Page 55 of The Lost Bones
“That car rental company we mentioned in our warrant. King of the Road,” Nick said. “One of its key employees was seen entering that house after we had pulled him in for interrogation.”
“And last night, during surveillance, we saw many people enter the house. All of them came in town cars registered to that company.”
Hamilton’s forehead bunched. “What are you implying?”
“What went down last night?” Mackenzie asked.
“What went down?” He barked a laugh that didn’t reach his eyes. “Around once a month, some of us get together for a poker night. A few friends hanging out like a gentlemen’s club. That’s all that house is for. I don’t have enough space in this apartment and others can’t host at home, since they have wives and families they don’t want to disturb.”
“Then why was there a car waiting for Tag that took him straight to your house from the police station two nights ago?” she volleyed back. “Was there another poker night that he was invited to? He doesn’t look like the type who hangs out with the likes of you, Judge.”
Hamilton rolled his eyes and sighed. “I don’t know who this Tagis. Besides, I’m not the only one with keys to the house. Every man in our gentlemen’s club has a set.”
Mackenzie and Nick exchanged a look.
“Where were you two nights ago?” Mackenzie asked.
“Presiding over a trial. The jury returned a verdict in two hours. Please go ahead and confirm.”
“Then we would really appreciate a list of the members of your club,” Nick said.
Hamilton fidgeted in his seat. “I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
“Why not?” Mackenzie asked.
“Why do you want it? To find out who knows this Ted person?”
“Tag,” she corrected. “Yes. We need information about that company and Tag seems to be our only feasible link, especially since it wasyouwho refused to approve our warrant.”
“Detective Price, you are free to go to other judges. Just becauseIrefused doesn’t mean you’ve hit a dead end. I would have approved, but circumstances are different now.”
“Circumstances?” Nick leaned forward.
Hamilton pursed his lips, wrestling internally with something. “Look. There’s an… expectation now. Lakemore’s economy has taken heavy casualties following the outcomes of some of your cases. Surely you know that.” Mackenzie already hated where this was going. “Things in this town are looking up, but they’re not asgood as your mayor has been portraying them to be. It’s all to attract investments like Rafael Jennings.”
“I don’t follow.” Nick shook his head.
“Your town cannot afford to lose more business, Detectives,” Hamilton declared firmly. “You have a reputation for being anti-business.”
“We’re not anti-business. We’re trying to put murderers and rapists in jail!” Mackenzie raised her voice.
“The unemployment rate had reached ten percent, Detective Price! We’ve had to undo the damage.” His voice boomed. That gentle quality had evaporated from his face. “It’s easy to declare that justice has been done when you’re not collateral damage, when you’re not the one who lost your livelihood and have bills piling up.”
“So what are we supposed to do? Let rich killers walk free because they’re kind enough to pay salaries?” she snapped.
“Of course not.” He scowled. “Definitely not. But if you think people above you in the food chain, people who have been elected, aren’t going to step in and try to fix things, you’re mistaken.”
“Are you saying that judges have been told to protect businesses in criminal investigations?” Nick rubbed his jaw.
“No, Nick. Nothing of that sort. All this is hypothetical.” Hamilton winked. “Do your jobs better. And if you think I’m being unreasonable, you are free to send your warrant to other judges.”
“Why won’t you give us the names of your friends then?” Mackenzie asked. “Your gentlemen’s club isn’t a business. It’s a social gathering.”
“Because I don’t want to piss people off,” he huffed. “Our poker nights are an escape. It’s private. They wouldn’t appreciate unnecessary intrusion.”
“Three women have been murdered and you are worried about offending your—”
“Detective Price, can you actually tell me that some low-level employee of the car rental company coming to the house is hard evidence that will lead you to your killer? Why stop there? Why not find out where he gets his hair cut?”
