Page 40 of Goodnight, Sinners

“We have some questions regarding the evening of November 29th,” Dietrick began. He pulled a notebook from his inside coat pocket, channeling every television detective ever.

I’ve answered questions. I have nothing more to add.

“I understand.” Dietrick tapped the notepad with his pen. “This won’t take long. We just need to clear up a few inconsistencies.”

Before he could begin, Moreau spoke up. “Our condolences for the loss of your uncle.”

He was staring just as hard at Jozef as Jozef had stared at him earlier. He was looking for micro expressions. For a split second, Jozef wondered if the man knew sign language. His gaze was sharp, and his mind seemed to be working overtime.

Thank you,Jozef signed.

“It must have been terrible for you,” Moreau continued. “Being the one to end his life. He took you in as a child, correct?”

I think you know that your information is correct.

Moreau nodded and fell silent, allowing Dietrick to continue. In a few sentences, Moreau had made it clear that he was in charge of any investigation that was happening. Dietrick was a mouthpiece sent from the prime minister’s office to open doors for Interpol.

Interesting.

“What were you doing when you first found out the building was under attack?” Dietrick asked, not looking up from his blank notepad.

I was watching TV with my wife and her mother.

Dietrick looked up sharply. “You got married?”

Jozef let out a soft growl before signing,as good as.

Havel translated, then added, “You’ll want to call her his wife if you prefer your arms attached. He’s not big on disrespect.”

Jozef’s lips stretched into a feral grin, punctuating Havel’s warning.

“Please refrain from threatening law enforcement,” Dietrick said with as much dignity as he could manage while nearly shitting his pants.

Jozef barked his laughter and signed,you aren’t law enforcement any more than we are. If your friend here, who is law enforcement, has a problem with me, he can step up and say something.

Moreau nodded at the exchange, his sharp eyes flicking between the men. “No problems here.”

Dietrick looked even more uncomfortable, if that was possible. “Uh… so you were watching television with your… wife and her mother. What’s the mother’s name?”

No comment,Jozef signed while Havel translated.

They would already know Fatima’s name, but if they somehow didn’t, he wouldn’t enlighten them. He would protect the women under his care, no matter who was asking the questions.

“I’m afraid I need you to answer the question,” Dietrick pushed.

Jozef placed his hands on his desk and leaned over, narrowing his eyes.No, you don’t.

Before Dietrick could push his own head further through the noose he was hanging for himself, Moreau stepped in. “Move on, Dietrick.”

Jozef snorted, straightening. So Moreau fancied himself the good cop here.

Dietrick pushed forward as if he hadn’t had a good portion of his pride crushed by the man standing across from him. “What was your response when you found out your building was under attack?”

I contacted my men and told them to defend our holdings.

Havel glanced at him, as if questioning his blatant honesty, but translated.

Jozef wasn’t worried. It wasn’t illegal to defend property in the Czech Republic. His building had been stormed and he was a professional security expert. It was only natural that he and his men would act in their own best interests.

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