“Worked at Gamma with Draymont.”

  “Was he bedding her, too?”

  “Not sure. But she worked on Capitol Hill as a lobbyist for a while, and had the rep for keeping her ear to the ground and maybe profiting off it, just like Draymont.” White pulled out her phone, found the photo, and held it up. “This is Lancer. She would have been younger, of course, when you might have seen her.”

  Nash said, “Yeah, I recognize her. I never knew her name, but I would see her at the Capitol from time to time. Good-looking woman.”

  Not anymore, thought White. “She worked for a lobbying firm, the Kingston Group, on K Street.”

  “Bloodsuckers. So, she and Draymont were a couple, huh?”

  “And maybe a lot more. Did you ever see her and Draymont together?”

  “No, but I probably wouldn’t have. For years I’ve been mostly behind a desk.”

  “Did Draymont have any buddies on the force that he might have hung out with? They might know.”

  Nash picked up his phone. “I think I know just the guy.”

  White smiled. “You seem very eager to help me. I’m not complaining. But it is unusual.”

  Nash punched in the number. “I didn’t like Alan Draymont. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not happy he’s dead, but if I can help you clear this matter up, I will.”

  * * *

  Five minutes later a man in his early thirties entered the office. He wore the uniform of a Capitol Hill police officer.

  “Agent White, this is Officer Stan Daniels.”

  They shook hands, and White showed him the picture of Lancer and asked about her and Draymont.

  “Oh sure, Alice. Yeah, she and Alan were a thing. I mean, I think they were.”

  “Why the ambivalence?” asked White.

  “He told me they were sleeping together, but Alan was sleeping with every skirt that came by. So I hesitate to call them a couple. She’d sometimes be there when I’d go by Alan’s place.”

  “How did they meet?” asked White.

  “I’m not really sure. I know she was on the Hill a lot, and of course so was Alan. She was really pretty and dressed kind of sexy, and Alan, well, like I said.”

  “Yeah, anything in a skirt. You ever hear them talking about stuff that seemed weird?”

  Daniels looked confused. “How do you mean?”

  “Stuff that sounded more like a business rather than only a sexual relationship?”

  “Funny you should say that. They certainly were into gossip. They knew everything that was happening in DC, I can tell you that. I mean, folks in politics and so on.”

  “Anything else?”

  “I went over to his place one time. The door was open so I just let myself in. Nobody was around. Alan’s laptop was open on the table. I just took a peek. It was like a spreadsheet with names and, I don’t know, information on each of them.”

  “What kind of information?”

  “I couldn’t really say. It was about that time I heard someone coming. I went back over to the door and pretended to open it as though I were just coming in. It was Alice walking in from the other room. She saw me and then went over and closed the laptop.”

  “What did you take all that to mean?”

  “That they were up to something, I just didn’t know what.”

  Nash looked at White. “I guess that’s your job to find out. And I don’t envy you one bit.”

  Chapter 52

  G​LORIA CHASE LIVED IN AN upscale part of Ocean View and only a short drive from her boyfriend, Dennis Langley. It was also about a twenty-minute drive to Cummins’s house. She was a knockout in her midthirties, with long blond hair and perceptive blue eyes. She had on a short white skirt that, by contrast, emphasized her long, tanned legs. Her home was expensive and the woman seemed the same to Decker.

  His creds got him in the front door, and they sat across from each other in a small, light-filled space off the kitchen.

  “Are you a lawyer as well?” he asked.

  “No, I have my own business. An internet services platform to help startups in Florida. Business is booming. I’m printing money.”

  “Congrats! The Aston Martin outside looks new.”

  “It is. I understand you want to talk about Dennis.”

  “That’s right.”

  “I’m sure he told you that he spent the night with me when Julia Cummins was killed.”

  “He did.”

  “Dennis wouldn’t hurt a fly,” she said.

  “No flies were hurt. It was his ex-girlfriend who was murdered.”

  She shifted, crossed her legs, and did the same with her arms. A classic defensive posture during questioning. Decker had expected to see it at some point, just not this soon.

  “When did he get to your house that night?”

  “Oh, around eight.”

  “And when did he leave?”

  “The next morning. He was due in court.”

  “He never left you that night?” asked Decker.

  “To use the bathroom.”

  “But he never left the house?”

  She looked a little less certain and a little more defiant. “He ran to the liquor store to get some more gin.”

  “How long was he gone?”

  “Fifteen-twenty minutes, tops.”

  “What time was this?”

  “Around midnight.”

  “Twenty minutes, you’re sure?” he asked.

  “Yes! It’s the all-night place down on the right before you turn into my neighborhood. Ricardos.”

  “He ever get physical with you? Abusive?”

  “Never. If he did, it would be over in two seconds. I don’t tolerate that.”

  “Some men don’t care if women don’t like it.”

  “Dennis is not that kind of guy. He’s very nice and gentle.”

  “A gentle man with a gun.”

  “He has every right to protect himself.”

  “Did he ever mention Julia Cummins to you?” he asked.

  “A few times. And I met her once.”

  Decker stiffened. “Really, when was that?”

  “Dennis and I had been dating for maybe a month. We were at a restaurant, a little French bistro in Naples called Café Midi. She was there.”

  “Alone?” said Decker.

  “No, she had some kid with her.”

  “Kid?”

  “I call him a kid, but he was huge. Looked like an athlete.”

  “Her son, Tyler.” Decker showed her a photo on his phone.

  “Yeah, that’s him.”

  “Was there anyone else with her?”

  “Yes, an older woman. Rail thin with badly permed hair, and she reeked of alcohol.”

  “Doris Kline?”

  “I don’t know. She never said her name. But she looked three sheets to the wind.”

  “So, what happened?”

  “Dennis took me over to their table and we said hello. Frankly, I think Dennis did it to sort of show me off to Cummins.”

  “How did she react?”

  “She was pleasant. We spoke for a bit and that was it. We left.”

  “What was your impression of the judge?” asked Decker.

  “She seemed very put together. I could see why Dennis would be attracted to her. Her friend was a very different sort. I wouldn’t have necessarily put them together.”

  “They’re neighbors. Did you speak to Tyler?”

  “No, but he did give me the eye.” She smiled demurely. “He’s clearly a red-blooded American male.”

  “Anything else you can tell me?”

  “Just that I’m certain Dennis had nothing to do with what happened. I’ve dated guys who could be violent, creepy, and controlling, Agent Decker. They try to hide it but they give off a definite vibe after a while. Dennis has none of that.”

  “Some hide it better than others.”

  “I think you’re barking up the wrong tree.”

  “I bark up lots of trees. Till I find the right one.”

  “I understand that a man was also found dead at her house,” she said.

  “That’s right.”

  “Were they dating?” Chase asked.

  “I’m not sure.”

  “How can you not be sure? Didn’t anyone know?”

  “It’s complicated,” replied Decker.

  “I guess murder is often complicated.”

  “Actually, the act of murder is usually pretty simple. It’s everything else that’s complicated.”

  Chapter 53

  HEY, TYLER, IS YOUR DAD home?” asked Decker.

  Tyler had just answered his knock on the condo door. He had on khaki shorts and an untucked short-sleeved shirt.

  “He’s getting ready. We’re going out to dinner.”

  “Mind if I come in and wait?”

  “I guess not.”

  He led Decker into an adjoining room and they sat down. A storm was forming out over the Gulf. Its framing in the broad windows served as a capable analogy to what was going on in Decker’s head.

  “How’s the investigation going?” mumbled Tyler. “Have you found out stuff?”

  “We’re getting there. Do you remember a guy and a woman coming up to you at a restaurant in Naples called Café Midi?” When Tyler looked uncertain, he added, “I think Doris Kline was with you, and the woman was tall, blond, and beautiful. You sort of ran your gaze over her.” He kept his tone diplomatic.

  Tyler grinned. “Oh, yeah. Her. Damn, I mean, wow. She was, like, wow. And she was falling out of that dress. I wish I’d gotten a picture of her.”

  “Yeah. Did you know the guy?”

  “No. But from how he and my mom were talking, I supposed he was a lawyer. They were talking like that anyway.”

  “Actually, he and your mom had dated.”

  Tyler looked surprised. “Really? Then it was a good thing Dad hadn’t joined us yet.”

  “Wait a minute, your father was there?”

  “He was just coming in, I think, when the guy and the lady were getting ready to leave.”

  “Why was your father having dinner with you and your mother?”

  “It was my birthday.”

  “Did your father overhear anything from the man?”

  “I don’t know. Hell, all my attention was on the woman, if you want to know the truth. But he came up to the table right after they walked off. So Dad had to be close by. Why? What does that matter?”

  “It might not.”

  “Tyler?” a voice called out.

  “In here, Dad.”

  A few moments later Barry Davidson walked into the room, adjusting the cuffs of his white dress shirt. He had on dark gray slacks and brown tasseled loafers.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked when he spied Decker.

  “Just a few more questions, Mr. Davidson.”

  “Tyler and I are going out to dinner. And when the hell are you going to release Julia’s remains? We have to…we have to do the service.” He glanced anxiously at his son. “She…she wanted to be cremated.”

  “It won’t be long,” replied Decker.

  Davidson slumped down in a chair after mixing himself a drink from the bar against the wall. Tyler silently watched him do this, his features full of disgust.

  “What questions?” asked Davidson.

  “I’m going to tell you some things in return for information.”

  “What things?”

  “The man who was killed at your ex-wife’s home was not protecting her. He was sleeping with her.”

  Tyler blurted out, “What? Sleeping with Mom?”

  Decker kept his gaze on Davidson. “You don’t look surprised, Mr. Davidson.”

  “Julia could do what she wanted. It’s none of my business.”

  “Did you know about their…relationship?”

  “No, but like I said, she could do what she wanted.”

  “But she obviously wanted to keep it on the Q.T.”

  “What do you mean, specifically?”

  “She used this subterfuge that she had been receiving threats to explain his being there.”

  “But she had been getting threats,” interjected Tyler. “She told me so. Right, Dad?”

  “Is that what she told you, Mr. Davidson?”

  “I already answered that question. She never got back to me when I texted her about it.”

  “I just wanted to give you the opportunity to amend your answer, if need be.”

  “I have no reason to change what I already told you,” he said icily. “Check my phone records. I sent the one text. I haven’t called her in weeks.”

  “I also have heard that you still loved your ex. And you told me that you hoped to reconcile with her.”

  “Dad?” said Tyler. “Is that true?”

  Davidson wouldn’t look at his son. “Okay, I told you that, but in my heart of hearts I knew it was over. I’ve moved on with my life. The divorce was years ago.” He rose. “Now, if there’s nothing else, Tyler and I need to head out or we’ll be late for our reservation.”

  “You drive a Mercedes S600?”

  “Yes.”

  “There are cameras in the garage here?”

  “Yes, and if you check the film you’ll see that my Mercedes never left the garage. And I didn’t take Tyler’s car, either. And there is no record of me going through Julia’s gate.”

  Decker gave him a piercing look. “You checked?”

  “I should have said I know there is no record of me going through the gate, since I never left the condo, as I told you before.”

  “I told you all that, Agent Decker,” chimed in Tyler. “My dad was here. I heard him. I would’ve known if he had left.”

  Davidson said heatedly, “And do you really think I could have butchered my wife and then gotten back here and then calmly held a meeting? You could check with my business clients. I wasn’t covered in fucking blood when I did the Zoom call!”

  “Dad!” exclaimed Tyler. “Calm down. You didn’t kill her, okay?”

  Decker took all this in and then said, “Who said she was butchered?”

  Davidson glanced anxiously at his son. “You…you said she’d been stabbed. You told me that,” he added.

  “Oh, I remember exactly what I said. But I didn’t say ‘butchered.’ In fact, I didn’t say how many times she had been stabbed. It could have been only once.”

  Davidson nervously licked his lips. “And what about the man? Was he stabbed, too?”

  Decker rose. “I guess you two had better get on to your dinner.”

  Chapter 54

  A​S DECKER WAS DRIVING BACK to the hotel his phone buzzed.

  When he answered White said, “Good, you’re still alive. I didn’t want to have to break in a new partner so soon.”

  “Find anything useful?” asked Decker.

  She took a few minutes to fill him on what she had learned about Draymont and Lancer.

  “So partners in blackmail from way back?”

  “And both forced to pull their tent and go play in another sandbox,” she said.

  “Florida made sense for Lancer, since her mother was here. I wonder why Gamma?”

  “They just need dirty little secrets, and they’re off and running.”

  “And being part of an investigation firm would be a great platform to get those secrets,” agreed Decker. “So, they met on Capitol Hill but we don’t know exactly how?”

  “She was lobbying and he was protecting.”

  “And they were both doing a side business.”

  “Maybe they were initially doing it separately and then that’s what drew them together.”

  “Maybe,” said Decker.

  “So what did you find out?”

  Decker told her about his meetings with Gloria Chase and Barry and Tyler Davidson.

  “So Langley and Gloria Chase actually ran into Judge Cummins at this restaurant?”

  “Yeah. And Barry Davidson might have seen and overheard it, too.”

  “You think he knew about them dating?”

  “It’s kind of a small town. Tyler was surprised by it, but his dad didn’t seem to be. And despite what he told us about wanting to reconcile with Cummins, he said he’d gotten on with his life, but he was obviously lying. And another thing.” He told her about Davidson’s use of the word butchered.

  “No way he could have known that,” said White. “We held that detail back.”

  “He claims he just assumed that from my telling him that she had been stabbed.”

  “Do you buy that?”

  “No more than I did his moving on with his life.”

  “So you think he had her killed somehow?”

  “I don’t know. Could he have made it over there in time to kill her and then get back for his next Zoom? I guess it’s possible. But Tyler was adamant that his father never left the condo that night.”

  “The ME was really certain on the timing of the deaths. Even without Tyler’s alibi it would have been really tight for Barry to commit the murders. And then to just do a Zoom meeting right after?”

  “Yeah, he actually made that point.” He paused. “How are your kids?”

  “I’m driving up to Baltimore to see them now. I plan to fly back down in the morning, unless there’s anything else you want me to check up here.”

  “I guess not. You’ve done good work. We now know they were running a blackmail scheme up there and they were probably running one down here.”

  “Any word on Kelly’s killer?”

  “None. They found a car abandoned about five miles away. No plates and wiped clean, not a print on the damn thing. Whoever it was is long gone by now.”

  “Unless they’re hanging around to take shots at us.”

  “That could be,” agreed Decker.

  “So watch yourself. Alex also told me you don’t really care about your own safety when you’re on a case.”

  “Yeah, I’ve been trying to work on that.”

  “How’s Andrews?”

  “I went by to see him. He told me that he tried to get a job with Gamma but was rejected.”

  “Shit, are you kidding me? And he still worked the case?”

  “I think he’s feeling some guilt for that one. But he’s on the bench anyway with his wound. He said that he went fishing with Kanak Roe four years ago and the man told him about his terminal illness. He told me that Roe seemed to want to make amends for some things he’d done in his life, only he didn’t tell Andrews what they were. He also thinks Roe wasn’t sure his daughter was the one to lead Gamma into the future. She might cut corners too much. And he intimated something else.”