Grabbing the handcuffs, he shoved Rowan ahead of him, in the direction of the car.
***
Just fifteen minutes later, they walked into the closest police department in the suburbs close to where Rowan lived.
“It saves time,” Connor muttered to Cami, as he escorted their suspect firmly into the lobby. “They always have space to spare.”
Speaking to the officer at the front desk, Connor asked, “Do you have a room we can use?”
“Sure. You can use the interview room, first left, down the side passage,” the officer said, seemingly unsurprised by the arrival of the FBI.
They headed down the passage and got Rowan into the interview room and on a chair.
The room was small and basic, with a wooden desk and three office chairs. In the room, Cami noted, it was strange how Rowan looked far less imposing a character than he’d done framed by the front door of his lavish mansion.
Now, under the harsh light, she could see that his skin looked dull, there was a scar on his right cheek, and his eyes were slightly reddened.
His expression was grim as he looked at them both.
“Now, Mr. Andrews,” Connor said, getting straight to the point. “You’re here because you assaulted a law enforcement officer. You’re going to be charged with that, and we have sufficient cause to search your premises. Now, assuming you know your rights, you have the right to remain silent.” He waited.
“You can’t keep me here. I don’t have to speak to you. I want my lawyer,” he said, the words coming out in an angry growl. “I’m a very busy man, I have important meetings to attend. You’re keeping me from doing my business for no good reason.”
“Sure. Call your lawyer,” Connor said. Cami guessed he couldn’t refuse that request.
Rowan pulled out his phone and dialed a number. He spoke briefly.
“My lawyer’s on the way. He’ll be here in five minutes.”
“We’ll wait,” Connor said.
The interview room was windowless. It felt a little claustrophobic. The air was cold.Cami watched as Connor passed the time by preparing. He made sure the recorder was working and took out a notepad. When Rowan had cut the call, Connor took his phone away and put it in a tray on the side of the room. He brought in a couple more chairs. All the while, Rowan watched him, with a baleful glare.
And then, a minor commotion in the lobby signaled that the lawyer had arrived. Not just one lawyer, Cami realized. A team of three lawyers. The legal task force trooped through with a clatter of footsteps. Three middle-aged men in expensive business suits. From their all-in-a-day’s-work demeanor, Cami had the impression that they did a lot of work for Rowan.
“It’s going to be crowded in here. You’d better go and observe,” Connor told her.
Feeling sidelined but understanding that there really was a shortage of space in the room, Cami got up.
“Where do you want me to go?” she asked.
“Next door, there’s a door with a window. Go watch through that, and you’ll be able to hear everything,” Connor said, pointing.
“I’ll do that,” she agreed.
“Take this with you for safekeeping.” Connor gave her the tray containing Rowan’s phone and car keys.
Carrying the tray, Cami quickly went out of the room, feeling the lawyers’ stares pin her. They clearly had no idea who she was and were curious about her role.
Next door, she found another unoccupied interview room. There was a glass panel in the wall, and she could see the main interview room. Pressing her forehead against the cool glass, she could see Rowan, sitting at the table, flanked by the three lawyers.
On the other side of the table, Connor looked lonely by comparison. One agent against a wealthy, well-connected client and a strong legal team that looked like they’d done many rounds in this particular fighting ring.
Cami felt nervous about Connor’s chances. How was he going to get information that could be used?
Would there even be a way?
And was there anything she might be able to do to help, behind the scenes?
Wondering how this would play out, Cami watched, fascinated, as Connor went strongly in for the attack.