Forgotten in Death(73)

She nodded as Reo came out of Observation and started toward them. “How’re we doing?”

“Plan A’s a very good plan. Ilyin’s off his game because his client lied to him. He’s certainly known Tovinski for years, but he didn’t know. Not about the women, the other children, and he sure as hell didn’t know about the skimming. My take? Right now, he’s getting as much out of Tovinski as he can and it’s likely Tovinski will give him some because he’s counting on privilege.”

“But?”

“As we discussed, unless Tovinski’s a complete idiot, once he calms down, clears his head, he’ll start thinking about who Ilyin’s real client is. How’s the shoulder?”

“Hurts like a mother.”

“If it’s any consolation, it’s going to make an excellent visual on record. I’m going back. I say I stay where I am until the next reveal.”

“It’ll be coming right up.”

While Reo walked back, Peabody turned to Eve. “How’s my flirting?”

“It’s revolting, which means it’s good. He thinks you’re an easy mark. Plus, you’re feeding his considerable ego. You should keep it up until—”

She broke off when Ilyin stepped out. “Lieutenant, I’d like to apologize again, but I believe the record will show you goaded my client into an unwise reaction.”

“Looks like we disagree again. Is he ready to continue the interview?”

“Yes, or in a moment. I appreciate the water, but I’d prefer coffee.”

“Oh.” Peabody handed Eve back the files, juggled the four tubes of water. “I’ll get that for you.”

“No need. I’d like to use the washroom. I’ll just be a moment.”

“Down the hall, on the left,” Eve directed. “We’ll hold outside the room until you’re ready.”

Eve started back toward Interview, glanced back to see Ilyin pull out his ’link. “He’s contacting Bardov.”

“He could be disbarred for breaking privilege.”

“Who’s going to tell on him?”

Eve tossed the cold pack in a recycler. “Give it another minute. I’m dressing you down for acting like a girl in there.”

“Got it.” Peabody lowered her head.

“I want to give the lawyer time to hit the high points before we go in. Okay, he’s gone into the john. He’s going to make it quick, but Tovinski’s going to have time to sit and stew. And start thinking.”

She took out her communicator, set up the next step.

When she slid it back into her pocket, Ilyin came out of the restroom, stopped by Vending for coffee.

“Thank you for your patience,” he said when he joined them. “If we could continue, without histrionics, I believe we’ll resolve this entire matter quickly.”

“Sure.” Eve went in. “Record on. Dallas, Peabody, and counsel for Tovinski reentering Interview.”

Peabody actually flushed and fluttered her lashes as she set the tube of water in front of Tovinski.

“Thank you. You’re very kind. I am to apologize, Lieutenant, for allowing my emotions to rise.”

“Is that what you call it? Let’s continue. Regarding these invoices, inventories, order sheets.”

“I can think only someone forged my signature. It may be this Delgato did so to feed his gambling habit.”

“And did Delgato somehow create the set of books, clearly showing —in detail—what you stole, how you did so, and when, on the passcoded computer locked in your home office?”

“It’s not unheard of for the police to manipulate such matters. I know this, my uncle knows it well.”

“Really?” She looked back at Ilyin. “That’s the line you’re going to take? Did your counsel mention what’s going to happen when we check with your uncle regarding these extremely generous cash bonuses you claim? Is he going to back you up there?”

“Why would he not? It’s truth.”

“And, of course, he’d have records of those bonuses in his personal or company’s accounts.”

Hadn’t thought of that, she noted.

“He’ll also testify that he issued those cash bonuses without reporting them. So, anyway, you’re stating that the money you used—unreported income of over a million dollars just in the past two years— Oh, and we’re going back to previous years as we speak. You’re stating the money you used to support two women and three children, another woman who is currently pregnant in what many would call a lavish lifestyle is all from cash bonuses earned through your work with Bardov Construction?”

“I have made that clear.”

“And that someone—likely Delgato—forged your signature to sign off on fraudulent invoices, on material that was substandard rather than what was originally listed, and on amended inventories as material and equipment went missing. In addition, someone—the police, in your opinion—manipulated your records, created records that document the fraud and thievery—that somehow come out to the same amounts deposited in your fake accounts over the same twenty-four-month period.”

When Tovinski said nothing, Eve just smiled.

“Yeah, when you hear it spelled out like that, it just defies logic, doesn’t it? What’s logical is you and Delgato worked together to do all of the above. He didn’t get the lion’s share, but enough to keep him playing the horses, sure he’d hit that long shot and everything would be fine again.