Diana Racine 02 - Goddess of the Moon

she? ”
    Slater was now in full annoyance mode. He spoke after a long moment. “I’ll ask Brigid to step in here, but if I think her rights are being violated, I will end your interrogation and call one of our attorneys. Fair enough?”
    “Absolutely.”
    Slater left the room and Lucier took the opportunity to look around. He tried the doors on the bookcase. They were locked. Then he remembered the camera , turned, and saw the red light glaring at him from the vent. Damn .
    Slater came back into the office and took his seat. “She’s not here. Strange, but now that I think of it, I haven’t seen her all day.”
    “How convenient.”
    Slater’s narrowed eyes bore d into Lucier.
    “I don’t appreciate your sarcasm, Lieutenant. I’ve been perfectly willing to cooperate, but you seem determined to involve me in something I know nothing about. If you want to make a formal charge against me for whatever you perceive is my crime, make it. I d is like people beating around the bush. I have too many things to do and not enough time to do them .”
    Slater’s forthrightness took Lucier by surprise, and he wondered why he was being so aggressive. He knew the reason, and he liked himself less when he forged ahead anyway. “Do you know a man by the name of Silas Compton?”
    Slater didn’t bat an eye. “Of course. Everyone knows who he is.”
    “I mean personally.”
    Slater rocked in his swivel chair. “Mr. Compton is a generous contributor to the Mission. In fact, his money funded us in the first place, and he’s been impressed enough with its success to continue his charitable donations. I’d like to think he’s a friend, even though I’m out of his league. Now, what has he got to do with this investigation?”
    “He owns the house where the cult meets.”
    Slater stiffened but recovered quickly. “I’m sure he owns many properties in the city. He’s one of the wealthiest men in the country. As far as his politics or religion, I don’t get involved. I’m only interested in helping people who need help.”
    “And Deems?”
    “I told you, I barely knew him.” Slater stood. “ T his has gone far enough. I have things to do, as you can see by the work on my desk.”
    “Why do you have a camera in the vent, Mr. Slater?”
    Slater shook his head and released a long sigh. “After the incident with Jeanine Highsmith, I thought it best to protect myself. All financial transactions take place in this room. The tape activates when some one is present. I don’t want a case of he said/she said. If money is donated I have a visual and audio record.”
    Lucier eyed the camera. He’d love to get his hands on those tapes, but he had no legitimate reason to requisition them. What would he find? Slater was too smart to conduct illegal business and record it.
    As if Slater read Lucier’s mind, he said, “You’d need a court order, Lieutenant, and you have no reason to ask for one. Besides, the tapes only go back to the time after Ms. Highsmith made her accusation. Oh, and Silas Compton makes me shut it off whenever he’s in my office.”
    Was that a look of triumph on Slater’s face? “I’d be careful, Mr. Slater. If what went on in that house connects to Mr. Compton, the FBI might be interested in your mission when they find out he’s the financial backer.”
    “It would be like the government to go after Mr. Compton, since he’s an outspoken critic of the way things are done in this country. I ’m apolitical , but I don’t believe in biting the hand that feeds me.”
    “Are you a devotee of Satan, Mr. Slater?”
    Slater laughed. “That’s what I like, someone who comes to the point. No beating around the bush this time, huh, Lieutenant?”
    “No, not this time.”
    “ I’ve made no secret I’m an atheist. I lost faith in God many years ago. My philosophy, however, is personal ― m eaning it’s none of your business.”
    “You didn’t answer my question, Mr. Slater.”
    Slater walked to the door and opened it. “You can apply any interpretation you want. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Lucier was halfway out of the office when Slater said, “And how is Ms. Racine? When you came here , I’d hoped she was with you. I’d like to meet with her again. She’s a fascinating lady, but I’m sure you know that.”
    “Yes, I do. I’ll tell her. Thanks for your time. I’ll ask Ms. Racine to drop by and see you.”
    “Excellent.”
    But not in my lifetime.
    * * * * *
    A fter swearing he