“Hmm. Communication between partners?”
“Right. Jericho, you really don’t have to take me. I’m going home to change then come back to attend the autopsy.”
“I’ll take you home, and I’ll bring you back.”
“But it’s late.”
“I don’t mind. I think we have something to discuss.”
With those ominous words, Kate stepped onto the stairs with Jericho close on her heels.
* * *
Jericho stood too close to her while she opened her door. He knew he was crowding her, but he couldn’t help himself.
She glanced at him, a flash of irritation in those blue eyes. He was batting a thousand with this woman. First, she discovers that he’s been interested in her but has hidden it. Then he has to tell the police to arrest a man she’s obviously very fond of. But all that seemed pale in comparison to his attraction to her. He admired the way she had stood up for Danny Hamilton with such passion in her voice when she proclaimed his innocence.
Unfortunately, it didn’t make Danny any less suspect. He had a feeling that when the candlestick was tested, the blood on it would match Mrs. LePlante’s.
She got the door open, and they walked inside. She flipped on a switch and twin lights that sat on hardwood end tables flashed on. Her apartment was beautiful, somewhat on the ornate side, but he liked the Queen Anne style. The sofa was a soft powder blue with a hardwood coffee table that matched the end tables.
In the corner was a beautiful antique baby grand piano. His hands itched to touch the keys. Law would always be his first love, but music came a very close second.
In the dining room sat a small round table and chairs, along with an antique cabinet that held delicate china.
There were landscape paintings on the walls in blues and greens, complementing the throw rugs on the floors. The kitchen was tidy, and all the cabinets were painted white.
“What do you know about Ken Mitchell?”
The question caught him off guard. “Why?”
“He showed up at the crime scene tonight.”
“For what reason?”
“He wanted to know when he could clean and rent the apartment again.”
“Mercenary.”
Kate nodded. “Cold-blooded came to mind.”
“Ken’s father is a big donor to my campaign.”
“He is?”
“In fact, he has given quite a bit of money to the city to help with the homeless. He’s huge on charity.”
“Well, I’m afraid his son doesn’t have as big a heart. I don’t even think Mrs. LePlante was cold yet.”
“Look, Kate, you’re not a homicide detective. It’s not your responsibility to work this case. You collect evidence and process it. You need to be objective, and you need to keep emotions out of it.”
“Are you saying that I won’t do my job?”
“No…”
“Because if you are, you’re off the mark.”
“You might be too close to this one. Because this is personal, you’re letting your feelings come into play.”