Then again, if he wasn’t their murderer, then that something might not be enough.
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
Steve chose to exercise his right to remain silent at the scene, replying to the paramedics in monosyllabic grunts that reminded Faith not-so-amusingly of Jessica’s quip about men when they were talking about David earlier.Faith checked Turk for injuries and found her dog unharmed save for a few minor bruises.As for herself, her jaw was sore and swelling up enough that she would be hard-pressed to win any beauty contests for a few days, but she would live.
Jessica was in Steve’s apartment, which was now surrounded by and filled with a large number of Arlington Police officers.They were looking for any evidence that could connect Steve to the murders.With an equal number of Arlington Police assisting Meyers and the paramedics, Faith left the group and took Turk back to the unit to look for clues.
The scene she walked into wasn’t encouraging.The apartment was sparsely appointed.A small television sat on the floor in front of a couch that looked like it had been ravaged by a gang of hyenas before being installed in Steve’s living room.The kitchen had an ancient Frigidaire cooler that rattled and squeaked noisily and a kitchen table and chairs that seemed to be made more of duct tape than anything else.It was no wonder that Steve was robbing people.
But Jessica was pensive and nervous when Faith entered the apartment, and Faith knew before she even asked that the news wasn’t good.
“No gun,” Jessica said.“We found a box that once contained ammunition for a .45, but it was empty, and the gun is nowhere to be seen.No ceramic bullets and no .22 or small-caliber gun of any kind.”
Faith sighed.“What about other evidence?Anything that could connect him to the killing in any way?”
Jessica glanced at a pair of size thirteen work boots next to the door.They were caked with dried mud, some of it not-so-dry, likely from Steve’s escapade earlier in the day.“We’ll take those and see if we can get a match to the prints we lifted from Iris Caldwell’s scene.Well, that Quantico PD lifted.Same thing.”She sighed and shook her head.“Damn it.I really wanted him to be the guy.”
“Let’s not give up yet,” Faith said.“Meyers doesn’t think he’d ditch the weapon, but I think he would.And just because he was careful with the murders doesn’t mean he doesn’t get desperate with the robberies.We’ll talk to him and see if he lets something slip during interrogation.”
“Do you think he will?”Jessica asked.
“I think he’ll tell us the truth,” Faith replied.I just don’t know if we’ll like what we hear.
Turk sniffed through the apartment but found nothing interesting aside from the boots.Faith borrowed a large plastic bag from one of the Arlington PD officers, bagged the boots, and headed downstairs, her K9 and partner following.
Meyers met them at the scene across the street.“He’s in the car,” he informed them.“He tried to act like he was in severe pain from getting hit by the car, but paramedics didn’t buy it.They wrapped his arm up and gave him ibuprofen for the bruising, but they said we’re good to take him.”
“So, we’re taking him back to Quantico?”Faith asked.
Meyers nodded.“Unless you guys have a better idea.”
“Are we all going to fit in the cruiser?”Jessica asked.
“Turk will have to ride in the baggage compartment,” Meyers replied, “but we’ll fit.”
“Then let’s get this done,” Faith said.She looked up at the darkening sky.
“Fine by me.”
As soon as they entered the cruiser, Steve said, “I’m not talking to any of you unless I have a lawyer present.”
None of them replied.If Steve wanted to talk, it meant he was nervous, and if he was nervous, then Faith was pretty confident he would quickly surrender his right to remain silent.Lots of suspects cried lawyer.Very few followed through.
Steve swallowed nervously.“I’m serious.You guys fucked up.You have nothing on me.”
Faith shifted in the front seat and placed the bagged boots on her lap where Steve could see them.“Aw, shit,” Steve muttered.
Faith smiled coldly, turning so Steve couldn’t see her.Her confidence was starting to return.Let’s see how quickly you crack, Mr.Kent.
***
“I mean it.I’m not talking to you without a lawyer.”
Faith and Jessica shared a frown.Turk growled irritably at Steve, who flinched away and added in a tremulous voice.“If he attacks me again, I’m gonna sue the shit out of you.”
“He’ll behave if you behave,” Faith replied.“As for your lawyer, we can get you a public defender.Unless you have a lawyer on retainer?”
“Screw you.Do I look like I’m made out of money?”
