins.
“You take the lead,” he said through clenched teeth. Because he didn’t trust himself not to lash out at Mark. Though he wanted to beat him to within an inch of his life, he couldn’t. He believed in the law—even when he was a victim himself—and touching one hair on Mark’s head wouldn’t be following the law.
Duke knocked firmly on the door. It took longer than Griffin liked for Mark to open it. Worry had filled him that Mark knew and fled, until his innocent face stared at him. Easygoing smile. Relaxed posture. Friendly eyes. He had no idea they knew his crimes.
“Hey, guys. What’s up? Is it time to talk about the Labor Day parade already?”
That wasn’t an unusual question. Considering they just rolled into August, it was time to think about the parade coming up in a month. Only about two hours long, but the event shut down half the town and most of the roads in the area. Mark helped on some of the floats, building and organizing them.
Duke held up his hand, the warrant dangling in it. “We have a warrant to search your house, the garage, and the shed you rent on Mr. Gornerish’s property. In addition to your arrest as well.”
Mark’s friendly facade evaporated in a blink of an eye. Griffin knew at that exact moment he was guilty. That the print they found wasn’t a mistake. Because part of him had hoped it was some sort of error. A contamination in the lab or something. It had been ridiculous to contemplate for even a moment. But the thought of someone he’d shared jokes with, a beer or two, and even gone to his fortieth birthday last year was too much to handle.
“On what charges?” Mark demanded, his hand tensing on the doorframe as if preparing himself to run.
He wouldn’t get far, but Griffin had no worries if he wanted to attempt it. He didn’t mind tackling his ass and getting in a good punch or two. He’d be justified taking him down.
“We both know you know, Mark,” Griffin snapped, “so cut the crap. Where is your equipment? Make it easy on us. On yourself.”
Mark took a step back, and he and Duke tensed at the movement, until Mark swung his hand as if gesturing for them to enter. “Turn the place upside down. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Griffin didn’t respond because he wasn’t about to get into a useless argument when he knew the truth. Duke didn’t have the patience for it either. He read Mark his rights and the charges against him, slapping on the cuffs with little fanfare. Griffin put on gloves to start searching the house, while Duke took Mark into custody.
By the time Duke returned, Griffin had covered the majority of the house, finding nothing.
“I’ll check the garage.”
Griffin nodded and continued in his quest in Mark’s bedroom.
Still nothing when they were finished.
“There’s the shed he rents.”
Griffin shook his head. “I called Rafael to head there when you left. He hasn’t found anything.”
They stood in the living room, cushions on the floor, shelves cleared, and drawers removed. They made a good mess in every room, not caring in the least. Except they found nothing. One laptop and that was it. For the number of cameras found in Eve’s cottage, Griffin knew Mark had to have a nice setup of equipment to monitor everything.
“There’s a reason his print was found. We’re missing something.”
Griffin blew out a frustrated breath. Yeah, but what were they missing?
“Do you think Mindy is in on it? The judge might extend the warrant to her stuff.”
It was a possibility Griffin had pondered but nixed in quick order. They were close for siblings, as he was with his own. But he honestly didn’t think Mindy would stoop to something so low. Of course, he had thought the same about Mark as well, so his gut couldn’t be trusted at the moment.
