“None whatsoever,” Lucas says.
“I guess it’s time to go shopping, then.” They both laugh, but I’m not finding anything funny about this.
“Someone want to explain this shit to me?”
I’m startled by Sean’s voice as he comes up behind me. I press tightly to Deklan’s side. Apparently, Sean isn’t finding this amusing either.
“Nothing to be concerned about, boss,” Deklan says.
“Dek’s gun and prints, but his alibi is airtight,” Lucas says. “The judge didn’t even want to hear any more after I handed him all the witness statements.”
Sean nods as he looks back and forth between Deklan, Lucas, and Brian. He never looks at me—not once.
“I didn’t sanction any action on Crackers.” His voice is low. “Someone want to explain?”
>
“No, sir,” Deklan replies, and Sean glares at him.
“How did this killer get your weapon?” he asks.
“I reported it stolen a few days ago,” Deklan says. “Anyone could have used it.”
“You had a gun stolen?” Sean tilts his head as he questions Deklan.
“Yeah, the registered Beretta.”
“How the hell did someone steal a gun from you?”
“Well, if I knew that, I’d probably know who stole it.” Deklan keeps his unwavering gaze on Sean. “The last I knew, it was in the glove compartment of my car. Then it wasn’t there anymore. I rarely lock the car, so I guess anyone could have gone through it.”
I tense, surprised that Deklan is lying to his boss. Maybe it’s just the location that has him sticking to his story. There are cops all over the place.
“You never mentioned it.” Sean glares at Brian for a moment.
“I’ve been spending time with my grieving wife,” Deklan says. “Didn’t really think it was worth mentioning. I’ve got others without registrations. I just bought that one on a whim because I liked it. I can always get another one.”
“Well, considering it’s now evidence, I don’t think you’ll be getting it back—not with Longbow gone.”
“Longbow is gone?”
“Suspended. Something about mishandling evidence. Lucas, I’ll need you to find him a good attorney.”
“Sure, boss.”
Sean steps closer and points a finger right at Deklan’s nose.
“I expect you to keep better track of your weapons, Dek. I don’t like to hear about people stealing from my employees.”
“Won’t happen again, boss,” Deklan says. “I guess if they find the shooter, I’ll know who stole my gun.”
“We are going to talk about this later.” It’s clear that Sean isn’t satisfied with Deklan’s explanation. “Lucas, any other paperwork that needs done?”
“No, boss. It’s all good.”
“Fine. At my office in a half hour.” Sean glares at Brian again. “All of you.”
Chapter 27