Page 69 of Veiled Justice
I smiled with grim satisfaction. ‘I quite agree. And I’ll be going after them with everything I’ve got. But your confession will surely help.’
Katz looked panicked. ‘I didn’t confess! I was just explaining what had happened. I didn’t do anything! I want my lawyer.’
‘I bet you do, Caspian.’ I closed his file. ‘I have news for you, kid. Even the best lawyer and all your dad’s money won’t get you out of this one. My word is law. I’m Judge, Jury andExecutioner.’ My voice dropped to sub-zero on that last word.
He started to tremble. ‘Please! Please don’t kill me.’
‘I don’t intend to. You deserve Wraithmore Prison. Pretty boy like you? You’re going to love it.’ Katz was about to learn a very hard life lesson.
I read him the charges and arrested him. The day was looking up.
Chapter 37
Cameron Quintos didn’t have a worry in the world as he smirked at me from the other side of the desk next to his fancy lawyer. Channing wasn’t with me since he was busy drawing up another witness statement, and Quintos took the sign of me flying solo to be a weakness. Showed how much he knew.
‘Thank you for coming in to see me, Mr Quintos. We’ve got a few follow-up questions concerning the murder that took place during your charity gala.’
‘Since your brother found both bodies, I’m surprised to see you’re still on the case, Inspector Wise. A conflict of interest, don’t you think? After all, coincidence only stretches credulity so far.’
There was nothing friendly about my smile. ‘You’re right, so let’s talk about coincidence. Let’s talk about your party and your famous fireworks, and how you didn’t go outside to enjoy the show. I asked all of your guests, Quintos, and not a single one placed you at the display. Why is that?’
‘I was in the bar.’
My smile widened. ‘No, you weren’t. I checked with the bar staff and all of the guests whowereinside, but you weren’t there either.You weren’t at the fireworks and you weren’t at the bar, so where were you?’
The lawyer leaned in to whisper but Quintos waved him off. ‘Not answering makes me look guilty. I have nothing to hide,’ he snapped. ‘The truth is, Louisa Carnforth and I were … intimate. Her father despises me so we’re keeping things under wraps. That’s all.’
‘Her father, Magnus Carnforth?’
‘That’s right.’
‘When was the last time you saw him?’ I asked.
He visibly relaxed as the questioning turned away from the murders. ‘I don’t know – a year or two ago? As I said, we don’t get on and we avoid each other whenever possible. Louisa has been taking over the reins. She said he’s aged significantly – dementia.’
‘You and Magnus don’t get on, yet you went to the Carnforths’ gala?’
‘Louisa assured me he wouldn’t be present.’
I bet she did. ‘Were you aware that Magnus Carnforth died last night?’
He blinked rapidly. Evidently not. ‘No,’ he licked his suddenly dry lips.
‘Imbarum overdose,’ I said conspiratorially. ‘Do you know what’s fun about that?’
‘There is little fun in death,’ he said stiffly.
‘Oh, the average person believes that but you and I aren’t average, are we?’ I said pleasantly. ‘There’s power in death.’
‘Inspector, keep your comments relevant,’ the lawyer snapped.
‘Thismatter is very relevant. You see, all three victims were spiked with Imbarum. It is hellishly rare, which makes it very easy to track. In lots of ways Louisa is quite naïve, isn’t she? I initially thoughtyou’dsecured the Imbarum because drugs are your trade, aren’t they?’
‘Pharmaceuticals are very different to potions!’ Quintos snapped.
‘You’re right, of course – and pharmaceuticals are so traceable. Like that little serum you used on Verona, a vampyr of the Volderiss clan. When I get a warrant, what am I going to find in your labs, Cameron?’
‘It’s Mr Quintos to you!’ He frowned as the cogs in his brain clicked over. ‘How the hell did she tell you about the serum?’
