Page 43 of Shadow of Fear
The detective’s eyes narrowed, his gaze sharpened even more. Gone was the model façade. She could now see him on patrol, stopping a vehicle or arresting a suspect. “That’s unfortunate. You’ve likely contaminated the scene and could’ve disturbed evidence as well.”
“We took great care not to do that, but even if we did, we’re looking for a person who has twice fired shots at or around Kinsley, and we had to move forward in our investigation at all costs.”
Stewart took a wide stance. “Amateurs have no place in an investigation, and it should be left to law enforcement.”
Dev lifted his chin. “We aren’t amateurs. I’m a former deputy, and my brother was FBI. We’re fully versed in crime scene protocol and know what we’re doing.”
“Then that’s even worse.” Stewart’s nostrils flared. “You knew that you were disturbing the scene and could very well cause investigative problems.”
Dev shoved his hands into his pockets. “It’s not like we ran through the place ransacking it. We wore gloves and were careful to leave most things where we found them.”
“And today? Have you touched anything today besides each other?” His sarcastic grin wasn’t a surprise.
Dev cringed and took a step back.
The heat of a blush raced up her neck, and she was sure her face had flushed bright red. But she wouldn’t let it sideline her. She cleared her throat. “This is as far as we’ve gotten today, and the first time that I’m seeing the scene.”
“I’ll take a closer look at the apartment, and then I’d like you to determine if anything is missing. Other than those binders.” He gave Dev a pointed look.
“Like I said,” Dev’s eyes held a challenge, as if warning the detective to lay off, “the binders are in my SUV, and I’m glad to get them for you.”
Stewart shifted his focus to Kinsley. “What do the binders contain?”
“I’m a forensic engineer. They hold my case notes from every investigation I’ve conducted.”
“Oh, right.” He palmed his forehead. “I thought I recognized you, but I couldn’t place you. You worked the Nico Huff investigation. I was most impressed with your work. Very thorough and yet concise.”
That was unexpected and appreciated. Especially after the sarcasm, but… “I don’t remember you being on that investigation.”
“I wasn’t lead, but I assisted.” The right side of his mouth curved up as if he planned to smile, but then thought better of it. “Your work was a big help in persuading the jury to convict Huff.”
She couldn’t agree more. “He deserved to be put behind bars to pay for what he did. His negligence and greed could’ve killed a lot of people.”
Dev took a step closer. “He was just released from prison and is one of our suspects in the shootings directed at Kinsley.”
“I wouldn’t have pegged Huff as someone who would carry out his threats, but when the prisoner has time to stew about his conviction, things can fester and rupture in unpredictable ways.” Stewart turned to Dev. “So you think he’s behind this break-in too?”
Dev’s defensive posture relaxed. “Could be, or it could be the other suspect.”
Stewart lifted his hand with the pen over his notepad. “Tell me about him.”
Dev said all he needed to say. “Louis Luongo.”
Stewart’s mouth dropped open, and he blinked rapidly. “You thinkthatguy is involved?”
“It’s a longshot for sure, but we can’t rule him out.” Dev shared what they had learned. “Kinsley will get in touch with the detective who investigated Mrs. Luongo’s murder. See if he’s had any communication with him in relation to Kinsley.”
Stewart bounced from foot to foot. She didn’t blame him for being excited. Looking into a connection to a murderer versus looking at a simple break-in had to be a step up in his job. Even more so for a guy like Luongo, who was notorious in the law enforcement community.
Stewart jotted something on his notepad and looked up. “I’m glad to ask about that for you, and I’ll let you know what I learn.”
Kinsley opened her mouth to argue, but before she could, Dev nodded. “We’d appreciate the help. Can you do your walk-through so we can get out of here? The longer we stay, the greater risk that our shooter will show up.”
Stewart closed his notepad and shoved it in his pocket, then without a word picked his way through the mess to enter her living area. Kinsley tracked him as he walked until he stopped at the back wall of bookcases.
Kinsley moved closer to Dev. “I wonder why our suspect came back. Nothing looks different from your pictures, so it’s not like he wanted to trash the place even more.”
Dev nodded. “It all looks the same.”
