Maggie snorted. “I’m not sure the union will pay your fees.”
His dark, masculine gaze fixed her like a black hole from some surreal galaxy. “Lieutenant Delaney,” he said in a low, clipped tone. “Since you can’t be here in an official capacity due to your relationship with Officer Lombardi, are you here to give my client moral support?”
“I just want to ask a few questions.”
“The gentlemen from Internal Affairs have already done that.”
“So I saw. I want to hear what Tony has to say.” She pulled out a chair without waiting for his invitation and sat down. She leaned toward Tony.
“Lieutenant,” Brooks warned.
Maggie ignored him. “What happened tonight?”
Tony put his head down again, began pulling at his hair. “I didn’t do it, Aunt Mag. I didn’t shoot Perez. He’s my friend. He’s like an older brother to me. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt him. I’m dating his sister, for God’s sake.”
“His sister?” Good Lord.
“Lieutenant,” Brooks said again.
She shot up a hand. “Are you sure it wasn’t an accident?”
“No, it wasn’t an accident,” he said as softly as a prayer.
She leaned closer. “Tony, Perez was shot from behind. The other shooters were on the hill in front of you.”
“I know it doesn’t make sense, but I didn’t pull the trigger on my weapon until I was past Perez. I know it.”
“It was your first gunfight. It’s easy for your mind to play tricks on you. It’s hard to remember things accurately.”
Brooks put out a hand. “That’s enough, Lieutenant. Don’t answer her, Tony.”
Tony slammed his fist on the table. “My mind is not playing tricks on me. I know what I did.”
Brooks came around the table. “Lieutenant, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
“One more minute,” Maggie snapped. “Tony, just let yourself think. Try to remember.”
Tony ran his hands over his face. “Remember? I can’t get it out of my mind. All I can hear is the blast of gunfire.” His eyes filled with tears and his voice broke with emotion. “Is Perez all right? The ambulance took him away. Is he going to live?”
Maggie swallowed. “I don’t know. He’s in surgery.”
The poor young man laid his head on his arms and began to sob. “Oh God, please let him live. Let him live.”
Brooks inhaled loudly and stared down at his manicured nails, as if suppressing a violent storm he could unleash any moment. “I would hate to press harassment charges against the head of the mayor’s dream team.”
She glared up at him. “You don’t have to. I’m leaving.”
His gaze locked with hers. Almost imperceptibly, his lip turned up at the corner. What did that look mean? Triumph? Gloating? Or had he just enjoyed sparring with her? What an egomaniac.
She reached across the table and patted the grieving officer on the hand. “Hang in there, Tony,” she said softly. “I’ll do what I can for you.” At the moment, she didn’t think that would be much.
Chicago Cop (A cop family thriller)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Writing fiction for over fifteen years, Linsey Lanier authored more than a dozen novels and short stories, including the popular Miranda’s Rights Mystery series. She writes romantic suspense, mysteries, and thrillers with a dash of sass.
She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Kiss of Death chapter, Private Eye Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers. Her books have been nominated in several RWA-sponsored contests.
Living outside a major city with her husband of over two decades, Linsey enjoys watching crime shows with him and trying to figure out “who-dun-it.”
She’s always working on a new book. To keep up with her releases feel free to join Linsey’s mailing list at linseylanier.com.
Connect with Linsey Online
Linsey’s website: http://www.linseylanier.com
Linsey’s blog: http://www.linseylanier.blogspot.com
Facebook: facebook.com/linsey.lanier
Twitter: @LinseyLanier
A Final Word:
My thanks to all my wonderful writing sisters in Georgia Romance Writers and RWA.
And most of all, thank you, dear reader, for choosing my book. You make it all worthwhile.
Copyright © 2015 Linsey Lanier
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Thank you for respecting the author’s work and helping her earn a living.
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