The Night Is Deep (A Liam Dempsey Thriller Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

the kitchen, Valerie being attacked . . .”
    “So the intruder must have hit Valerie before attacking Owen,” Liam said.
    Sanders shrugged. “That’s what we’re thinking, right Toshi?”
    The male forensic tech nodded.
    “What was used to gain entry?” Liam asked.
    Toshi glanced at Perring, who nodded. “Some type of thin pry-bar, maybe a screwdriver, jammed in at the top of the doors and then in the center locks. They weren’t gentle, no finesse.”
    “Thanks. Keep us posted if you turn up anything else. Otherwise send me a report this afternoon,” Perring said. Toshi and the young woman both nodded and returned to their examination of the kitchen. Perring and Sanders moved into the dining room where most of the task force was seated at the table, tapping on computers. Liam followed them, glancing at several screens as he passed. There was a complex city grid on one and a spreadsheet on another. Two of the investigators were on their phones scribbling notes on legal pads.
    “Can I speak to you for a moment?” Perring asked. Sanders kept walking across the room.
    “Sure,” Liam said, following her to the vacant entryway.
    “I just need to establish a few things before we go any further here, okay?” Perring said once she’d pushed the door to the rest of the house partially closed.
    “Go right ahead.”
    “I’ve been an investigator going on twelve years, before that I was on the road for four. I’ve seen some shit. Right now I’m the lead of my unit and let me tell you, as a woman, that was not an easy position to rise to. Do not think for a second that I’m weak or will let you bully me around. It’s never happened in my career, not for lack of trying on others’ parts, mind you. This is my investigation and if your toenail so much as encroaches on improper conduct regarding this case, I will throw your ass in jail for obstruction of justice. Are we clear?”
    “Abundantly,” Liam said.
    “That’s good. Hopefully we can work together in a manner that brings Mrs. Farrow home safely.” As Perring turned to open the door, Liam stopped her.
    “Just so you know I have the utmost respect for cops, and it basically doubles for women who choose to go into law enforcement. I’m here to help and lend ideas, not to take over.”
    Perring watched him, her gaze keen and unwavering. Liam wondered how many confessions had been given under that cold stare.
    “Glad we’re on the same page,” she said.
    They reentered the dining room and found Sanders standing at its far end.
    “So what’s been done so far?” Liam asked as Sanders poured himself and Perring a cup of coffee from the pot that had been set up in the corner of the room. Sanders didn’t offer him one.
    “The neighborhood’s been canvassed already, neighbors questioned. No one saw anything, though that’s not surprising. This is a quiet neighborhood; rich, respectable, low incidence of crime. Most of the people around here are in bed by ten p.m.” Perring sipped at her coffee.
    “Some of the team is going through a list of anyone in the area who has a record. Peeping Toms, burglary, assault, anyone that might’ve seen this place and gotten ideas about stepping into the big leagues,” Sanders said.
    “But there’s been no contact with the kidnapper yet?” Liam asked, moving toward the coffeepot. He picked it up. It was nearly empty.
    “Not yet,” Perring said, “but from how everything looks here, I’m betting that it won’t be long before we hear something.”
    “Has Owen’s insurance company been contacted yet?” Liam poured a thin drizzle of coffee that barely covered the cup’s bottom. When he looked up both detectives were staring at him. “Sorry, I’ll make another pot.”
    “Why would we call his insurance company?” Sanders asked.
    “Because Owen ran for the senate awhile back. I’m assuming that when he did he took out ransom insurance. It’s pretty common for public figures. I’d wager he kept it since