In time.
“Ms. Baxter, do you understand the rights I have just recited to you?” Lynch asked.
“Yes, Lieutenant, I do.” She glanced at her watch again. “My time is really very short.”
“This will take,” Carson said, speaking for the first time, “as long as it takes.”
Annette held his stare, saw the distaste he harbored for her. And yet—a smile toyed with her lips—he still wanted her. Deep down, where even he dared not go, he longed for intimacy. A paradox. That was what Carson Tanner was. Unstoppable in the courtroom by day, all alone at night ... with his memories.
Just like her . . .
Lynch opened his notebook and poised his pen. “Ms. Baxter, where were you this morning between the hours of seven and nine thirty?”
That was easy enough. “Why don’t you ask Special Agent Schaffer? One of her associates conducted my surveillance this morning. She can tell you exactly where I was.”
Lynch jotted on his pad.
“You weren’t picked up by surveillance until nine thirty,” Tanner disputed. “Until that time you appeared to be at home, but there’s no way to confirm that.”
Lynch glanced from Tanner to her, obviously picking up on the extra layer of tension.
She raised her eyebrows at Tanner’s veiled accusation.
“Appeared to be? I believe the feds have my departure on video.”
“Can someone verify you were at home until nine thirty?” Lynch asked, drawing her attention back to him.
“My personal assistant, Daniel.” She gestured to the telephone on the table next to her. “If you check my phone records you’ll see that I made several business calls before nine thirty.”
“Anyone could have made calls from your phone,” Tanner argued.
He wanted to spar, did he? “That’s true, Mr. Tanner,” she allowed graciously, which only pissed him off all the more. “I suppose you and Lieutenant Lynch will simply have to take my word on that one.”
“You can rest assured,” Lynch cut in, “that we will corroborate all portions of your alibi.”
She frowned as if she didn’t understand. “Alibi? Why would I need an alibi?”
“Dr. Dwight Holderfield was found dead in his home this morning,” Lynch explained.
Dead? The idea that he hadn’t used the word murdered struck her as odd considering the context of the discussion thus far. Murder was by far the better choice when paired with alibi. Regardless of who had pulled the trigger, she understood that Holderfield had been murdered. “And you believe he was murdered?”
“We haven’t ruled out that possibility,” Lynch said, steering clear of a simple yes or no.
“We do know,” Tanner pointed out, “that he had an appointment with you last evening after five.”
Now, there was something he would never be able to verify. “Actually,” she countered, “I had no appointments last evening.” She took note of the time once more, further agitating Tanner. “I had drinks with a friend around five-thirty and returned home shortly before seven. I’m certain you can confirm that as well through the FBI’s surveillance.Or perhaps you know something the feds don’t.” That she spoke so candidly about the surveillance didn’t appear to sit well with Tanner or Lynch. Her last remark had the desired effect. Tanner glowered at her but made no further accusations regarding her surveillance.
“You had no business dealings with Dr. Holderfield?” Lynch queried.
“We chatted from time to time regarding various fundraising efforts. As administrator of one of the most celebrated hospitals in this city, he or a member of his staff often called upon my expertise.”
Tanner scrutinized her posture, her expression. He was looking for an angle to snare her without exposing himself. She had worked very hard for many years to conquer her emotions and reactions, as she did with all that she sought to learn. Tanner wouldn’t find what he was looking for.
“When did you last speak with him?” Lynch prodded.
She gave the impression of mulling over the question. “I can’t recall the date.” Annette stared directly at Tanner then. “But the last time Dr. Holderfield and I spoke he was very much alive. Although, I will say that he appeared very upset. His son was missing, and he was extremely agitated.” She glanced at her watch again. “Really, gentlemen, if you have no more questions, I have a pressing appointment.”
Tanner seethed.
