Murder on Sagebrush Lane (4 page)

10

“Your Honor, I realize this is an unusual request. Believe me, this case is already causing upheaval in the law enforcement community. Both the FBI and the local LEOs are involved. Sandia has instituted intense security measures, and there is real cause to believe this child is in imminent danger. An intervention is necessary to place the little girl in protective custody. She needs more than CYFD can provide her.”

Judge Connors looked over the top of his reading glasses. “I’m not convinced this is the best approach. This child,” he looked down at the paper in front of him, “Katie, is only two years old.”

He turned to DJ. “Tell me Agent Scott. What makes you think you and your wife can care for a young, traumatized child better than the professionals?”

“Judge Connors, my wife and I have been with Katie Rinaldi since early this morning. She showed up at our home at 5 a.m., barefoot, unable to speak, and smeared with blood. We located her home, saw the front door standing open, and observed an individual watching us from an upstairs bedroom window. We still don’t know who that person might be, we don’t know if Katie saw the murder, or if she saw who did it. We don’t even know if the murderer knows about Katie.” DJ got up and paced the room, then turned back to Judge Connors.

“We’ve bonded with this child. She trusts us. We can protect her, and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.”

Before he spoke, the judge removed his glasses and carefully placed them on his desk. He leaned back in his chair. “Agent Scott, I’m inclined to go along with you on this. A big thing in your favor is your position with the FBI. But I want assurances from you. I want you to stay in touch with me. Keep me informed of anything unusual that develops in the case, and if anyone shows an interest in Katie, I want to know about it.”

“You have my word, Sir, and you won’t be sorry.”

“I’m counting on that,” the judge said. “I’ll have my secretary notify CYFD to stand down. They won’t be happy about it though.”

When DJ had a signed copy of the order in his hand, he and Steve turned to leave.

Judge Connors spoke one last time. “Gentlemen, don’t make me regret this. I’m trusting you to ensure this child’s safety.”

“We will, Your Honor. We will.”

Back in the car, DJ pulled out his cell phone to call Harrie. “Yes, Sweetheart, I have the papers in my hand. If they show up before we get back, ask them to wait.”

Steve grinned. “Let’s hope they don’t show up before we get back. I’m not sure CYFD is prepared to take on both our wives. You know what they say about mama bears and their cubs.”

“Yeah, well, CYFD would be better off taking on that mama bear than they would either Harrie or Ginger. And both of them at the same time I wouldn’t wish on our worst terrorist.”

On the way back to DJ and Harrie’s house, they discussed possible security measures and other logistical problems that needed attention.

“Do you think they’ll let you back in that house to get Katie’s clothes and toys?”

DJ nodded. “I think we can arrange it. Maybe I can get Swannie to bring us what we need. I don’t really want Harrie in there.”

Steve said, “Maybe you should reconsider coming to our house to stay tonight. You know, we have a security system too, and it’s far enough away from your neighborhood that no one would know where you are.”

DJ nodded. “I know, and you probably have a good point. But I want to make this as easy as possible on Harrie. Let’s see how it goes tonight. Swannie said he would put on an extra patrol.”

“Okay, but promise me if you change your mind, or if anything happens, you’ll call us. We’ll go ahead and get the guest rooms ready, just in case.”

They turned onto Harrie and DJ’s street and noticed there were still black FBI vehicles parked in front of the murder scene. Two APD cars sat in the driveway of the home. Steve slowed his vehicle as they drove past. “It looks like it’s mostly your guys there now. Should we stop and see about picking up the clothes?”

DJ said, “No. Keep driving and don’t look at the house.”

Steve turned to him. “Why? Is there a problem?”

“I’m not sure.” DJ dialed a number. “Swannie, it’s DJ. We’re almost there, but don’t say anything to Harrie and Ginger yet. I need you to call your guy at the murder scene. We just drove past. There’s a lilac bush on the north side of the house. An individual is hiding there, peeking in the window.”

11

Harrie watched Lt. Swanson, who frowned as he snapped his cell phone shut and returned it to his pocket.

“What’s wrong, Swannie?” She set her coffee cup down. The three of them, Harrie, Ginger, and Swannie, had been sitting at the breakfast bar, talking about the thing on everybody’s mind: What would happen to Katie when this was all over?

“Uh—nothing really. They just need me back down at the crime scene. I hope you and Ginger don’t mind waiting by yourselves. DJ and Steve should be back any minute.” He turned to go, and Harrie darted a look at Ginger. They both got up from the bar and hastened to head off Swannie before he could leave.

Harrie put her hand on Swannie’s left arm as he reached for the door. “What’s wrong? Tell us what’s going on.”

He let out a breath, turned back to the two women, and shook his head. “No offense, ladies, but the two of you are a couple of bloodhounds. If you ever want to join the homicide unit, I’ll put in a word for you. But for now, could you just let me get back to work?”

Harrie followed him out the door and saw Steve’s car turn into her driveway. “You’re in luck, Lieutenant. Your rescue has arrived, and our attention is now locked on what DJ and Steve have to tell us.” She chuckled and gave him a friendly pat on the arm as she released her grip.

Swannie nodded at the two men as they exited the car. “They’re all yours, fellas. Good luck with keeping them in line. I’ll call you when I know anything new.”

They watched as Swannie drove back toward the crime scene. Ginger could no longer contain herself.

“What happened? You have to tell us every detail. We’ve been sitting here dying for information.”

Steve related the details of their meeting with Judge Connors. DJ filled in his part and looked at his watch, “Have you heard anything from CYFD?”

Harrie shook her head. “Nothing. From what was said earlier, I expected them long before now.”

“I guess Judge Connors did what he promised. He said he’d get in touch with the social worker assigned to Katie’s case and explain he was granting us temporary custody.”

Harrie threw her arms around DJ. “Oh, thank you, Honey, thank you. This is the best news I’ve heard all day.”

“Speaking of our little guest, where is she?”

“When Ginger and I last checked on her she was still sound asleep. I’ll go see if she’s awake yet.”

As soon as Harrie left the room, Ginger said, “I hope you’ve reconsidered staying here with Katie. You really should come home with us. It can’t be safe here with a killer still out there.”

DJ was spared the need to answer by the doorbell ringing. He opened the door and grinned at the sight of his mother standing there. “I wondered how long it would take you to come see what was happening.”

Caroline Johnson frowned at her son, and strode past him. “All right, I’ve been very patient, and now you’re going to tell me exactly what’s going on here. There are police cars all over this neighborhood, and I want answers.”

She stopped in her tracks when she saw both Steve and Ginger sitting at the breakfast bar.

“Did someone declare a holiday and not tell me? Why are all of you gathered here, and where is Harrie?”

“Here I am, Caroline,” Harrie said as she returned to the family room. “I have with me a young lady I’m sure you’ll enjoy getting to know. Meet Miss Katie Rinaldi. She’ll be staying with us for a while.”

Katie rubbed her sleepy eyes and looked around at the grown-ups watching her. Her face brightened with a big grin, and she reached out her little arms to the stunned Caroline.

“Gamma?”

12

Lt. Bob Swanson was bone tired, and it was barely noon. His frustration from earlier in the day had shifted from annoyance at having this case assigned to the FBI, to relief that he wouldn’t need to deal with the national security issues. The nuts and bolts of the homicide investigation would still be his. He had a good team, and their work today had been extensive. The FBI team had been sequestered in one of the upstairs bedrooms earlier, and Swannie and his guys had taken over the kitchen for their work.

In an unusual turn of events, it was decided that the initial interviews would be conducted at the Rinaldi house. It was a large home and offered good separation. Swannie had claimed the kitchen for his interviews because it was a large room at the back of the house, next to the dining room. It was relatively secluded and far enough from the living room, where the body had been found.

“Lieutenant, here’s the individual we found looking in the window of the house.” Officer Harley escorted the woman in through the back door. He had been stuck babysitting the nosey neighbor and was only too glad to turn her over to Swannie.

“Thanks, Harley.” Swannie looked at the woman standing before him and inwardly groaned.
It had to be this one, didn’t it?
She clutched a large straw handbag protectively to her chest. He looked down at the notes the officer had handed him.

“Your name is Winnie Devlin, and I see here that you live next door, is that correct?”

“Why yes, Lieutenant, that is my name, and I see you remember me from our brief talk this morning.” She dipped her head demurely and almost succeeded in blushing. If her attempt at coyness hadn’t been so disturbing, it might have been funny.

“Please have a seat.” Lt. Swanson gestured to a chair opposite him. Winnie looked around the room, as though taking inventory. As she sat down, her eyes were still busy drinking in her surroundings. He cleared his throat, and she brought her attention back to him.

“Mrs. Devlin, why were you peeking in the windows of a crime scene?”

Winnie drew herself up indignantly, her initial flirtatious behavior gone. “I beg your pardon. I do not ‘peek’ in windows.”

“Then what you would call it?”

She raised her chin in defiance. “I call it being neighborly.”

Lt. Swanson suppressed a grin. “Oh, really. And just how were you being neighborly?”

Winnie fixed him with a beady stare. “Did you, or did you not come knocking on my door early this morning asking for my help?”

“Ma’am, we’ve been interviewing the neighbors on this block all morning. As I recall, you didn’t have any information to offer when I visited you. Did that change? Do you actually have information for us now?”

“I don’t much like your tone, Lieutenant.” Winnie stood up. “I thought I would do my civic duty and offer to help the police. But if you’re going to continue to insult me like that, I’ll just be going home.” She and her handbag turned to leave.

Swannie stood. “Mrs. Devlin, please sit back down. I’m not finished with you.”

The woman turned back. She seemed uncertain of her next move. “May I have a glass of water?”

It was all Swannie could do to suppress the exasperation he felt welling up inside him. He turned to the closest officer a few feet away. “Harley, could you please find a glass and give this lady a drink of water?” He turned back to Winnie. “Please, Mrs. Devlin. Sit down. I have a few more questions for you.”

Winnie, still looking petulant, resumed her seat at the table. Officer Harley returned with a small paper cup filled with water from the faucet. She took the cup and looked at it with barely concealed distain. “Well, if this is the best you can do, thanks.”

Officer Harley rolled his eyes, and Swannie shot him a stern look that said, “
Zip it!
”

Winnie drained the cup and looked around expectantly for Officer Harley. Swannie gave the woman a look of annoyance, took the cup from her, and set it down on the table. He made an attempt at a smile.

“Okay, let’s get back to why you came here. Do you have information relevant to this case?”

“I may have, but I need to look around the house first.”

Swannie frowned. “I’m sorry, did you just say you need to look around the house?”

“Of course, Lieutenant. I really need to see where the murder happened, and I must look in the other rooms to see what’s out of place. Surely that’s what all you detectives do.” She leaned in toward Swannie, her tone one of confidentiality. “I don’t imagine you’ve heard, but I’m quite an investigator. Why you could say that detecting is my hobby.” She sat back in her chair with a smug smile.

Swannie sat for a moment, and simply stared at her. The woman was unbelievable. “I’m afraid we can’t allow civilians to roam around our crime scene, Mrs. Devlin. If that’s all you have for us, I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave now. Officer Harley will show you out.”

Officer Harley had magically reappeared and said, “Come with me, Ma’am.”

But Winnie wasn’t having any of that. “Wait a minute.” She turned to Officer Harley who had his hand on her arm, pulling her up, and ready to show her out forcibly if need be.

“I haven’t told you about the people I saw early this morning. I didn’t think about it when you came to my door. But then I remembered, and thought I should tell you about them. I’m sure they were up to no good. They were acting real suspicious.”

Swannie studied this strange obnoxious woman. Could she really have anything of value to offer, or was this another ploy to get closer to the investigation? Her nosiness was so apparent he was inclined to write her off as just another nut job. But he couldn’t afford to do that. What if she really did have information they needed?

He nodded at Officer Harley, who released his grip on the woman’s arm. She pulled away from him and sat back down.

Swannie took out his notebook and clicked his pen. “Okay, tell me about these people you saw this morning.”

Winnie went into great detail about a bladder problem that caused her to be up several times during the night. After these bathroom excursions, she always went to look out her bedroom window. She felt it was her duty to make sure the neighborhood was safe. She remarked that she’d seen quite a few people over the years taking late night or early morning strolls. She explained she was just safety conscious and on the alert for trouble.

“So you can imagine how shocking it was to see this man and woman walking past my house early this morning.” She sat back, as though waiting for encouragement.

Swannie had an odd feeling about this. “Do you remember approximately what time this was?”

Winnie narrowed her eyes. “Why does that matter?”

Swannie looked at her and shook his head. “I need it for my report, okay? What time did you see these people?”

Winnie seemed to accept this. “It must have been about 6 a.m. I remember thinking it was too early for decent people to be roaming around our neighborhood.”

“Can you describe this man and woman?”

Winnie’s brow furrowed, her concentration seeming to take everything she had. “Well, the man was really tall, and the woman was sort of short.”

“Did you notice what color hair they had?”

Winnie thought for a moment. “I’m pretty sure his hair was black and hers was purple.”

Swannie stopped writing. “Purple?”

Winnie frowned. “Wait a minute. No, it was a hat. She had on a purple hat.”

“But what color was her hair?”

The frown on Winnie’s face deepened as she tried to produce this bit of information. “Red! That’s it! Her hair was red!” Her face glowed with relief. She had produced a clue.

Swannie put down his pen and sat back. “Tell me, Mrs. Devlin, did this tall black-haired man and the short red-haired woman have a little girl with them?

Winnie’s eyes went wide with surprise. “How did you know that? Who told you about them?”

Swannie shoved his chair back and rose. “Thank you, Mrs. Devlin. We appreciate your concern. If we need any more information, we’ll be in touch. Officer Harley, please show Mrs. Devlin out.”

But Winnie would not be dismissed so abruptly. “Wait a minute. I’ve supplied you with vital information, and this is the thanks I get? I could identify these criminals.”

“We’ll check it out, and if we need anything else, we’ll let you know. Good day.”

When Officer Harley returned from showing her out he said, “What’s the matter Lieutenant? Wasn’t that a good lead?”

“No, it wasn’t, Harley. In case you didn’t notice, that woman just identified DJ Scott and his wife, and they happened to be the ones who reported this mess.” He shook his head. “I hope we’ve seen the last of her.”