Devoted in Death (In Death 41)

“Sorry to just be… Summerset showed me in. I got in from Arkansas this morning. I sure do appreciate your hospitality.”

Banner’s hand dropped from his weapon, then outstretched as he crossed to Roarke.

Roarke accepted the hand, but stayed on alert. “You’re involved in the lieutenant’s investigation?”

“It’s looking like it. I know you sometimes consult on cases, but I don’t know how much you’re into this one. I’d be more comfortable, if you don’t mind, if Lieutenant Dallas filled you in.”

“So would I.”

Roarke noted the cat slide off the sleep chair, wander over, wind through Banner’s legs, then come over to do the same through his own. And back again.

“That’s a good cat. I got a dog back home – he’s with my folks while I’m gone. But this one here makes me think I ought to get me a cat, too. He’s good company. Ah… I’m in the Park Room? It sure is nice, and I can see clear over to Central Park.”

“Would this be your first time in New York?”

“That’s right. It makes my head spin a little. Um, we’ve got Detectives Peabody and McNab coming.”

“Do we?” Roarke said, brutally pleasant. “If you’d wait here, I’ll go find the lieutenant.”

“I’ll be right here.” Banner turned back to the board. “Right here.”

Roarke made his way to the bedroom. He wanted out of the bloody suit, and wanted a bloody explanation as to why he’d found a cop from Arkansas in his house – and apparently sleeping in one of the guest rooms.

Eve was still on the ’link when he walked in, and held up a finger to hold him off.

She might have poured gas on a fire.

“I’ll get you what we get as we get it, and you do the same. Everything, Santiago, as it comes. Time’s clicking down.”

“Yes, sir.”

She ended the transmission, circled her neck. “I’ve spent more time on the damn ’link today than…” The frigid blast from his eyes got through. “What?”

“I’ve just come across a Deputy Banner, apparently from Arkansas, apparently involved in your investigation, and apparently staying in our home.”

“Yeah, Banner, I told you. Is he already in the office?”

“He is, and you bloody well didn’t tell me a bloody thing about it.”

“I did. I texted you before…” Coffee, she remembered, text Roarke – and she’d been interrupted.

“I was about to,” she corrected. “I got interrupted.” She scowled at the ’link still in her hand, shoved it in her pocket. “I’ve had a million interruptions today. I meant to text you, I started to.”

“A man I’ve never seen before – armed, by the way – is wandering freely around the house.”

“He’s a cop.”

“And what possible difference does that make?”

“Well, it’s not like he’s going to steal the silver, or whatever. I ran him. The commander talked to his chief. He’s solid.”

“Again, what possible difference does that make?”

She threw out her hands, baffled. “All.”

He yanked off his tie. “Bollocks, Eve. I believe I have a right to be consulted, or at the very least informed, before we’re housing a complete stranger.”

“I was going to! You have people in here when you want them.”