The Hidden

“I’m afraid that’s not obvious,” Lieutenant Gray said.

“Why not?” Clark demanded, gruff as a bulldog, ready to defend his wife.

“Because we base our conclusions on evidence, not supposition. The forensic team and the techs back at the station will be able to tell us more about things like the way the trigger mechanism was set, and when. That information will help us home in on a suspect.”

“But this is Ben’s house,” Gwen said. “I don’t go into other people’s houses and start excavating behind their walls.”

“Most people don’t,” Diego agreed. “But most people don’t commit murder, either.”

Diego could see that they weren’t getting anywhere. Accusations were flying. Lieutenant Gray arrested Terry Ballantree for stealing the key and breaking into the museum, but that wouldn’t get them any closer to finding their killer.

For the moment, he had to pin his hopes on forensics. With luck he would get something useful from that scrap of the burlap, as well as from tonight’s search of the house and grounds. Additionally, with Gray’s help in the manpower department, they had the ability to follow everyone here. Earlier they’d wanted to bring them all together to see how they reacted at the séance, now they needed to see who would do what once they were apart.

“With the exception of Mr. Ballantree, none of you is under arrest or even being held. Mr. and Mrs. Barton, Mr. and Mrs. Levin, you are free to check out and find another hotel, but I must ask you not to leave the immediate area. Terry, suggest you do the same once—or if—Lieutenant Gray releases you,” Diego said.

“Instead of a hotel, you might want to check into the hospital for that arm, don’t you think?” Gwen said derisively.

“All of you, out,” Diego said, thoroughly sick of every single one of them by that point.

“We’ll be escorting you into town to ensure you find room at a hotel of your choice,” Jane said.

“Well, I, for one, am happy to be leaving this place,” Clark said, rising and reaching a hand down to his wife.

“I’ll escort you,” Brett told them.

“Just remember,” Lieutenant Gray said, “don’t leave the area and be sure we have your contact information in case we need to get in touch with you.”

“Our lives will be at your convenience,” Gigi said, not even bothering to hide her contempt. “Clark, let’s go.”

“What about us?” Gwen asked. “Who’ll go with us?”

“I will,” Jane said.

“Great, we get séance lady,” Charles muttered.

“I’m sure Lieutenant Gray has a uniformed officer who can assist you instead,” Jane said.

Diego lowered his head to hide his smile. Jane was a master of holding her cool no matter what. All that mattered to her was getting the job done. He was going to like being part of the Krewe.

“I’d like to come back as soon as the police let me go. You’re not going to close the place, are you, Ben?” Terry asked.

Ben just shook his head, looking shell-shocked. “Who knows what will happen?”

For a long moment everyone in the room just stood there silently.

“Freedom. We’re out of here,” Clark said, turning to Brett. “We’ll be packed in ten minutes.”

Terry and the Bartons followed quickly on the Levins’ heels. Adam excused himself at that point, too, saying he wanted to do the paperwork on that night before the details started to fade.

“What now?” Trisha asked, looking at Diego.

“We’ll see what the forensic crews turn up,” he said. “The killer will make a mistake somewhere.”

Scarlet walked over to him. “I know you have work to do here, but I should get back. Lara is still at the museum—alone,” she said softly.

Brett heard her and walked over. “Lara is fine. Meg and Matt drove up just as I was running over here earlier, so they went up to hang out with her.”