Chapter Seventeen
Life just can’t be easy, I suppose.
Thank god Leo is there. He helps catch Kevin, who starts to collapse. I order someone to go get Chris and bring him down to my study, but not to tell him why.
I’m stunned, in shock, and trying to function and process, all at the same time.
The agent, Doug Jackson, worked with Chris, and waits until he comes running andjoins us to repeat what he said.
Chris and I sit flanking Kev on the sofa in my study when the agent continues. “Mr. Markos, I know from White House logs and the agents stationed here last night that you never left the property, but before I allow MPDC investigators entry, do you need to consult with an attorney?”
“No,” Chris hoarsely says as he holds him. “He—”
“Sir,” Kev softly said. “Don’t.”
“No, fuck that shit, Kev.” Chris looks up at the agent. “He was in the residence all night. He spends the night a lot, and the records will show that. We all ate dinner together, even Lauren. I don’t remember exactly what time she left, but after the kids went to bed, me and Kev and Shae were talking. I woke him up this morning when I got up to make the coffee before I got the kids ready for school.”
Technically, that’s all true. Just not…specific as to where Kev was sleeping.
The agent studies us and Leo and nods his agreement.
“Do you want me to let them in, ma’am?” the agent finally asks me.
Kev’s head is resting on Chris’ shoulder, but we both have our arms around him. “Yes, please. Bring them in here. Can we clear the halls?”
“Yes, ma’am. Tours haven’t started yet.”
“Do that, then.Please. And come back with them. I want you here, too, so you can go with them to show them the proof he was here.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
When he leaves, Kev slowly shakes his head. “This can’t be happening,” he moans.
Chris holds him tighter. “We’ve got you, boy.I’vegot you. We’re going to take care of you.”
I can’t help but cry, and Leo hands out tissues.
Doug and the two DCMP detectives returna few minutes later. I let Chris take the lead and handle summarizing Kev’s alibi, until they focus on Kev.
“Mr. Markos, do you know anyone who’d want to harm Ms. Baltazar?” the lead detective asks.
He shakes his head. “No.”
“Would you mind coming with us for a little while?”
That’s when I finally remember one key fucking point—I’m a goddamned attorney.
“Yes,” I say. “He would mind. You haven’tread him his rights, we have proof he was with us all night, and he’s not a suspect. We all loved Lauren.”
“Shae,” Kev says, sitting up. “Calm down, honey. It’s okay.” I grab his right hand with my left, and I glance up to realize the detectives see our matching bands, because they look at Chris’ hand.
When the detectives exchange a look, I know they just realized why Kev’s alibi is air-tight,but I could give a fuck.
“Ma’am,” the lead detective says, “we are certain Mr. Markos was here. And you’re correct—he’s not a suspect. But we need someone to positively identify her, and it’s our understanding they are still…close.”
Well, I feel stupid. “Oh.”
“What happened?” Chris asks. “Whendid this happen?”
