Naked in Death (In Death #1)(67)

“When did you purchase said weapon?”

“Again, I’d have to check.” He never blinked, never took his eyes from hers. “I have an extensive collection, and don’t carry all the details of it in my head or in my pocket log.”

“Did you purchase said weapon at Sotheby’s?”

“It’s possible. I often add to my collection through auctions.”

“Silent auctions?”

“Occasionally.”

Her stomach, already knotted, began to roll. “Did you add to your collection with the aforesaid weapon at a silent auction at Sotheby’s on October second of last year?”

Roarke slipped his log out of his pocket, skimmed back to the date. “No. I don’t have a record of that. It seems I was in Tokyo on that date, engaged in meetings. You can verify that easily.”

Damn you, damn you, she thought. You know that’s no answer. “Representatives are often used in auctions.”

“They are.” Watching her dispassionately, he tucked the log away again. “If you check with Sotheby’s, you’ll be told that I don’t use representatives. When I decide to acquire something, it’s because I’ve seen it — with my own eyes. Gauged its worth to me. If and when I decide to bid, I do so personally. In a silent auction, I would either attend, or participate by ‘link.”

“Isn’t it traditional to use a sealed electronic bid, or a representative authorized to go to a certain ceiling?”

“I don’t worry about traditions overmuch. The fact is, I could change my mind as to whether I want something. For one reason or another, it could lose its appeal.”

She understood the underlying meaning of his statement, tried to accept that he was done with her. “The aforesaid weapon, registered in your name and purchased through silent auction at Sotheby’s in October of last year was used to murder Georgie Castle at approximately seven-thirty last evening.”

“You and I both know I wasn’t in New York at seven-thirty last evening.” His gaze skimmed over her face. “You traced the transmission, didn’t you?”

She didn’t answer. Couldn’t. “Your weapon was found at the scene.”

“Have we established it was mine?”

“Who has access to your collection?”

“I do. Only I do.”

“Your staff?”

“No. If you recall, lieutenant, my display cases are locked. Only I have the code.”

“Codes can be broken.”

“Unlikely, but possible,” he agreed. “However, unless my palm print is used for entry, any case that is opened by any means triggers an alarm.”

Goddamn it, give me an opening. Couldn’t he see she was pleading with him, trying to save him? “Alarm’s can be bypassed.”

“True. When any case is opened without my authorization, all entry to the room is sealed off. There’s no way to get out, and security is notified simultaneously. I can assure you, lieutenant, it’s quite foolproof. I believe in protecting what’s mine.”

She glanced up as Feeney came in. He jerked his head, and she rose.

“Excuse me.”

When the doors shut behind them, he dipped his hands into his pockets. “You called it, Dallas. Electronic bid, cash deal, delivered to an EPS. The head snoot at Sotheby’s claims this was an unusual procedure for Roarke. He always attends in person, or by direct ‘link. Never used this line before in the fifteen years or so he’s dealt with them.”

She allowed herself one satisfied breath. “That checks with Roarke’s statement. What else?”

“Ran an undercheck on the registration. The Ruger only appeared on the books in Roarke’s name a week ago. No way in hell we can pin it on him. The commander says to spring him.”

She couldn’t afford to be relieved, not yet, and only nodded. “Thanks, Feeney.”

She slipped back inside. “You’re free to go.”

He stood as she stepped backward through the open door. “Just like that?”

“We have no reason, at this time, to detain or inconvenience you any further.”

“Inconvenience?” He walked toward her until the doors snicked shut at his back. “Is that what you call this? An inconvenience?”

He was, she told herself entitled to his anger, to his bitterness. She was obliged to do her job. “Three women are dead. Every possibility has to be explored.”

“And I’m just one of your possibilities?” He reached out, the sudden violent movement of his hands closing over her shirt, surprising her. “Is that what it comes down to between us?”

“I’m a cop. I can’t afford to overlook anything, to assume anything.”

“To trust,” he interrupted. “Anything. Or anyone. If it had leaned a little the other way, would you have locked me up? Would you have put me in a cage, Eve?”

“Back off.” Eyes blazing, Feeney strode down the corridor. “Back f**king off.”

“Leave us alone, Feeney.”

“Hell I will.” Ignoring Eve, he shoved against Roarke. “Don’t you come down on her, big shot. She went to bat for you. And the way things stand, it could have cost her the job. Simpson’s already prepping her as sacrificial lamb because she was dumb enough to sleep with you.”