Read Faces of Evil [4] Rage for Free Online Page B

mother? No depression issues?”
    “None.” The snapped word echoed in the room.
    “There were no problems when you last saw her around eight last night?” Jess pressed. “She wasn’t upset or feeling bad or ignored?”
    “Hell no.”
    “But you were there only ten minutes or so”—Jess glanced at her notes—“according to your statement to the first officers at the scene. You didn’t have coffee or anything with your wife. How can you be so certain of her state of mind?”
    “I know my wife.” He ground out the words from between clenched teeth.
    He was angry at Jess right now and she couldn’t blame him. She made a note or two on her pad before settling her full attention on him once more. “So you and Gabrielle hadn’t argued recently? Neither was mad at the other? No frustrations or grudges at all?”
    “No, no. and no,” he said flatly, anger still simmering in his eyes.
    “All right then. You have my word, Lieutenant, that my team and I will do everything we can to find the person or persons responsible for this tragedy. I hope you’ll call me with any questions or with anything you recall that might be useful to our investigation.”
    Grayson’s only response was a steady glare.
    “This has been a terrible morning for you, Lieutenant,” Burnett said, breaking the awkward silence. “I would urge you to stay with extended family or friends and allow yourself to grieve this loss. As Chief Harris said, it’s imperative that you keep her informed of any relevant information.” Burnett pointed his attention in her direction. “As I am sure she will keep you fully informed as well.”
    Jess flashed him a smile as she dug around in her bag for a business card. “I absolutely will,” she said to Grayson as she passed a slightly dog-eared card to him. She’d crossed out the bureau logo. At some point she needed new business cards. Along with a new apartment and clothes… and her car back. The list of all that needed doing was overwhelming.
    Grayson accepted the card and tucked it into his interior jacket pocket. “Thank you, Chief.” He pushed to his feet. His attorney did the same. “My partner insists my son and I stay with him and his family for now. So that’s where I’ll be.” He seemed to lose his train of thought for a moment. “I have people to call and… arrangements to make.”
    Jess stood. “Lieutenant, just one last question.” She didn’t have to look at him to know Burnett would be aiming another of those warning stares at her.
    Grayson said nothing but waited for her to go on.
    “Your ex-wife, Dr. Sylvia Baron, remains adamant about being involved with this case when I feel strongly that she should step aside. Her superior, Dr. Leeds, has backed her up. In any event, are you and Dr. Baron still friends? That wasn’t the impression I got this morning, but there must be some reason she refuses to budge on the issue.”
    “Chief Harris,” Davenport offered, “as Chief Burnett pointed out, my client has suffered a great deal today—”
    “No,” Grayson cut him off. “I’ll answer the question. That crazy woman”—he spoke through gritted teeth—“is likely reveling in my pain. She refused to be a real wife to me or to have children in the ten years that we were married. Her career was too important. And now…” His voice cracked and trailed off. He shook his head. “We are not friends. I don’t trust her motives. I can’t believe she’s getting away with this.” He closed his eyes a moment. “The idea of her touching my wife pains me more than you can imagine.”
    “I understand your reservations,” Burnett put in. “Unfortunately the decision belongs to Dr. Leeds. We spoke just before you arrived. He is aware of the department’s objections and has assured me that he will be personally responsible for your wife. Dr. Baron will be an observer and nothing more.”
    That was news to Jess. A few hours ago Burnett had basically told her to back off on