In Death 27 - Salvation in Death

to anybody, and five people died.”
    “You knew about the second bomb beforehand?”
    “Yeah, I knew.” He crushed the water cup in his hand. “I didn’t know the when and where, but I knew they were going to do it. I knew people would die, because Penny wanted bodies, and Lino liked to get Penny what she wanted. I didn’t do anything about it. I went and got drunk, and stayed drunk for a long time.”
    “When did you last see Lino Martinez?”
    “The day we had it out. I kept waiting for him to come back, but he never did. Chávez neither. Penny ran the Soldados for a while after, but it all fell apart. I got busted for robbing a 24/7, did some time. She looked me up when I got out to remind me worse things could happen than a beating if I ever thought about running my mouth.”
    “Okay, Joe, let’s go over some of the finer points again.”
    Eve worked him through it, then punched details. When she thought she’d run him dry, she nodded. “I want to thank you for coming in today. You’ve been a big help.”
    He stared up at her when she rose. “That’s all?”
    “Unless you have something to add.”
    “No, but . . . am I under arrest?”
    “For what?”
    “For, I don’t know, withholding evidence or . . . accessory or something.”
    “No, Joe, you’re clear. You may be called on to testify in court as to the statements you’ve made today. If so, will you testify in court as to the facts?”
    “We’ve got three kids. I have to show them how to do the right thing.”
    “That’s all I need for now. Go home.”
    Eve stepped out, wound her way to Observation and Reo.
    “He’s clear,” Reo said, “but if you think we can make and win a case against Penny Soto on the word and the memory of a former gang member, ex-con—”
    “Don’t worry about that. I’ll get you more. I’ll get you plenty. The next on our lineup is Juanita Turner, the mother of one of the bodies Penny wanted, and the woman who poisoned Lino Martinez. She’s in A. I might as well tell you, I’ve got Mira coming to observe the interview, and believe she’ll conclude diminished capacity.”
    “Today you’re a cop, lawyer, and shrink.” Sarcasm coated each word. “How do you do it?”
    “You’re going to put her away, Reo, but if after the interview you want to put her away for first, I’ll send you on an all-expense paid vacation to Portafino.”
    “I’ve always wanted to go there.”
    Eve fueled up with a coffee, then turned to Peabody. “Ready?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Take the lead.”
    “What? What?” Peabody jogged after Eve. “Did you say I should take the lead?”
    For an answer, Eve stepped into the interview room. She sat, said nothing.
    “Ah, record on,” Peabody began and recited the salients. “Mrs. Turner, have you been read your rights?”
    “Yes.”
    “And do you understand those rights and obligations?”
    “Yes, yes.”
    “Mrs. Turner, are you a member of St. Cristóbal’s Catholic Church?”
    “Yes.”
    “And were you acquainted with Father Miguel Flores?”
    “No.” Juanita lifted her head now, and her dark eyes smoldered. “Because Father Flores never came to St. Cristóbal’s. A liar and a murderer came with his face. He’s probably dead, this Father Flores. Probably murdered. What do you think about that? What are you doing about that?”
    Peabody kept her voice clipped, cool—and whatever her thought might have been, they were boxed outside the room. “Do you know the identity of the man who posed as Father Flores?”
    “Lino Martinez. A murderer.”
    “How did you come to be aware of his identity?”
    “I figured it out.” She shrugged, looked away.
    First lie, Eve thought.
    “How?” Eve demanded. “Just how did you figure it out?”
    “Things he said, how he acted, certain looks. What does it matter?”
    “You worked with him at the youth center for over five years,” Eve added. “Went to the church. How long had you known who he really was?”
    “I knew what I knew.” She folded her arms, stared hard at the wall. But the gestures of defiance lost impact with the quick, light shudders that worked through her. “It doesn’t matter how long.”
    “Mrs. Turner, isn’t it true you were told his identity?” Peabody drew Juanita’s attention back to her. “You didn’t figure it out. You were told.” Peabody’s voice softened, into that confide-in-me tone Eve considered one of her partner’s finest tools. “Has Penny Soto threatened you, Mrs.