In Death 24 - Innocent in Death

scary.”
    “We’re just happy. Things are good, right?”
    “Keep going,” she told McNab, then slowed just a little. “Let’s just close this up with me saying I appreciate the ear, and the faith and the support.”
    “That’s what friends do, and partners.”
    “Yeah, but thanks.” She hesitated as they started down the stairs. “You go on out with McNab. I’m right behind you.” But she paused, taking her coat off the newel where Summerset would have replaced it for her.
    She looked at him as she put it on. “He’s okay. We’re okay. She’s not going to be a problem for him anymore.”
    “Or for you?”
    “Or for me.”
    “I’m very glad to hear it.”
    “I know you are. Appreciate it.”
    “I’ve brought that unfortunate vehicle you’ve yet to wreck around in anticipation of your departure. I hope you won’t leave it soiling the front of the house much longer.”
     
    221
    “Kiss my ass, scarecrow.”
    “There.” He smiled at her. “We’re back to normal.”
    She let out a snorting laugh, then strode out.
    Straffo met them at the door. He didn’t elect to have his own lawyer present, as was his right. Pride, Eve decided. He was too proud to have someone else handle the legalities.
    It surprised her a little to note he hadn’t sent his wife and kid, and the au pair, away.
    Went back to pride, she assumed. He was showing them he’d handle this nonsense, that he was still in charge of the household.
    He read the warrant thoroughly, taking his time about it, his face expressionless. Oh, but he was pissed, Eve thought. He was steaming under that smooth exterior.
    “It’s in order,” he stated, then met her eyes. “I expect you and your team to proceed with this in an expeditious and respectful manner. You’ll be accountable for any damage.”
    “So noted. The record is on, and will remain on throughout. Detective McNab will handle the electronics. If any of your possessions require confiscation, you’ll be given receipts.
    Do you wish to remain on the premises during the execution of the warrant?”
    “I certainly do.”
    “That’ll be handy.” She nodded to McNab, then to Baxter and Trueheart as they arrived.
    “Baxter, you and Trueheart take the main level. Peabody, with me.”
    She started toward the stairs, passed Allika, who stood gripping Rayleen’s hand.
    “Excuse me, Lieutenant?”
    Eve paused, looked at the child. “Yeah?”
    “Are you really going to search my room?”
    “We’re going to search all the rooms, including yours.”
    “Wow. Could I-”
    “Rayleen.” Straffo’s voice was quick and sharp. “Let the police get on with what they came to do.”
    Still looking more excited than abashed, Rayleen lowered her eyes. “Yes, sir.”
     
    222
    Eve started with the third floor. There was what she supposed was termed a family room.
    A couple of long, cushy sofas, double-sized chairs, oversized entertainment screen.
    A fireplace, currently cold, was topped by a wide white mantel that held copper urns and a grouping of family pictures in matching copper frames. The family at the shore, Rayleen in school uniform, another of the kid in a pink tutu, the couple in black tie, looking polished and happy.
    Sectioned off from the lounge area was a home gym. Nicely equipped, Eve noted, and with a view of the city from a long ribbon of windows.
    There was a small second kitchen-minifriggie, miniAutoChef, short counter with a couple of stools.
    A full bath complete with jet tub and steam shower.
    There was no work space.
    Still, she searched cabinets, drawers, cushions, took art from the walls to check backings and frames.
    “Looks clear,” she said to Peabody. “McNab will check the electronics.”
    “Family sanctuary. Pretty juicy one.” Peabody took one more scan. “They use this place more than the living area downstairs when they’re going to hang. Watch some screen, play games on the table over by the window. Downstairs is more for entertaining. This is where they get together as a fam.”
    “Yeah, I’d say.” She glanced toward the fireplace again, studied the pictures on the mantel. “Let’s take the second floor.”
    They separated, with Peabody taking Straffo’s home office and Eve taking Allika’s sitting room. She studied the fireplace again, the mantel, the family pictures and portraits.
    Interesting, she thought. Then dug into the room.
    It was all very female, Eve decided. Mags and discs on fashion and decorating and child rearing. Memo