I get it, she said. Ive done the same thing in the past. Goading people you think are guilty into doing or saying something stupid used to be my weapon of choice. But I think if I hadnt have stopped that punch, you might have a busted nose right now.

Yeah, you handled that like a beast. Are you okay?

Im fine. It wasnt totally the truth. Her right shin was flaring with little spark of pain from where she had swept Lee to the ground. While she was still fit, she was not conditioned to that sort of physical altercation. She was not looking forward to the soreness and the bruising that was going to come as a result.

They got back out on the road and followed Barnes and Foster back to the police station. Kate once again found herself drawn to the way the trees seemed to almost lean in toward them. It made her feel like the forest was keeping some deep, dark secret and it would do anything it could to keep it hidden.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

All charges against Jeremy Branch in the Mercy Fuller case were dropped the night before around nine oclock. He was still in a heap of trouble due to the drug possession and possible rape charges from other footage found on his phone. So when Barnes and Foster escorted Edgar Lee into the Deton PD, the interrogation room was available. Kate and DeMarco followed close behind him. Kate took note of the two news vans in the parking lot, the news anchors and camera people scrambling to catch up to them before they made it inside.

When they entered, there were phones ringing and officers talking over one another. Kate caught a flustered look on Barnes face as they led Lee to the interrogation room. You okay, Sheriff? she asked.

Yeah. Its just that this case is making me realize just how small-time we are. One interrogation room…less than ten officers on staff. When the state guys show up, this place is going to be packed out.

Well, lets see how much we can get done before they show up, what do you say?

If you can handle interrogation, DeMarco said to Kate, I can get started on trying to get into the laptop.

Thats perfect.

Foster, why dont you go with Agent DeMarco? Anything she needs, you do your damndest to get it for her.

With their assignments in order, Kate and Barnes entered the tiny interrogation room with Lee. He sat down on the other side of the desk rigidly, as if he might started fighting at any moment. But the moment his butt was in the seat, he seemed to switch gears, kicking into apologetic mode.