Page 45 of Ranger Belief
Jonah wasn’t convinced it was a good idea to include Laney in the interview, but he was certain Garrett would refuse to speak to him alone. Or with another Ranger. They had only one shot at this and needed to make it count. Still, when Garrett’s gaze clapped on Laney as they walked into the room, a shudder of revulsion rippled through him, and it took every ounce of training to ignore the instinctive urge to protect her.
“Hello, Garrett.” Laney’s voice was soft, her smile bordering on flirtatious. “Thanks so much for coming down to talk to us.”
“I wasn’t given much of a choice.” His eyes flickered toward Jonah, and his lip curled.
Jonah thought a lot of uncharitable things, but kept his expression neutral and unbothered. There might be a time to turn on his “bad cop”, but it wasn’t at the beginning of the interaction. Instead of sitting at the table, he leaned against the far wall. His posture was relaxed and non-threatening, but he was close enough to Laney to come to her aid, if need be.
Discreetly, he assessed Garrett. The man was dressed much as he had been the first time they met, in a moisture-wicking shirt and utility pants. His boots had fresh mud clinging to thesoles. He wore a sports watch, and a backpack rested in a corner of the room. A thermal water bottle poked out from one pocket.
“I’m sorry.” Laney pulled out a chair and sat. “We’ve had some developments in the case, and we could use your help. I was hoping you could answer a few questions for us. Before we get started, can I offer you anything? Coffee? Water? A soda?”
“I’d like a Diet Coke?—”
“We won’t be here long enough for you to drink it.” His attorney placed a hand on Garrett’s arm. The lawyer’s thinning gray hair was slicked back from a mousy-looking face, and his tie shimmered in the fluorescent lighting. “My client will not answer any questions, and if the sheriff’s department and Texas Rangers don’t stop harassing him, I’m going to sue all of you.”
Laney kept her expression serious, but understanding. “I’m sorry, Mr…”
“Randall. Paul Randall.” He sniffed, as if annoyed she hadn’t recognized him.
“Mr. Randall, I can appreciate how protective you are of your client, but before you leave, I’d like to ask you to hear me out. Then you and Garrett can decide whether you’re willing to help us.” Laney opened the file folder she’d brought in with her and pulled out a blown-up driver’s license photograph of Mitchell Caldwell. “Currently, we’re looking for this man. He’s a known stalker and rapist. Horrible case.” She visibly shuddered as if she couldn’t bear to think of it. Then her focus locked on Garrett. “I was hoping you could help us find him. His name is Mitchell Caldwell, but you may know him as Mitch.”
He glanced at the picture and recognition flared in his eyes. “Why are you looking for Mitch?”
“We think he might be involved in the murders. We’re hoping to learn more about him, and since he worked for you for a time, I think you could be very helpful.”
“So…my client isn’t here as a suspect?” Paul squinted as if trying to figure out Laney’s endgame.
She smiled. “Mr. Randall, I represent the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife. The sheriff’s department and the Texas Rangers may view Garrett as a person of interest, but if you help me today, then I’m sure we can convince them that your client has nothing to do with these awful crimes. After all, we all want the same thing. The killer behind bars.”
Jonah pressed his lips together at the placating tone in her voice. She should’ve gone into acting. Little did Paul or Garrett know, Laney’s sweet demeanor hid a wickedly smart mind.
Garrett leaned over and whispered in his attorney’s ear. Paul smoothed a hand over his tie. “I’d like to confer with my client in private for a moment.”
“Of course. I’ll use that time to get you a Diet Coke, Garrett. Mr. Randall, can I offer you anything?”
“A water would be appreciated.”
“Sure thing.” Laney rose gracefully. “Just give a holler when you’re ready for me to come back in. I’ll be right in the hall.”
Jonah followed her out and made sure the door shut firmly behind them. Then he grinned at her and whispered, “You played that perfectly.”
“We got their interest, that’s for sure.”
Tate appeared at the end of the hall, Scout by his side. He juggled a few drinks, including a Diet Coke and a bottle of water. “I didn’t know what you’d like, Laney, so I grabbed a couple of options. Probably best if you drink something along with them.”
She patted Scout and then said, “Give me a Diet Coke.”
Jonah’s brow wrinkled. “You hate Diet Coke…oh, you smart little vixen. You’re using Emilia’s profile to your advantage.”
The killer wanted a subservient partner. Laney was playing right into that, making herself seem agreeable and deferential. Someone Garrett would feel superior to.
Jonah shook his head in admiration. “You're letting him think he's in control of the situation. By mirroring his drink, you’re on the same team. Subtle, but effective.”
She batted her eyelashes. “I’m just a pliable, innocent female who needs a big strong man to help me solve my case.” Laney leaned over and peeked in the small window cut into the door of Interview 1. “Oh, the lawyer’s getting up. Shoo, Tate. Scout, go with Tate, girl.”
The lab hesitated and then trotted behind Tate and disappeared with him into the viewing room. Ryker, Chief Deputy Williams, and Emilia were all observing the interview from there. Cameras caught several angles of the interview room and were controlled remotely. They couldn’t be on when Garrett was speaking to his attorney since those conversations were protected by privilege, but for the rest of the time, the cameras were active.
The interview room door opened, and Paul greeted them with a nod. “We’re ready for you.”
