Whisper in the Night (Detectives Kane and Alton)

“We need more time.” Jenna reached for her phone. “I’m just hoping it’s not too late already.”

* * *

Kane had finished making the calls when Samuel J. Cross strolled into the office announcing himself loud and clear then leaned on the front counter, chatting to Maggie, as if he had all the time in the world. Kane got to his feet and took in the man with his insolent grin, wearing faded jeans, a battered Stetson and cowboy boots. A long blond ponytail curled down his back and his leather jacket appeared to be his only item of clothing less than ten years old. He looked as if he’d come straight from a cattle ranch rather than the office of a defense lawyer. As Kane approached the counter, Cross turned his head toward him, then straightened to about six-two and gave him an assessing look.

“Samuel J. Cross, and you’d be Deputy Dave Kane.” Cross stuck out his hand. “Heard a lot about you since I arrived back in town.”

“All good I hope?” Kane shook his hand in a firm grip.

“I guess it depends on the client.” Cross gave him a brilliant white smile that faded in an instant. “You’ve Matt Miller in custody. I’d like some time with my client alone.”

Kane nodded. “Sure, but can I see some ID?”

“I guess I don’t fit into a lawyer stereotype, huh?” Cross handed him a business card, then pulled out a wallet and flipped it open to display his driver’s license. “I’m listed with the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. You’ll find my qualifications hanging on the wall in my office, or give Mayor Petersham a call. He’s known my family since I was a kid.”

“He’s legit.” Deputy Walters came to Kane’s side. “Good to see you again, Sam. Where you been workin’?”

“Here and there. Nice to see you again, Duke. Can’t chat now, I’ve a client.” Cross turned away from the old deputy, pulled a notepad out of a battered briefcase at his feet and scanned it. “Hmm, suspicion of abducting one Amanda Braxton, fifteen.” He lifted his gaze to Kane. “Any sightings of the girl?”

Kane shook his head. “Nope.”

“Is this all the evidence you have against my client?” Cross waved the notepad. “If so, it’s not enough for you to charge him, it’s circumstantial and my client doesn’t have any priors.” He shook his head. “I’ll have him released within the hour.”

Annoyance rolled over Kane but he stared back at the man’s challenging gaze. “Well, we’d like to interview him. He clammed up the moment we mentioned we’d obtained a warrant to track his GPS.” He straightened to his full six-five. “Wouldn’t it be better to straighten this out now? Or we’ll just have to pull him in again for questioning the moment he steps out the door. We’ve the right to hold him for twenty-four hours for questioning.”

“I’m aware of the law.” Cross tucked the pad under one arm and picked up his briefcase. “I’ll see if Matt is prepared to speak with you. He’s already exercised his rights and if he decides to remain silent, that’s his prerogative.”

Kane almost wanted to laugh. The lawyer’s tone and professionalism were the complete opposite of his appearance. He waved a hand in the direction of the interview room. “I’ll take you to him in just a moment.” He turned to Deputy Walters. “Anything to report?”

“Nope. I’m heading home now. I’m taking another shift at the Braxtons’ house later.”

“Okay.” Kane turned back to Cross. “The interview room is this way.” He led the way along the hallway.

Inside the room, Kane switched off the sound to the camera and pointed to a button mounted on the table. “Press the button when you want to leave or if you need assistance. The CCTV is on and we’ll be monitoring the feed for your safety. The sound control is here.” He pointed to a control on the desk. “As you can see, I’ve muted the sound.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll work it out.” Cross waved him away, and then turned to Matt. “How’ve they been treating you?”

“Fine.” Matt rubbed the end of his nose and flashed Kane a disgruntled look. “I didn’t do anything.”

Part of Kane wished he could listen in to Miller’s excuses but he shut the door and made his way back to Jenna’s office. Sometimes circumstantial evidence was enough to convict and what they had on Miller was substantial, with the GPS records proving Matt had visited Glacial Heights during the timeframes of both abductions. He’d like the opportunity to question him about Lindy Rosen as well.

“Ah good, the lawyer’s here.” Jenna indicated the monitor above her desk and frowned. “He’s a strange one. Did you check his creds?”

Kane handed her the business card. “The card and license match and Walters vouched for him.” He took a seat. “Walters is off duty now and will relieve the Blackwater deputies at the Braxton house later. It’s all quiet there.”

“I wish we’d get a break in either of the cases.” Jenna let out a long sigh. “It’s all circumstantial or supposition. I feel like I’m swimming upstream, in the rapids.”

“I don’t figure Sam Cross will take long with Matt.” Kane pulled out his notebook. “I’ve a list of where our potential suspects are working. They’re all in the same general area, so depending how long it takes interviewing English and Lucy we’ll be able to speak to them today.”

“Lucy is at home, not far from the Braxton ranch. And English lives on Maple Drive.” Jenna glanced up at the monitor, then back at Kane. “Do you think Matt’s involved?”

The evidence had been live streaming through Kane’s mind since they’d left Miller’s Garage. “It could be a coincidence he was in the area when both girls went missing but he does have friends in the general area. The use of explosives is worrying me. I couldn’t find squat to link him.”

“He could’ve gotten that via YouTube.” Jenna blew her bangs from her forehead. “Remember what Josh told us – most of the terrorists planting IEDs get their info via the web.”

The phone on Jenna’s desk rang and she gave Kane a hopeful look and picked up the receiver.

“Sheriff Alton.” She lifted her gaze to Kane. “What do you have for me, Wolfe?” She gave him an update, and then put the phone on speaker. “Kane’s here. We’re waiting on the lawyer to finish speaking with Miller.”