Faithless in Death (In Death, #52)(109)

She waited for the rest, including Reo and the other lawyers, the feds. Feeney and Roarke came in together.

“Okay, boys and girls, hell of a job, all around. We’re going to do the same today and nail this shut. Everyone will be fitted with earbuds. Rather than Feeney trying to catch you up on EDD’s findings, and they’re still coming in, you’ll have an EDD officer fill you in on your specific subject, and continue to inform you as data comes in.”

“My boys are humping it, and the feds aren’t slackers.”

“Reo and the other prosecutors will work with you on charges and potential deals if such deals help fry bigger fish. Remember, after dealing with us, and whatever deals are or aren’t struck, these subjects then face federal charges. Nobody walks away from this.

“Dr. Mira will observe. Peabody and I will rotate between Stanton Wilkey, Mirium Wilkey, and Lawrence Piper. Jenkinson and Reineke take the Huffmans and Gayle Steenberg.”

“Come on, Dallas. I should—”

Before Santiago got the rest out, Eve froze him with a stare. “We’re charging Steenberg with attempted murder of a police officer. You’re that police officer. You don’t interview her.”

“Got you covered, Santiago,” Reineke told him. “We’ll lock her down.”

“Do you doubt your fellow officers can handle—what was it, Detective Carmichael?—the hag of a bitch?”

Santiago shot his partner a half smile. “No, sir.”

“Good. Baxter, Trueheart, you take Po, Harstead, and Wexford. Carmichael and Santiago, the Pooles and Hester Angus, the Tribeca midwife.”

“That’s first round. There will be more, but this round is key. Each interview team, take the next twenty to familiarize yourself with your subjects. Consult with Mira and/or Reo if you have applicable questions. Detective Carmichael?”

“LT?”

“See that your partner takes any necessary breaks. Dr. Mira will evaluate his condition every two hours.”

“Aw, come on, boss.”

“That’s the deal, Santiago. Take it or go home.”

“I’m taking it, “I’m taking it.”

“Study your subjects, work out your rhythm, and report to the assigned interview rooms—they’re in my notes—at zero-nine-thirty.”

“Lieutenant, if I could address you and your officers, very briefly.”

“You have the floor, Special Agent Teasdale.”

“I received word only moments ago that Utopia Island is fully shut down. There were five casualties, two law enforcement, three residents. Any injured are being treated in the medical facilities there, as they are, I’m assured, excellent. While the farm system is not yet fully contained, we estimate it at eighty-five percent.”

“How’s your agent?”

“Stable condition, thank you, Lieutenant. We have amassed a great deal of data from both of these areas. We will, of course, share all of it with the NYPSD. At this time, however, I think it’s important to relay Rachel Wilkey is in a coma, and has been for nine days, following an attempt at self-termination. We have records showing this is not her first attempt. Evidence and statements at this time indicate Aaron Wilkey, Wilkey’s youngest son, was not part of the criminal enterprise. He has been restricted to the island for months, and has endured two Realignment procedures. He is cooperating fully with authorities.”

“That’s good information, thanks.” Eve scanned the room. “We use it and put these motherfuckers where they belong.”

She took a minute to speak with Roarke while her detectives got ready. “Appreciate the change of clothes.”

“You look like a self-contained, professional ass-kicker.”

“A good definition of a cop in this case. Get any sleep?”

“I bought a couple of planets instead. Better than sleep.”

“You’re probably not really kidding. I need to huddle with Peabody.”

“I’m going to do the same with EDD. I’m useful,” he said before she could respond. “And I’m enjoying it.”

“I know the first, and since the second seems true, go enjoy. Peabody.” She gestured to her office. “Piper first.”

“I lost that bet. I figured we’d hit Mirium Wilkey first.”

“You read Piper’s data. How would you describe him?”

“Wife-beating, misogynistic bully.”

“You don’t say true believer. He’ll roll. To save himself, he’ll roll on the Wilkeys.”

“It won’t save him.”

“No. Here’s how we play it.”

When they walked into Interview, Piper sat alone, arms folded over his chest. His knuckles, though healing well, still showed raw from beating them against his wife.

“Record on. Dallas, Lieutenant Eve, and Peabody, Detective Delia, entering Interview with—”

“I’m not talking to cunt cops.”

Eve continued to read details into the record, then sat. “Mr. Piper, the record shows that you were read your rights at the time of your arrest.”

He tried to stare through her.

“We’re aware that you exercised your right to contact a legal representative. However, that representative has also been arrested. And your financial accounts have been frozen due to your connection with Natural Order. If you wish legal representation at this time, we can and will arrange for a public defender.”