Twisted Vines by Carole Price

Author:Carole Price
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gale, Cengage Learning
Published: 2012-04-15T00:00:00+00:00

Standing in the threshold of Novak Investigations, a combination of guilt and sadness flowed through Cait. She reflected on her last visit to Novak's office when she accused him of negligence. She glanced around the office and again wondered if his murder in her garage had been intended as a warning for her. Why else did it happen there?

Detective Rook greeted RT and Cait at the door with latex gloves. “Put these on.” Lights flashed as a uniformed officer snapped pictures of the destruction.

“Sweet Jesus,” RT said. “Looks like hell on wheels rolled through here.”

“Close enough,” Rook agreed.

Like others in the neighborhood, the small house had been converted into offices. Desk drawers and filing cabinets had been tossed, computers smashed, magazines strewn across the floor.

Cait stared at the mess. “I'm curious why you asked me to come.”

“You said you wanted to be involved.” He led them back to Novak's office next to the kitchen.

Aside from the stale cigar odor clinging to the room, Cait noticed Novak's commendation dismantled on his desk. “This was hanging on the wall. It's how I knew he'd been a cop.”

“I found a couple things taped to the back.” Rook picked up a sheet of paper, unfolded it and handed it to her.

She glanced at it. “Why would he have a list of the actors who will be at the festival?”

“I thought you might know. When you were here, did Novak ask about anyone on that list?”

Her eyes ran down the list again. “No.”

“Odd it was hidden like that,” he said.

“Did you ask his deputy?”

Rook stared at her. “What deputy?”

“The receptionist said he had a part-time deputy.”

“I'll ask her about him.” Rook picked up a strip of black-and-white photos and handed it to RT. “That was also taped on the back. Look familiar?”

Cait shrugged. “No, should it? A couple of teenagers taken in one of those old photo booths.”

RT shook his head. “Sorry, I haven't a clue.” He returned the picture to Rook.

“Worth a try.” Rook picked up a blank business envelope off the floor and slipped the sheet and photo strip inside. “People hide things in the strangest places. Appreciate your coming out.”

Puzzled, Cait said, “That's it?”

“Correct me if I'm wrong, but did you not say this investigation was stuck in mediocrity? That I needed your help?”

Cait felt heat flush her cheeks. “Maybe I was a little quick to judge.”

RT chuckled, then ducked his head as Cait pretended to swat him.

“Did you check for Tasha's folder in the file cabinet?” Cait pointed at the papers tossed on the floor. “Or on the floor?”

“Not yet,” Rook said.

“Can I ask a favor—” Cait said.

“Is it legal?”

She rolled her eyes. “I'd like to see Marcus Singer's file sometime soon.”

Rook frowned. “Cait—”

She smiled. She wouldn't force the issue, because she knew she could take the long way around and call her commander for interference.

“You already know Singer served time,” Rook said. “What are you looking for?”

“Maybe more information about him, since he now works for me. Wouldn't you?”

Rook raised his hands in the air as if he gave up.

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