Waleed tapped his chin. “That name doesn’t sound familiar to me.”
Kiley narrowed her gaze. “Let’s not waste time claiming you don’t know her when in an email you threatened to retaliate if she interfered with your recent demonstration.”
He gritted his teeth for a second before a broad smile revealed perfectly aligned and pearly-white teeth. “Yes, of course. I remember now. She didn’t share our visions, and I forbid her from joining our group.”
“Just kept her out of the group? Nothing more?”
“That’s correct. I assume if you read the email, you know there was nothing more.”
“Not in emails, no, but you met with her the day before your demonstration.”
He arched a brow. “Did I?”
“You’re on her calendar.”
Unease flickered in his eyes, but he quickly controlled it. “Perhaps she fantasized about us meeting. I don’t recall such a thing.”
“The coffee shop has video,” Evan claimed, yet he had no idea if it did or not.
“I’m pretty sure you’re bluffing.” Waleed smirked. “I think I’ve been to the coffee shop she frequents, and I don’t recall seeing any cameras.”
“Right, you would never meet anywhere your dirty work could be confirmed,” Evan ground out between his teeth. “With your IT background you know what to look for.”
Waleed’s smirk widened, and Evan instantly regretted losing his cool and playing into the lowlife’s hands.
Kiley stepped closer to Waleed. “If you weren’t at the coffee shop, where were you at lunchtime on Friday?”
“Right here, preparing for the protest. There are many people who would have seen me and can vouch for my whereabouts.”
“Do you have an office here?” Evan asked.
Waleed tipped his head at the back wall where a door stood open.
“Mind if we glance inside?” Evan asked.
“I do mind.” A deadly intensity darkened Waleed’s expression.
Evan wasn’t at all put off by the man’s threatening behavior. “And where were you Saturday at eleven p.m.?”
“I’m not sure why that time’s important, but several of us were cleaning up from the demonstration.”
“And let me guess.” Evan let sarcasm fill his tone. “The same people can vouch for you then.”
“Why, yes, that’s right.” He blinked innocently.
“I’d like a list of those people and their phone numbers,” Kiley said.
“Of course. I’ll get it to you.”
“Now,” Evan growled.
“Now, now.” Waleed held up his hands. “No need to get testy. I’ll be happy to write them down. I left my phone in my office. Wait here.”
He took a leisurely stroll toward the back of the room.
Evan had no plans to stay there. “Let’s get a look at his office.”
He gestured for Kiley to go ahead, as he wanted to make sure she was safe. On the way through the room, he snapped pictures of bulletin boards to later analyze for any leads. He also grabbed the drink cup Waleed had set down and pocketed it to have it run for DNA for comparison purposes.
