‘Okay, Grace, let’s say you’re right, and Gabriel’s case had something to do with his and Lydia’s murder. That doesn’t explain why your niece and her best friend were kidnapped after the fact.’

Uncharacteristically quiet in a way Alyssa hadn’t expected, Mack finally spoke up again. ‘Not all who kill are evil through and through. Some actually have some good in them.’

Alyssa was unable to hide the disbelief that flashed across her face. She knew the man was a criminal defense attorney, but was he seriously defending his own sister-in-law and brother’s murderer? When he noticed her bug-eyed stare, he shrugged. ‘Maybe he didn’t kill them because he didn’t think they knew anything. Still, he couldn’t let them go because then he faced the possibility that they could and would identify him.’

Grace exploded out of her chair, and before either Alyssa or Cord could react, she was across the room and in Mack’s face. ‘You really are despicable, you know that? Gabriel is dead! Lydia is dead! Murdered, Mack. Addis and Emerson are missing and in danger, possibly dead, for all we know’ – her voice broke – ‘and all you can think to do is defend the person responsible? God, no wonder no one ever wants you around.’

Instead of responding, Mack, drilling a laser beam of anger into his sister, pushed away from the wall, forcing Grace to back up out of his space. Without a word, he retrieved a rectangular case from his shirt pocket and clicked it open so he could grab one of his business cards. His eyes darted around the room, landing on a pen, which he snapped up, scrawling something on the back before thrusting it at Alyssa.

‘Clearly, your department has nothing of substance yet regarding what took place at Gabriel’s house. I maintain a residence here for when I’m in town. Since I was already in Albuquerque, I’ll be working remotely until my brother’s case is solved, so I’ll be around. I assume you’ll keep me apprised of what’s going on with the investigation.’ The dig toward Grace was obvious.

Alyssa shoved Mack’s business card into her back pocket, nodding to Cord to open the door. ‘Thank you both for coming in. My team will look into what you’ve told us, and I’ll try my best to keep you apprised on things.’

Mack whirled around, glowering at her. ‘Do more than try, Detective.’ Without another word, he turned on his polished leather shoes and stalked off.

As much as she didn’t like him, Alyssa had to admit that if their situations were reversed, her reaction would’ve been the same.

Chapter Eight

Friday, October 4