Chapter Seventeen
“Run that by me again?” Mandy huffed, both manicured brows arching in disbelief. “You want me to drop the complaint against your partner because he’s a pervert with an active imagination?”
Lamar couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, that’s not exactly how I would have put it, but there is some truth to it,” he replied. “Do you recall where you parked the day that you brought us the security footage?”
“On the ground level, near the elevator.”
“Right. And you’re telling me that you left the elevator, got in your car, and left, right?”
She nodded.
“Do you mind if I come sit with you?” When Mandy nodded hesitantly, Lamar crossed to the loveseat she sat on, pulled out his phone and opened a grainy video. “Can you explain this?”
They watched as Genov began to walk to the stairwell only to have a familiar-looking blonde run up behind him and grab his wrist, all but dragging him to the basement.
“What the hell?” Mandy gasped, outraged. “That is not me!”
“Can you explain it?” Lamar asked again.
“No.”
“Well, I think I can.” When he was sure that he had her full attention, Lamar continued. “I think the same person who killed the man at the club followed you to the precinct.”
“But why would she do that?”
Lamar shrugged. “I’m not sure, but that is the reason that my over-sexed partner hugged you. He, ah, thought the two of you had a connection.”
Lamar pretended not to hear the string of curses that Mandy muttered under her breath. “Fine. I’ll call this afternoon.”
“Thanks.” Lamar reached out to shake her hand. “Don’t worry, we’re going to find this creep.”
~*~
“Coop?”
“Huh?” Lamar’s head snapped up. He started when he found the Chief staring at him with a bemused expression. “Oh, sorry, boss. You need me?”
The Chief tilted his head toward his office and Lamar rose, following the silent command.
“Got a call from IAB. It seems that the complaint against Genov has been canceled. You know anything about that?”
“Yeah. I talked to the complainant. She said maybe she overreacted and would drop it if Genov apologized and stayed away from her.” Lamar scrubbed a hand over his face.
“Seemed like I caught you flat-footed out there,” the Chief switched topics. “Something on your mind?”
Lamar chewed the inside of his cheek and considered what to say, but the Chief got tired of waiting and sighed. “You’re thinking something. What is it?”
“I know you don’t want to hear this, but I think theAfter Ninecase is related to our motel vic. And I think there’s something paranormal at work here.” When the Chief rolled his eyes, Lamar shrugged. “It is what it is. I want to pull Trask in.”
“He’s on leave.”
“I know. He said he could spare a few minutes.”
“One call,” the Chief agreed. “Let me know what he says.”
An hour later, Trask’s hand clapped down on his shoulder and spun his chair around. “I’ve called you twice, old man. What are you so engrossed in?”
Lamar waved toward the monitor with a wry chuckle. “Watching this footage on repeat, looking for whatever we’re missing.”
