Page 60 of The Lieutenant

“That’s fine, Alisa. Show them in. Please.” I didn’t bother returning to my seat. They wouldn’t be staying very long.

Two men walked in, both in poorly designed suits. I found it interesting since both men were from wealthy families. While they weren’t influenced by the power and influence of our family, they were also smart enough to learn years before challenging us wouldn’t be good for their careers.

They’d been the two detectives to question Dimitrios after Theo’s initial broadcast. While they’d come away with nothing, it was obvious they were continuing their investigation.

“What can I do for you?” I asked.

“We’d like to speak to you alone, Mr. Nomikos.”

“And you are?”

“Detective Costos. This is my partner, Detective Livas.”

“There’s nothing you’re about to say my assistant isn’t allowed to hear.” Kara’s expression marked her surprise. Maybe I should continue surprising her until I received exactly what I wanted.

Her full surrender.

“Very well,” Costos stated. “We’d like to ask you about your relationship with Theo Artino.”

“Relationship? We don’t have either a personal or professional relationship.”

“That’s not what we hear. It’s our understanding you spoke with Mr. Artino night before last,” Detective Livas added. There was a pause to gauge my reaction.

There was none.

Even if I was seething inside. The only person who could have said anything about our meeting was Marco. If he’d betrayed me, I’d carve my initials on every inch of his body.

“Yes, we had a conversation about his broadcast, which I’m certain you determined was the case. He was kind enough to let me know he was in the process of recanting his statement because of bad information he’d received.”

The two detectives looked at each other. Did they honestly believe they had any chance of ruffling my feathers?

“Are you suggesting someone is out to get you, Mr. Nomikos?” Livas seemed very interested in my answer.

“I’m merely stating a fact. Mr. Artino was provided with false details about incidents that never occurred. He was aware of this and was righting the wrong, so to speak. I told him how much I appreciated his candor.”

They weren’t happy with my answer.

“I need to ask you where you were last night between the hours of six and nine p.m.” Detective Costos was studying me as if I’d confess to the murder right here.

While no one in my organization had anything to do with Theo’s death, I wasn’t about to pull Kara into the drama to serve as an alibi.

“I had an engagement last night and was nowhere near Mr. Artino’s apartment.”

“Was this a public appearance?” Livas asked.

“It was private.”

“So no one can verify your whereabouts.” Costos’ slight smile indicated they were now certain they would be able to arrest me.

“I’m certain you can check with the security standing guard at my apartment building.”

“Are there cameras in your building?” Livas piped in.

Sighing, I turned my head toward him, more irritated than ever. “You’ll need to ask.”

Yes, there were a solid dozen cameras highlighting every angle of the entrances and street in front. While they’d certainly provide the truth about my whereabouts, the videos taken would also highlight I’d had a guest.

For a second time, the bastards looked at each other. “I think you should contact your attorney, Mr. Nomikos. I’m afraid I’m going to need to?—”

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