Page 66 of Dirty Looks

Robert Lidle’s attorneys had shown up, but not before Jack had gotten a warrant to confiscate all electronic devices on the property, and to keep any paperwork that was in the office on the premises so wills and trusts could be examined.

A suicide was always treated as a homicide until there was a conclusive ruling from the coroner.

Jerry Gryzbowski and Leonore Collins looked like the attorneys of billionaires, but knowing what we did now about Robert Lidle I wondered who they were really here for.

They were both dressed in suits that cost several thousand dollars, and Jerry was tall and his dark hair was stylishly silvered at the temples and his nails were well manicured.

Leonore was blond and built and had the kind of flawless skin and lips that only injections could conjure. It was fortunate that the warrant had come through before they’d arrived. I had a feeling they would have confiscated everything they could get their hands on and whatever information on them would never see the light of day again.

They seemed very nervous when they found out we had access to all of the electronics belonging to Robert Lidle.

“Who exactly are you here for?” Jack asked.

“We are representing all Lidle and Lazarus enterprises,” Jerry said. “There are many delicate things that could go awry, especially now that Robert and Kitty are both dead. Competitors could use this as an opportunity to swoop in.”

“I guess it’s a good thing we’re trying to solve a murder instead of corporate espionage,” Jack said.

“It is unfortunate that Mr. Lidle took his own life,” Leonore said, smiling at Jack. “But continuing to harass a family who is dealing with so much tragedy isn’t going to look good for you in the papers.”

“You don’t say,” Jack said dryly. “You have the warrants. Because of the situation we have agreed to question everyonehere on the premises instead of arranging for everyone to come into interrogation. We appreciate your clients’ cooperation.”

Jack turned back to Martinez. “Who do you want first?”

“After your meeting this morning I think we need to talk to the three siblings. No spouses for now.”

“Well then,” Leonore said. “Let’s all go into the conservatory and get this over with. Like you said, you have a killer to catch and this family has multiple funerals to plan.”

We followed Jerry and Leonore into the room where they’d been sequestered before. It wasn’t a comfortable room. It wasn’t a comfortable house. It was all for show. Much like the family sitting in front of us.

“This treatment is absolutely ridiculous,” Phin said to the lawyers. “We’re not criminals. We’re just trying to bury our parents. None of this is our fault.”

“They’re just going through the motions because they don’t have anything else,” Jerry said gruffly. “They’re hoping something will shake loose and they’ll actually be able to make an arrest for Evie’s murder. But they don’t like the fact that your father’s head of security was identified as the one responsible for Evie’s death.”

“Is that true?” Everett asked, a small light of hope in his eyes. “It really was Alan?”

“There is no evidence to show that he was responsible for Evie’s or your mother’s deaths,” Jack said. “And unfortunately Astrid Nielsen decided to take justice into her own hands and kill him.”

“I’m glad he’s dead,” Phin said. “If he killed Evie and Mom I’m glad he’s dead. And I won’t apologize for it.”

“Everett,” Jack said. “Some very sensitive information has come to light this morning that we need to talk to the three of you about. None of you are suspects, and this isn’t a formal interview. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Mr. Lidle,” Leonore broke in, obviously seeing where Jack was going and trying to circumvent their exit. “We do not recommend you conduct any interviews, no matter how formal, without attorneys present. The company is in a very precarious situ?—”

“Out,” Everett said interrupting. “Just the three of us.”

“Don’t be stupid, Ev,” Phin said.

“If you don’t like it you can get out too,” Everett said. “I don’t give a damn about the company. Never have. This is about my daughter and our dead parents. Either sit down and shut up or get out.”

“Phin,” Janet said softly. “Sit down and hear what they have to say. Please.”

Phin stood stiffly, the attorneys flanked on either side of him. He was the heir apparent of the company so they knew where their bread was buttered.

“Fine,” Phin said. “Leave us alone.”

“Mr. Lidle,” Jerry said.

“Leave us!” he yelled. And Jerry and Leonore left the conservatory and closed the door behind them. Phin didn’t take a seat next to Everett and Janet on the couch. He stood sullenly in the corner with his arms crossed over his chest.

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