In the lounge area, two women sat, huddled together on a long, L-shaped couch in that same forest green. The wide entertainment screen showed a painting of a dreamy landscape in its off mode.
People lived in this room, Eve thought as the female officer got to her feet. Some lines fanned out over the light brown skin at her eyes. The eyes themselves were a deep brown and sharp.
“Officer Lawrence.”
“Yes, sir.” She head-gestured and walked Eve back a few feet. “Ms. Carville, the victim’s wife, found the body. The MTs gave her a lightsedative, as she was hysterical. She states she came down looking for him, and found him. Ms. Barrister, the victim’s sister, heard her screaming, rushed downstairs. She made the nine-one-one. At the table there, we have Uma Acker, the housekeeper, live-in, who also heard the commotion, came out of her room in the staff quarters downstairs. She woke the butler, John Tyler, and he woke the cook, Divine Fortigue, also live-in staff.
“Ms. Carville compromised the scene, as she tried to lift the victim, had him cradled in her lap when the MTs arrived. My partner and I did what we could to preserve the scene when we arrived, and moved all residents into this area.”
She cleared her throat, glanced back toward the couch. “Carville has his blood all over her, Lieutenant. The sister has some, too.”
“Understood. I’ll take the wife first. My consultant is checking security. Did you notice a door on the left side of the crime scene?”
“Yes, sir. Slightly open. We didn’t touch it or go any farther into the room than necessary so as to not further compromise the scene.”
“Okay. I expect my partner shortly. Any assistance you can give to the consultant is appreciated.”
“I’ll do what I can.”
Eve walked over to the trio at the nook. “I’m Lieutenant Dallas with the NYPSD. Either I or my partner when she arrives will be with you shortly to take your statements. In the meantime, I’d like a chair so I can speak with Ms. Carville and Ms. Barrister.”
“Of course, Lieutenant.” John Tyler rose immediately. Average height, on the beefy side, he moved with as much dignity as possible in a navy robe over pale blue pajama bottoms. Eve pegged him as late forties with his low crown of salted black hair over a square, dark-complected face.
His eyes, darker still, showed signs of recent weeping.
He carried a ladder-back chair from the dining room, through the kitchen, and into the lounge.
“Ms. Carville.” He spoke quietly, gently. “Lieutenant Dallas is going to speak with you now. May I refresh your tea?”
“What? I don’t know.” She looked blankly from Tyler to Eve. “I don’t know what to do.”
He picked up the tea that had obviously gone cold, then lifted the second cup as well. “I’ll just bring you fresh. Lieutenant, may I offer you tea or coffee?”
“Coffee, thanks. Just black.”
Taking her seat, Eve faced Aileen Carville.
“Ms. Carville, I’m very sorry for your loss.”
“Nate” was all she said. She looked down at her hands, hands still smeared with blood, as were her arms. The cotton top and pants she wore were soaked with it.
“I know this is a difficult time.”
“Do you?” Joy Barrister snapped out the words as her eyes welled.
“Yes, ma’am, I do. We’re going to do everything possible to find out what happened and who’s responsible. Ms. Carville, I need to ask you some questions.”
“Can’t you see the state she’s in?”
“Ms. Barrister, I need to speak with Ms. Carville. I’ll also have questions for you. The sooner I begin, the sooner we’ll have some answers. Ms. Carville, can you tell me what happened?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know.” Tears slid out of liquid eyes the color of faded denim, down cheeks more gray than the dusted gold caramel in the ID photo Eve had studied.
“Mr. Barrister was downstairs,” Eve prompted. “Where were you?”
“You won’t treat Aileen like a suspect!” Joy Barrister gripped her sister-in-law’s hand. “You come in here, wearing an evening gown, for God’s sake, and interrogate her when someone’s just murdered her husband. My brother!”
“Ms. Barrister, I’m sure Ms. Carville would like your comfort at thistime, but if you continue to interrupt, I’ll have you taken to another room.”
