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“Did you arrest him?” Kaj asked.
“I did. Mirandized him. He declined an attorney.”
Kaj blinked. “What?”
“You heard me. He said, ‘No thank you.’ Have it on video. I recorded our conversation to submit into evidence, but I can’t send it to you.”
“I understand,” Kaj said quietly. He really did. He was recused from the case. Didn’t mean he had to like it, though.
“But I can play it for you on my computer while I have you on the phone.”
Kaj perked up. “Yes, please. Now.”
Val took Kaj’s arm. “Give us a minute, André. There are a lot of people in the next room. We need to go somewhere secure.”
Good thinking. Kaj didn’t want Elijah knowing anything about this, either. He allowed Val to lead him into the garage, once she’d explained to Burke what they were doing so he could keep watch on the front of the house. She turned on the light and closed the door behind them, then gently grasped his hand to tilt the phone so that they both could watch. Then her hand dropped to her side and he felt bereft. Alone once again. Focus, Kaj. Pay attention.
“Play it, please,” he said, turning up the volume.
“I’d already Mirandized him before this clip starts,” André said, aiming his phone so that his computer screen came into view. Rick Gates lay in a hospital bed, handcuffed to the rail. He appeared to be afraid.
Satisfied rage filled Kaj’s chest. Good. The prick should be afraid. He was suddenly very glad he wasn’t in that hospital room. I’d have beaten him within an inch of his life.
And if Rick was tortured into trying to take Elijah? Kaj wasn’t able to think that far yet.
“Why did you attempt to abduct Elijah Cardozo?” André asked on the video.
Rick clamped his lips closed and shook his head.
“Were your actions last night directed by your brother Aaron?”
Rick maintained his silence.
“Who was the other man? The driver of the van?” André continued.
More silence.
“Do you know Dewey Talley?”
Rick’s breath hitched, and his eyes closed.
“So you do know him. Was Dewey Talley the driver?”
Rick seemed to freeze, then... relaxed. Eyes still closed, all of his tension appeared to drain away. “Yes.”
Yes, Kaj thought triumphantly. They had confirmation.
“What did he hope to gain?” André asked Rick.
No answer.
“Who left you on Cardozo’s lawn?”
No answer.
André sighed, his tone softening. “Who tortured you?”
Rick flinched, a single tear leaking from his closed eyes. Then shook his head mutely.
