by Deanna Lee
"I don't make a habit of asking my brother the intimate details of his life, but he knew I would have been displeased if he'd taken to dating the employees."
"Did Marcus know about your past relationship with the victim?"
"Yes. He'd come home shortly before Janie took the job at Still Waters. We had several occasions to socialize, and he knew that we were lovers.” He glanced down at the recording station between them and then met her gaze. “The night Donna LaRoux was murdered, my brother was on a transport flight from New York."
"Your friend, John Deets, was in attendance at the party. Do you consider him to be a dangerous man?"
Alex openly glared at her for the first time and put his bottle of water down on the table. “John is a troubled man, but I've never known him to be violent with women. In fact, in the ten years that I've known him, I've never known him to be involved with a woman."
"Where was John Deets when your brother, Marcus, returned to tell you about the body in the alley?"
"He was hitting on the drummer from my brother's band. From what I could see, he was successful in his endeavor.” Alex cleared his throat and picked up the water.
"When Marcus came to tell you about the body, what did he say?"
"He was shaky, and to be honest, not making a lot of sense. I don't remember ever seeing him like that; it was a little shocking. After a couple of questions, I was able to find out that he'd discovered a body in the alley when he'd gone out to smoke."
"Did he say Janie's name?"
"No, not until we were out in the alley. I honestly don't think he even looked at her face the first time he saw her. When I knelt down to check her pulse, he realized who it was."
"It must have been very difficult to find your friend and ex-lover in such a way."
"Yes, it was."
Kyra reached out and turned off the station. “Thank you."
Alex stood immediately. “You don't honestly think that Marcus could do something like that?"
"No, I don't think it. But I have to ask. My world doesn't exist only on hunches and instinct. I don't leave holes for assholes to escape through in my cases. Every witness is thoroughly screened and questioned, despite what I already know about them."
"Had I known this was how it would be, I would have suggested that Marcus have an advocate on hand."
"He doesn't need a lawyer.” Kyra stood up and picked up her p-pc. “If you want, you can observe his interview."
As she moved away from the table, Alex grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. “I'm trying to remember that you're just doing your job."
"Good. You should also realize that this interview is being monitored.” She looked pointedly at his hand and took a step away from him when he released her. “If you'll follow me, I'll let you into the observation deck so that you can make sure I don't pick on your brother."
* * * *
Alex watched as Kyra took a seat across from Marcus. She looked every inch the cop she was. “You don't have to babysit me, Constable."
Ana looked up from her p-pc. “Actually, I do. Civilians aren't allowed in observation areas without an escort. Besides, you're pretty, so it isn't too much of a hardship for me."
He laughed. “Thanks."
"You're welcome.” She looked out to the interview room and cleared her throat. “I know you're probably pissed about the way she questioned you."
"She's doing her job."
"Yes, she is.” Ana stood and walked to the window to stand beside him. “When I found out I was going to be her partner, I nearly threw up."
"Why?"
"Because she's that good. She's tough and unreasonable at times, but she never asks a question that doesn't need asking, and she never sets out to hurt anyone. I've barely been her partner a full day and I know without a single doubt that she would die for me. That sort of dedication doesn't just happen, and when she invites someone into her life, it's because she wants him or her there. I'm her partner because she wanted it to be that way."
"So, is it your job as her partner to pat her lover on the head when she makes him mad?"
Ana chuckled. “Well, like I said, you are pretty."
"A grown man doesn't really like to be called pretty, Constable."
"Can't change the facts.” Ana shrugged and reached over to turn on the speaker. “She's ready to begin."
* * * *
"How many times did you go into the alley that night."
Marcus shook his head. “Not many, maybe three before I found her."
"Did you recognize her when you saw her that first time?"
"No. I don't even remember looking for Alex. I've seen my share of violence, Inspector, but what I saw in that alley isn't like anything I've ever seen before. For a moment I don't even think I understood what I was seeing."
Kyra looked over his face, saw the grief that still lingered there, and regretted what she would ask next. “Did you kill Janie Monroe?"
He sat back abruptly in the chair and wordlessly shook his head. “No. Of course not."
"When was the last time you saw the victim?"
"Friday morning she came by to pick up her check. I teased her about not trusting electronic delivery. She mentioned that she wouldn't be at the party because of her son, but wished me well on my performance.” He glanced over her shoulder to the mirrored observation window and then met her eyes. “Do I need an advocate?"
"Not as far as I'm concerned. Do you think you need an advocate?"
"No. I had nothing to do with what happened to Janie."
"Did you see anything or anyone in that alley before you found Janie?"
"A homeless man named Gary came through around seven looking for some food. Since the event was catered, the uneaten food had already been allotted to a shelter on Canal. I told him that, and he left. The alley was empty after that."
* * * *
Ana Salanti was sitting on a bench in front of her locker, pointedly ignoring the other women in the room. Being a cop wasn't easy, but being a female cop came with a set of challenges and obstacles so daunting that it could be overwhelming. She'd had a dream come true this morning. Getting a partner like Kyra Moray just wasn't something someone could plan for. She knew it was probationary until she passed the sergeant's test, but the step up she'd received was like a kick in the ass.
"I guess you'll actually have to study for the sergeant's test now."
Ana blushed and met her former partner's gaze. “Yeah."
"I heard she's a real hard-ass.” Casey Mills sat astride the bench just down from her. “It must be something else to be given an assignment like this in the middle of a serial killer case."
"I earned the assignment."
"I heard she asked for you specifically,” Casey muttered.
Ana shrugged. She stood and closed her locker. Maybe, she thought, she would clean out the locker and wear her uniform into work until she could pass the sergeant's test. Disgusted with her cowardly thoughts, Ana checked her off-duty weapon in her waist holster and pulled on a lightweight jacket.
"You've been on the job less than five years. There are men and women here who've been on the job a hell of a lot longer than that. Do you think you deserve to be given an opportunity none of them have been given?” Casey stood and met Ana's gaze.
"I did my job, and my work got noticed."
"Yeah, well, I was right there along with you. I just wasn't kissing her ass.” Casey stood from the bench and turned her back on Ana.
"I didn't kiss the inspector's ass to get this position, and even if I'd thought that kissing her or anyone else's ass would have gotten me this kind of opportunity, I wouldn't have done it. Do you think, for a moment, that I don't get how lucky I am? She's the youngest inspector in the entire city. When she was promoted to the head of Major Crimes last year, it changed a lot of things around here. Most for the better."
"I know.” Casey rubbed the back of her neck and shrugged. “It's just ... hell, I know you deserve the chance.
I just think I do, too!"
"I know that. But I'm in no position to make demands. I've already put my foot in it once with her. You can't expect me to do it again."
"I don't.” Casey sat down on the bench again and crossed her arms over her chest. She met Ana's gaze briefly and then dropped her gaze to the floor. “I'll just have to make sure that I catch her attention, too. I'm an asset to this district."
"You are good at what you do.” Ana sighed. “Doing your job right the first time is what counts around here."
"It's good that you think so."
Ana jerked and turned to see Kyra. “Inspector Moray."
"We've got another body.” Kyra looked at Casey. “Constable Mills."
Casey rose from the bench, a blush stealing across her cheeks. “Inspector."
"You'll need to report to the coordinator of the watch for your new orders."
* * * *
Ana checked her badge hanging on the chain around her neck and then looked at Kyra. “I'm going to ask an insulting question."
Kyra shrugged. “Go ahead. If you're lucky, I won't punch you."
"What did you do to Casey Mills?"
"I didn't do anything to Constable Mills. I took her partner, and I recognized that she was on those scenes with you. I checked her employment file over, and when the commander reassigned you to me, I suggested that she be transferred to Anti-Crime. A position she can stay in on the same conditions you face. Anti-Crime is a high-traffic unit with a great rate of arrest and conviction."
"Oh."
"If she hates it or if she spends entirely too much time compared to every other woman in the unit dressed as a hooker, let me know."
"Okay.” Ana blew air through her lips. “Sorry."
"No problem; this is new for both of us.” Kyra glanced at her. “You don't look comfortable."
"I've never worked out of uniform.” She checked her gun again. “I should have changed."
"Ah, well, there's a first time for everything. You need to get used to it. The uniform does lend itself to a certain image. A lot of people respond to it, but it isn't what makes you a cop.” Kyra sighed and engaged her comm-u. “For the next two minutes, I'm going to pretend you aren't in this vehicle.” Kyra wished like hell she hadn't paid attention to dispatch when they'd called in the body. “Hey, I'm going to have to cancel dinner."
"Lady, you're lucky I like you.” Alex sighed in her ear.
"Yeah, I know.” She looked at Ana, who was silent and grinning. “I doubt I'll be home at all tonight. I've caught another body."
"That doesn't sound promising."
"No. Is the press still hounding you?"
"A few calls here and there."
"We've got a press conference scheduled for first thing in morning. I can't guarantee it's going to get the press off your back. We are going to have to call in a fed for a profile of the killer. They'll be calling him a serial killer by tomorrow afternoon."
"Be careful, and you owe me something profoundly dirty for skipping out on dinner."
"Deal.” Kyra was silent for a moment after he ended the call. “I'm in so much trouble with that man."
"We should all be in that kind of trouble,” Ana responded dryly.
Kyra had to laugh. “Yeah."
"So, what do you know about the scene so far?"
"State trooper found her on the side of the road. She has some skin missing, so they kicked it to me because of the two bodies we already have with that distinctive trait."
"That's a pretty far stretch from his previous two dumping grounds."
"Yeah."
* * * *
The young woman had been tossed aside like garbage. Kyra circled the body. “Ana, make sure the privacy screens are arranged so drivers can't see the body.” There was no need for some slaphappy driver to snag a picture of her murder scene with their p-pc. “Tell me what you see, Jeffrey."
"The removal of the skin on her left shoulder blade is precise and well done. That's certainly the mark of our boy."
"The other victims weren't mutilated like this."
"No, whoever killed her was very angry.” He motioned to a series of stab wounds that spread over her body from just below her breasts all the way down to her lower thighs. “The pattern is frenzied. I'll know more once I get her into the lab. I'd say we're dealing with the same guy."
"It doesn't make any sense.” Kyra squatted down and with a gloved hand brushed the woman's hair from her face. “Ah, Christ.” For a moment, she simply stared at the face of Stacey Valteau.
"You know her."
"Yes.” Kyra stood and tilted back her head a little. There wasn't enough fresh air in the world suddenly. She dragged in several deep breaths. “Stacey Valteau."
"Noel Valteau's daughter?"
"Yeah."
Jeffrey Parker stood and motioned to his team. “I'll get back to you with anything I can find."
"Yeah."
"There was nothing in her mouth, by the way."
Kyra absorbed that fact and looked around the scene. “Who's the trooper who found her?"
"That would be me, ma'am."
Kyra looked over the young man's face and nodded. “My partner will take your statement."
She engaged her comm-u and input the code for the Smythe House. Neal Valteau answered with a cheerful greeting. Kyra felt guilt stir in her gut. “Neal, it's Kyra Moray. I need you to meet me at the diner."
"Kyra, I'm swamped. I have two new intakes, and it's nearly the dinner hour."
"Neal, I need you to meet me at the diner. It's important."
Neal was silent for a moment. “Has something happened to my dad?"
"Not that I'm aware of."
"I'll be there in twenty minutes."
Kyra ended the transmission and looked at Ana, who was talking with the state trooper. She met her gaze and motioned toward her vehicle.
* * * *
"I've known Noel Valteau since I was five years old.” Kyra's hand tightened into a fist, and her gaze went to the entrance of the diner. “His wife died four years ago; she had ovarian cancer. Some fucking modern world we live in."
"Cancer isn't fatal anymore."
"She didn't believe in going to the doctor. All that nanotechnology repair stuff really freaked her out.” Kyra grimaced. “She could have lived another forty years if she'd taken care of herself."
"Do you want me to do this?"
She shook her head. “No, but thanks for offering.” She straightened her shoulders as Neal Valteau approached them. He'd been leaning on his car when they'd pulled into the parking lot. “Neal."
"Kyra.” He glanced briefly at Ana and then focused on her face again. “What's wrong?"
"I'm going to be blunt. It's the only way I know how to say it."
"I've always admired that about you."
"Stacey is dead. She was discovered a little over an hour ago on the highway."
Neal paled and closed his eyes; he barely acknowledged Ana when she grabbed hold of him to steady him. “I'm all right."
"You look like you might faint,” Ana murmured. “Do you think we can get your father to close the diner? It might be best if he got this news at home."
"Neal."
He met Kyra's gaze unflinching. “There's more."
"Yes. At this point, it's believed that Stacey is a victim of the same man who killed the waitress that worked here."
"The press is speculating...” Neal closed his mouth tightly and looked toward his father's diner. “He can't take it, Kyra. Not again. Losing my mother was like a knife in his heart. To have Stacey taken so violently from us ... I'm just not sure how he'll react."
"We don't have much of a choice.” Kyra shared a look with Ana and then looked at the diner. “I'm going to go in and speak to your father alone. When it's done, I'll leave and you do what you can to keep him calm. Constable Salanti will clean out the diner in the meantime."
"Yeah."
Kyra left them both standing in th
e parking lot. Her quick, long-legged stride brought her to the entrance of the diner, and with a heavy heart, she went inside. Noel Valteau was behind the counter and offered her a soft smile. She watched the smile fade as she focused on him intently. He swallowed hard, and with a jerk of his head motioned her back to his office. She followed along behind him, knowing that for the first time in her life she was about to break a man's heart.
* * * *
Ana helped pass out the last of the to-go containers and looked at Neal. He was sitting in a booth near the back of the diner, silent and devastated. The woman in her wanted to gather him up and make it all go away. The cop in her wanted bloody unforgiving justice against the man who'd torn Stacey Valteau away from her family.
The last of the waitstaff handed her the front door keycard and left. She locked up and looked around. “I've never been in here when it was so empty."
"Dad has always done well with this place.” Neal cleared his throat and looked back toward the office. “I'm not sure what to do to help him."
"Just be there.” Ana slid into the booth across from him. “You'll need each other a lot right now. It's okay to depend on each other."
"Yeah."
She covered his hand with hers and squeezed gently. “Some say Kyra is obsessed with justice."
"I hope so."
"We can't make it right, Neal. But we'll make him pay for it."
They both jumped when the office door opened and Kyra came out. Her eyes were wild and hard. “Let's go."
Neal stood and took the keycard Ana offered him. “I know you'll do what you can."
"Yes,” Ana murmured.
Ana followed Kyra out of the building and glanced back just once to watch Neal Valteau relock the door. Kyra was silent in the driver's seat as she fastened her harness.
"Kyra?"
"I've been working in Major Crimes since I was twenty-one years old. I started with this sense of hope that I could make a difference."
"You have."
"I had all of these grand ideals about how morally right it would be to stand up for the dead or the victimized. I wanted to defend the dignity of those who were taken from us unnaturally."
"There is nothing wrong with that."
"Noel Valteau laid his head in my lap and cried like a baby.” She took in a deep breath. “There is no justice for grief like that."