Lana pulled her badge, opening it for him to see. “I’m Officer Fitzpatrick.” Lana pulled her badge back. “We received a 911 call from a passerby reporting screaming coming from this residence.”
“There must be some mistake.” His smile was forced, his voice shaky.
“Do you mind if we come in Mr.—” Lana’s tone was flat.
“Waters.” His fake smile slipped as his eyes shifted nervously. “Robert Waters.”
“Mr. Waters, is there anyone else inside the residence?” Lana put her badge back into her front pocket.
“No, my wife…” His eyes shot to Adam, “went to the grocery store. I’m the only one here. That’s why I think there has been some kind of mistake.”
Adam knew the guy was lying. Something wasn’t right. Adam wondered if Lana was picking up on this asshole’s attempt to play it cool.
“Excuse me, but can I ask why you’re here?” Robert looked over Lana’s head to Adam.
“I’m her back-up.” Adam couldn’t help but smirk. He didn’t like the guy, plain and simple. He didn’t like him the first time he’d met him and he liked him less now, because he was going to have to go back and tell Jill she had been right.
“Mr. Waters.” Lana took a step toward the door. “I’m going to have to have you step aside and let us in.”
Adam watched him closely as the man’s face flushed, his jaw visibly tightening. He wasn’t a tall man, but he was very muscular. His hair was shaved in a military cut and he looked like he had a spray tan going on.
His attitude took a sudden turn. “I’m sorry. This isn’t a good time, Officer.”
“I’m not asking.” Lana put her foot against the door when he began to close it.
“You’ll have to come back with a warrant.” He tried again to shut the door more forcibly, but Adam leaned past Lana and put his hand on the door, stopping it from closing
“I don’t need a warrant, Mr. Waters.” Lana, with Adam’s help, pushed herself into the entryway. “We received a 911 call for this residence, which trumps a warrant. You are more than welcome to call my captain while I wait, but I assure you, it will be the same outcome.”
Robert started to sweat profusely, his stance becoming more defensive. “Okay, you’re in but no one is here.” He spread his arms wide. “Now please, I’m going to be late for an appointment.”
“What time did your wife leave?” Lana asked, her eyes fixed on the man.
“She’s been gone for a while.” His voice even, but his eyes shifted nervously to the stairs leading up.
Adam didn’t miss the shift and neither did Lana as she looked that way. As if on cue, a noise sounded from right above them. “Either he has a really bad rodent problem or someone is up there.” Adam glared, trying to keep control, knowing Angelina was in this house somewhere.
“Who’s upstairs, Mr. Waters?” Lana questioned.
When he didn’t answer, Adam headed that way. “I’ll find out.”
Robert made a strange sound before slapping his forehead in a very bad acting performance. “I totally forgot. My newly married mind is so filled with my lovely wife.” His jab was aimed toward Adam, which was a bad move.
Adam took the bait; he couldn’t help the low rumbled growl that escaped his lips. “If you don’t tell us who the fuck is upstairs, I’m either going up there to find out myself, or better yet, I’m going to beat the answer out of you.”
“Adam,” Lana warned, shaking her head at him.
“Your choice,” Adam finished, not even acknowledging Lana’s warning.
“My brother came into town late last night,” Robert replied, not looking as smug as he did in the face of Adam’s threat. In fact, he looked ready to break down into tears.
“Bullshit,” Adam challenged, but before another word could be spoken, a shrill terrified scream filled the large house, coming from upstairs.
Robert moved quickly pushing past Lana. Adam headed for the stairs, but stopped, hearing Lana shouting for Robert to stop. “Go, Adam,” Lana ordered as she took off after Robert.
Adam was torn, but when another scream ripped throughout the house, he took off up the stairs, jumping four at a time. He knew Lana was a cop and could handle herself, or at least he hoped the hell so, if not Sid would have his ass. The shill scream stopped, instantly spurring Adam faster.