Read Online In Death Collection: Books 30-32 by J.D. Robb - Free Book Online Page A

folded arms. “My guy will spill first.”
    â€œMaybe. Let’s find out.”
    She strode in, a tough, impatient woman who seemed capable of taking that nice big bite and enjoying it. Roland’s head popped up even as he shrank in his chair.
    â€œRecord on. Dallas, Lieutenant Eve, and Peabody, Detective Delia, in Interview with Chadwick, Roland, on the matter of the murder of Minnock, Bart. Roland Chadwick,” she continued, using both names to add a little more intimidation, “have you been read your rights?”
    â€œYeah, but—”
    â€œDo you understand your rights and obligations in this matter?”
    â€œOkay, yeah, but—”
    She dropped her file on the table between them with a force that echoed like a slap. It shut him up.
    â€œYou worked for Bart Minnock, correct?”
    â€œYes, ma’am, I told you how I—”
    â€œCan you account for your whereabouts yesterday?”
    â€œI was at home, I mean, I was at work, and then—”
    â€œWhich is it?” She snapped the words out, leaned on the table, deep into his space. “Home or work? It’s an easy question, Roland.”
    â€œI-I-I-I was at work all day, until I went home.” Like the words off his tongue, color stammered in his face, pink then white, pink then white. “I logged out and everything. It was after five. You can check. You can see.”
    â€œAnd you log out, Roland, every time you leave the building? Every single time?”
    â€œWell, mostly. For sure at the end of the day. For sure then. I didn’t do anything. I don’t understand why you’re so mad at me.” His voice pitched into a whine threatening to reach dog-ears-only territory. “I didn’t do anything.”
    â€œIs that so? Maybe Bart would disagree. Maybe he’d have a little something to say about that. If he wasn’t dead.” She flipped open the file, spilled the crime scene photos out. “But it’s a little hard to get the words out when your head’s across the room from the rest of you.”
    Roland took one look at the photos, went a very pale green. He said, fairly clearly: “Gah.” Then his eyes rolled up white as he slid to the floor.
    â€œWell, shit.” Eve blew out a breath and fisted her hands on her hips. “Better get him some water, Peabody.”
    â€œIt was kind of graceful, the way he went down.” Peabody got a cup of water while Eve crouched down to pat Roland’s cheeks.
    â€œOut cold. He’s not faking. Okay, Roland, come on back. Better get a medic in case ... wait, here he comes. Roland!” She spoke sharply as his eyes twitched, then blinked. Then she gave a head jerk to Peabody so her partner would be the one playing nursemaid.
    â€œAre you all right, Mr. Chadwick?” Peabody knelt down, eased his head up. “Try a little water. Take a sip, that’s the way. Take a breath. Do you need medical attention?”
    â€œI don’t ... what happened?”
    â€œYou fainted. Do you want me to call a medic?”
    â€œNo. No, I don’t think ... I just need to—” His eyes popped wide now, and he grabbed Peabody’s arm like a drowning man. “Don’t make me look again. Don’t make me look.”
    â€œTougher to look than to be part of causing it?” Eve said coldly.
    â€œI didn’t. I swear.” He all but crawled into Peabody’s lap, and Eve knew her work was done. “I swear! Don’t make me look.”
    â€œOkay, it’s okay. You don’t have to look. Have some more water. We’ll wait until you’re feeling steady again.”
    â€œFine, that’s fine.” Eve pushed the photos back in the file. “You want to coddle him, he’s all yours. I can’t stand being in the same room with him. Dallas, Lieutenant Eve, exiting Interview.”
    She slammed the door behind her, but not before she heard Roland’s