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FORTY-SIX
To gain the cooperation of both suspects, Kane had arranged for their vehicles to be driven to the office. The idea intended to lull both suspects into a false sense of security with both believing their time at the interview would be short. It might be, if they didn’t spill the beans, but with no solid evidence against either man, they had no valid reason to hold them. At times, waiting for forensic evidence to be processed was enough cause but as Wolfe had found nothing at any of the crime scenes, they couldn’t use that as an excuse.
Inside the interview room, Jenna sat at the table beside him, and Carter leaned casually against the door. Kane figured the three of them appeared threatening enough to make a criminal talk, but Chase Holden leaned back in his seat as if they’d just invited him over for a drink. His nonchalance was unnatural, as most people were anxious when facing law enforcement and he’d introduced Carter as FBI. Holden just looked from one to the other, almost eager to answer their questions. Kane pulled a fresh legal pad from the drawer and nodded to Jenna to start the recording. He stated the time and date and who was in the room. He looked at Holden and read him his rights. Holden refused a lawyer, but apart from that, he still gave no significant reaction to the severity of the situation. “We’re investigating the murders of four women?—”
“Four women?” Holden narrowed his gaze. “When the deputies spoke to me, they mentioned three women were missing, now they’re dead? I know Dakota, Jennifer, and Johanna. How did they die?”
Glad he’d gotten a reaction, Kane scrutinized Holden’s face. “The other woman was Leona Brinley.” He made a few random notes. “Did you drop by the Triple Z Roadhouse at any time yesterday?”
“I drove past it a little after one and then a little after two.” Holden shrugged. “I had a delivery out at Buffalo Ridge.”
“Did you stop at the roadhouse?” Jenna leaned on the table staring at him.
“Nope, but I do know a woman named Leona.” Holden moved around in his chair. It was the first time he’d looked uncomfortable. “She works at Aunt Betty’s Café.”
Kane nodded. “So you just happen to know all of the four women who were murdered in the last few days. That seems a little strange don’t you agree?”
“Maybe, but I never hurt anyone.” Holden blew out a long breath. “I like the quiet life, just me and my creations. I dropped out of the crazy lifestyle to get my head back on.” He looked from one to the other. “I had a software development company. It made millions and I sold it and stayed on as a director. There was a problem in one of the security programs and they fired me. I was happy to leave and come here. All I wanted was open spaces after years in the concrete jungle.”
“What do you know about deepfake technology?” Jenna twirled a pen in her fingers and smiled at him. “It’s fascinating how they can manipulate images isn’t it?”
“I know about it from what I’ve seen on TV.” Holden swiped at the end of his nose. “I haven’t looked into it, as I said I want to leave that part of my life behind for a time.”
Unconvinced, Kane ran questions through his mind. This man had admitted to knowing all the victims, had spoken to all of them, had IT knowledge, and could have, for all he knew, manipulated the CCTV footage to implicate Carter, but they had no proof he was involved in their murders. “What do you know about stun guns? Have you ever purchased one?”
“No.” Holden narrowed his eyes. “If someone threatened me, I’d be more inclined to purchase a handgun. I wouldn’t risk getting close enough to use a stun gun and giving someone the chance of sticking me with a blade.”
“Do you own a handgun?” Jenna lifted her gaze to him.
“Yeah, and a rifle.” Holden shrugged. “I go into the forest to collect fallen trees. It’s not a place I’d risk going unarmed.”
“Did you get a ride in a light-colored pickup yesterday around two?” Carter pushed off from the wall and, pressing his knuckles into the top of the desk, stared at Holden. “I figure I saw you climbing into Leona’s pickup.”
“Nope.” Holden shook his head, “That must have been someone else. It wasn’t me. After I got home from the delivery, I was in my shed working.”
“Can anyone verify that?” Jenna lifted her chin and stared at him. “It would make things easier for you if you had a witness.”
“Nope.” Holden picked at his fingernails and a small frown creased his brow. “I didn’t speak to anyone until about four-thirty, when I received a delivery of new chisels.”
Unable to shake anything of interest from the suspect, Kane made a note of the time on his legal pad and stood. “That’s all we have for you this time.” He pulled open the door and handed him a set of keys. “Your ride is out front. Thanks for your cooperation.”
“Sure.” Holden tossed the keys in his hand. “I hope you find the killer. I liked those women.” He headed for the front door.
Kane looked from Jenna to Carter. “He didn’t so much as flinch.”
“Maybe he’s used to handling high pressure?” Jenna switched off the recording. “He did work in a stressful job.”
“I don’t trust him.” Carter’s eyes narrowed. “Who is next?”
Kane looked into the passageway and then back to Carter. “Rio and Rowley have just brought in Dallas Strauss. He’s worked in gaming, as in creating games. He dropped out from burnout. He’s wealthy and works as a ranch hand at the Diamond Bar Ranch. He resembles you too.”
“Darn! Another cowboy who looks like me?” Carter shook his head. “And I figured I was one of a kind.”
FORTY-SEVEN
“Nope.” Dallas Strauss shook his head. “I can’t say I spoke to Leona yesterday. I have noticed her and she’s served me meals at Aunt Betty’s once or twice, but I’m sure it was Susie who dropped by my table for a chat. I like to be friendly with the servers. You get more with honey than vinegar, right?” He wiggled his eyebrows at Jenna in an absurd attempt to be charming. It didn’t work.
Keeping her face expressionless, Jenna met his gaze. “We have CCTV footage of you climbing into Leona’s truck. Are you going to tell me that isn’t true?”
