“It’s a crime scene,” Sam reminded Hector Reese. “You were told to stay out of there.”

“My mama wanted some of the kids’ things,” he said in a surly tone, glaring at her. “This is hard on her.”

“If that’s so, why’d you bring your brother with you? The same brother you told us earlier today you couldn’t find? The same brother who killed those kids your mama is grieving over.”

“I didn’t bring him here,” Hector retorted. “And he didn’t kill no one.”

“Oh, so we’re supposed to believe it’s a coincidence that you and your brother were sneaking into the house at the same time?” Glancing at Freddie, Sam added, “You buying that, Cruz?”

“Not for one second, Lieutenant.”

“Got anything you want to tell us, Reese?” Hector looked down at the ground, his posture tight with hostility.

“I’ll take that as a no.” Sam gestured to one of the newly arrived officers. “Take Mr. Reese to HQ and book him.”

“On what?” Hector cried. “This is my brother’s house!”

“Tampering with a crime scene, aiding and abetting a fugitive from justice.”

“I told you! I don’t know where he is!”

Sam got right up in his face. “I told you. I don’t believe you.”

“Cunt cop,” he muttered under his breath.

“What’s that, Hector? I didn’t hear you.”

He glared at her.

“Add a disorderly conduct charge to that list,” Sam said to the officer leading Hector to a cruiser. “Oh, and if you want to tell us where your brother’s hiding out, I’d be happy to talk to the U.S. Attorney about lesser charges for you.”

“Fuck you.”

“I try to be nice and it just gets thrown back in my face,” Sam said to Freddie. “That hurts my feelings.”

“If you had feelings, I’d be sorry for you.”

Sam snorted. “Good one, Cruz. You’re getting better.”

“I work on it in my spare time.” He glanced at Sam. “We should hit the E.R. and get that looked at.”

“I’ve got bandages at home.” Or at least she hoped Nick did. She took a long look around. “Reese is hiding out close by.”

“Wonder what he left behind in the house that was important enough for him to risk coming back.”

“I want twenty-four-hour surveillance. Tomorrow, we’re getting crime scene back here to find out what he was after. And then we’ll take down the tape and set a trap. He came back once. Whatever he’s after, he’ll be back for it again. Next time, we’ll be ready.”