Kindred in Death (In Death #29)(94)

“You’re not looking for a confession, not interviewing suspects, or even people of interest.”

“Yeah, it could work. I’ll want to run it by an APA, make sure there’s no procedural angle I need to cover. If any information I get leads to an arrest, we don’t want some slick lawyer trying to claim the information was tainted, therefore, blah, blah. But I think we can do this.”

“You used holo on Ricker.”

“Yeah, and he’s already doing life without possibility of parole. They can try to dance around the method for slapping him with conspiracy on Coltraine. But you order a cop’s murder, from the inside of an off-planet penal colony where holo-visitations and legal consultations are allowed? It’s going to be hard for anyone to argue the method, and I cleared it first. Cleo wasn’t part of the holo, and she was allowed to view it. I didn’t use any evidence, per se, from the holo in drawing her confession, and I, again, cleared it first. The judge already tossed her lawyer’s petition to dismiss on that one.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“I think we can use this, if the parties agree. I’d save hours of time, and have the next-best to face-to-face. I just need to make sure our ass is covered on it.”

“You cover the asses, and I’ll set it up.”

“How long to set it up?”

“The basic program, twenty minutes at most. Then I’d need the coordinates of those you want to bring in. It would take a few minutes to triangulate each holo.”

“It bears repeating. You’re handy to have around.” She took out her ’link and contacted APA Cher Reo.

There was, as expected, some legal jumbo. But even with it, she would save considerable time. She continued to consult with Reo as she walked into the house, and thought one advantage to legal crap was the opportunity to totally ignore Summerset.

Once she got the nod, she began making the contacts and arrangements. She’d hit the halfway point when Roarke beeped through. “The program’s set, in the holo-room. I need those coordinates.”

“I’ll bring them to you. Peabody can make the rest of the contacts. Five minutes.”

She routed the rest to her partner, then gathered what she needed. She used the elevator, and stepped out into a larger and somehow swankier version of her home office.

“Hmm.”

“Appearances can count. One of these days, you might consider replacing that desk of yours with a workstation like this one.”

She frowned at the dark, shiny surface of the U-shaped console, its built-in D and C unit and sleek control panel.

“I like my desk.”

“Yes, I know.” He kissed her lightly, then pointed to a table at the rear of the room. “Have a sandwich.”

“We have sandwiches?”

“Eat. You can station yourself at the desk, if you like. Knowing you, I assume you’ll be on your feet most of the time. Your interview subject can be placed at any chair, or the sofa. The unit here, and the wall screen are both fully operational should you need them.”

Slick, she thought. Very slick. “It has to be recorded.”

“It will be.”

Because he pointed at the table again, she picked up a sandwich. “Let’s bring Peabody in first.”

He nodded, used his own ’link.

“Peabody.” Peabody’s face went glowy at the sight of Roarke. “Oh, hey. Hi!”

“Hi. The lieutenant would like you to join us.”

“Okay. Wow. I’ve never holo’d before.”

“I’ll be gentle,” he said and made her giggle. “There. I have you. Initiating.”

Little dots of lights swirled, then the swirl became Peabody.

“Oh. Gee. That was easy. It didn’t feel weird.” She looked around, blinking. “It is weird, but it didn’t feel weird. What’s that?”

“What? It’s a sandwich.”

“Oh, it’s a panini. It really looks good.”

“There’s more over there. Help yourself.”

“Thanks.” Peabody turned to the table, reached out, and her hand passed straight through sandwich and tray. “That was just mean. I can’t help myself because I’m not really here. But I am here. I don’t understand holo-science. Every time McNab tries to explain it to me, my brain goes to sleep.”

“Let’s leave that to the geeks and be cops. Finish the contacts, get the waivers. I’ll connect with the PD again, then we’ll bring her in.”

It was weird, Eve admitted, but it was also smooth and efficient. In moments, she had the former public defender sitting in her programmed office.

“I appreciate the time, Ms. Drobski.”

“It’s no problem. I’d like to get this business resolved as soon as possible. It’s unnerving.”

“I’m sure it is. Your safety, and the safety of your family is a priority.”

“You have viable evidence that I—or my family—is being targeted? Evidence that substantially links this jeopardy to a defendant I represented more than twenty years ago?”

“You’re thinking like a lawyer. I’m thinking like a cop. Which one do you want to trust your life to, and the lives of your family?”

The woman shifted either in discomfort or annoyance. “I’m here, aren’t I?”