124 Treat Him Poorly (1/2)
”Do you know why you have been called here?” I asked as I looked through the papers in front of me. There was nothing much written on it, but I had to act like we had a lot of incriminating information against him.
”I heard my wife was dead, so I assume that by relation, I am the first person that will be questioned if she died.”
Wife, not ex-wife. How fascinating. I didn't correct him. I'd let him ramble on in this fantasy of his until I got concrete proof that he had been lying about whereabouts. Catch him in his lies.
”You're correct. You had access to the house, therefore, we need to follow procedure and interview you.” I paused and looked at him intently. ”You're free to consult your lawyer if you are uncomfortable or don't want to answer a question. Do you understand?” I pressed.
”I do. Let's just get it over with.” He acted like this was all a bother for him.
I nodded enthusiastically. ”What were you doing the day of the murder?” I asked smoothly, not letting my knowledge of his involvement show. He must have known his son was being protected by the police, so he would be scared the son said something.
But I had to pretend like nothing was said and even if it was, we didn't put much emphasis on the words of a child.
”I was at home composing music for my upcoming album,” he smiled widely, not a hint of guilt in his eyes.
”You composed music all day?” I repeated. ”You didn't go out of the house to buy anything or met with anyone who can confirm where you were?” I asked.
He shook his head. ”I was in my music room all day long. Creative people get obsessed when they are inspired.”
I nodded but looked confused. ”I'm sorry, you're a very talented man. I can't say that I understand your thought processes. I'm not in the same league as you,” I joked with a smile.
From the corner of my eyes, I saw Collins squint at me.
”Oh, Detective. You must be one of the best around here if they let you interview me. I don't doubt your intelligence,” he praised in return.
”Thank you for your praise.” I paused and cleared my throat. ”Back to the questions. Do you know of anyone who has access to Maya's house apart from her family and you?” I asked.
He pretended to think about it for a minute. ”I think she was talking to a guy in the past month or so. She told me something of that sort the last time we met. He probably has access to the house, as well,” he said promptly. He nodded sagely to reaffirm his words.
”Do you know his name or what he does that can help us narrow down his identity?” I leaned forward to take a closer look at him.
”I'm sure someone will get their hand on it. Thank you for the idea, though.” I didn't show it on my face but I knew instantly that he had not called her in a long time. There was something else, but I couldn't figure it out right at that moment. Something to do with his cellphone.
”Can you tell me a bit about your relationship with Maya and why you broke up?” I asked finally.
He gritted his teeth and I saw Collins move forward to stop him. ”You don't need to answer that question,” he said promptly, making McCain stop. He looked towards the lawyer and shook his head.
”I will cooperate with the detective on this. Our relationship was strained and we fought whenever we saw each other, but I still love her a lot,” he admitted.
”I understand,” I retorted promptly. ”I can see that your lapsed relationship with your wife put great emotional strain on you, so I won't continue with that line of questioning.” I sometimes wondered how I could act so understanding when facing prime suspects. ”When was the last time you met her?” I asked.
He thought about it for a second. ”It has been a week or two,” he said softly. I wrote that down quickly.
”Can you give me a definite date? That would really help us narrow down the number of people who frequented her house in the meantime. Everyone from people who worked in the house to her acquaintances will be questioned, so any help you can offer would be appreciated.”
McCain blinked, overwhelmed.
”A particular date?” he whispered. I nodded in encouragement.
”Anything you remember is fine.” I saw Collins move defensively. ”Only if your lawyer allows it, of course.” I smirked.
McCain glanced between Collins and I and suddenly realized something.
”I really don't remember,” he said finally.
”It's okay.” My phone pinged and I looked at the screen quickly.
It was from Nash. [Found footage. Need to go over it to confirm identity.]
I turned the phone off.
”Please let us know if you remember something,” I told him quickly. ”I think that will be all for now,” I said. ”We'll call you if we have more questions.”