“I walked in your tracks. That’s why you didn’t hear
” He was chewing gum and had his hands in the pock meets of a leather coat. “Being quiet’s one thing I’m good at when I want to be.”
I stared at him, my dislike of him finding new depths.
He wore dark trousers and boots, and I could not see his eyes behind the aviator’s glasses. But it did not matter. I knew what Detective Roche was about. I knew his type well.
“I heard about your vandalism and came to see if I could be of assistance,” he said.
“I wasn’t aware we called the Chesapeake police,” I replied.
“Virginia Beach and Chesapeake have a mutual aid channel, so I heard about your problem on that,” he said.
“I have to confess that the first thing to go through my mind was there might be a connection.”
“A connection to what?”
“To our case.” He stepped closer. “Looks like someone really did a number on your cars. Sounds like a warning.
You know, like just maybe you’re poking your nose where someone doesn’t think it belongs.”
My eyes wandered to his feet, to his lace-up Gore-Tex boots made of leather the color of liver, and I saw the tread pattern they had left in the snow. Roche had big feet and hands, and was wearing Vibram soles. I looked back at a face that would have been handsome were the spirit behind it not so petty and mean. I did not say a word for a while, but when I did I was very direct.
“You sound a lot like Captain Green. So tell me. Are you threatening me, too?”
“I’m just passing along an observation.”
He stepped even closer, and now I was backed against the wall. Melting snow heaped on top of it dripped down the collar of my coat while my blood ran hotter.
“By the way,” he went on, edging ever nearer, “what’s new with this case of ours?”
“Please step back,” I said to him.
“I’m just not sure at all that you’re telling me everything. I think you have a real good idea about what happened to Ted Eddings, and you’re withholding information.”
“We’re not going to discuss that case or any other right now,” I said.
“See? That puts me in a bad spot because I have people I answer to.” I couldn’t believe it when he placed his hand on my shoulder as he added, “I know you wouldn’t want to cause me trouble.”
“Don’t touch me,” I warned. “Don’t push this any further.
“I think you and me need to get together so we can overcome our communication problem.” He left his hand where it was. “Maybe we can catch dinner in some quiet little laid-back place. You like seafood? I know a real private place on the Sound.”
I was silent as I wondered whether to jam my finger in his windpipe.
“Don’t be shy. Trust me. It’s all right. This isn’t the Capital of the Confederacy with all these snobby old hasbeens you got in Richmond. We believe in live and let live around here. You know what I mean?”
I tried to move past him and he grabbed my arm. – I’m talking to you.” He was beginning to sound angry.
You don’t go walking off when I’m talking to you.”
“Let go of me,” I demanded.
I tried to wrench my arm away. But he was surprisingly strong.
“No matter how many fancy degrees you got, you’re no match for me,” he said under breath that smelled like spearmint.
I stared straight into his Ray-Bans.
“Get your hands off me now,” I said in a loud, hard voice. “Now!” I exclaimed as if I would kill him instantly.
Roche suddenly let go, and I trudged with purpose through the snow as my heart flew off on its own. When I reached the front of the house, I stopped, out of breath and dazed.
“There are footprints in the backyard that should be photographed,” I addressed everyone. “Detective Roche’s footprints. He was just back there. And I want all of my belongings out of the house.”
“What the hell do you mean he was just back there?”