In Death 10 - Witness in Death

with said uniformed officers. No shoving."
    "So noted, sir."
    "Record on," she said meandering to the table. "Interview with subject Kenneth Stiles, regarding case number HS46178-C. Dallas, Lieutenant Eve, as primary. Also in attendance Feeney, Captain Ryan, and Peabody, Officer Delia. Mr. Stiles, have you been informed of your rights and obligations in this matter?"
    "The cop with peach fuzz on his chin recited the standard. I want to know -- "
    "And do you understand these rights and obligations, Mr. Stiles?"
    He showed his teeth. "I'm not a nitwit; of course I understand them. I insist -- "
    "I apologize for the inconvenience." She settled back, tried out a smile. There was no need to repeat the revised Miranda and remind him he could holler lawyer. "I realize this is unpleasant for you, again apologize for the inconvenience, and will try to expedite this interview."
    Feeney gave a sharp snort so that Eve sent him a quick, worried look that had Stiles shifting in his seat.
    "What is this about?" Stiles demanded. "I have a right to know why I've been dragged down here like a common criminal."
    "You've been read your rights, Stiles." Feeney's voice was clipped and harsh. "Now we're the ones who ask the questions."
    "I've already answered questions. I don't know anything other than what I've already told Lieutenant Dallas."
    "I guess you don't know anything about that poor slob who ended up dangling by his neck a couple feet off the floor, either."
    "Feeney." Eve held up her hands for peace. "Easy."
    Feeney folded his arms over his chest and tried to look burly. "He keeps pulling my chain, I'm pulling his back."
    "Let's take a minute. Want some water?"
    Stiles blinked at her, baffled. He'd been ready to rip into Eve, and now she was giving him sympathetic looks and offering him water. "Yes, yes, I would."
    "Why don't you offer him a snack while you're at it?"
    Ignoring Feeney, Eve rose to fill a small cup with lukewarm water. "Mr. Stiles, some new information has come to light regarding your relationship with Richard Draco."
    "What new information? I told you -- "
    "I said we ask the questions." Feeney came half out of his chair. "You didn't tell us squat. You didn't tell us you kicked Draco's face in, did you? A guy puts another guy in the hospital, maybe he finds a way to come back around and put him in the ground."
    "I don't know what you're talking about." Stiles's voice was smooth, even, but his hand trembled lightly as he took the cup of water.
    "Mr. Stiles, I'm going to warn you that there's a very stiff penalty for lying in interview." Eve leaned forward so that Stiles would focus on her face. "You don't want that kind of trouble; take my word for it. You cooperate with me, and I'm going to do what I can to straighten this out. If you're not straight with me, I can't help you. And it's going to be tough for you to help yourself."
    "Guy's a coward," Feeney said in disgust. "Takes Draco out, but hides behind some poor woman to do it."
    "I never -- " The mutiny in Stiles's eyes turned to horrified shock. "My God, you can't believe I actually arranged Richard's death. That's absurd."
    "At least he used to have some guts," Feeney went on, and deliberately cracked his knuckles in three nasty little pops. "Used his own hands to pound Draco's face in. Must've really ticked him off, huh, Stiles. You actor guys are fussy about your pretty faces."
    Stiles moistened his lips. "I had absolutely nothing to do with Richard's death. I've told you everything I know about it."
    Eve put a hand on Feeney's shoulder as if to restrain him, then with a sigh, rose. "The file, Officer Peabody. Hard copy."
    "Yes, sir." Keeping her face blank, Peabody offered Eve a folder.
    Eve sat with it, opened it, gave Stiles a chance to read as much as he could manage upside down. And watched his color drain. "I have documents here relating to both criminal and civil actions, which involve you, as defendant."
    "Those matters were resolved years ago. Years. And sealed. I was assured they were sealed."
    "This is murder, pal." Feeney's mouth twisted into a sneer. "Seal's broken."
    "Let's give the guy a chance to settle into this, Feeney. Mr. Stiles, we were authorized to break the seal due to the course of this investigation."
    "You don't owe him explanations."
    "Let's just keep it smooth," Eve murmured to Feeney. "You were charged with assaulting Richard Draco, causing extensive bodily harm, mental and emotional trauma."
    "It was twenty-four years