Cornell leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. He'd taken off his sport coat and loosened his tie. "What's this about?"

"Elimination purposes. Anyone of you might've left prints on the Mustang. This way, if we come up with latents, we'll have something to compare 'em to. Saves time and aggravation."

"We're supposed to get inked and rolled like a bunch of criminals ?" Cornell asked.

"Well, no sir. Not at all. This is strictly routine, but it's a big help to us. Lieutenant Dolan would have told you himself, but he ended up at Quorum General. I suppose you heard about that."

Cornell wasn't to be distracted by Dolan's medical woes. "What if we say no?"

"I can't think why you would. It's common practice."

"Well, it's not common for me."

Adrianne looked at him. "Oh, just do it, Cornell. Why are you kicking up a fuss?"

"He's not kicking up a fuss," Justine said. "He's asking why we have to agree to this crap."

"I wouldn't go so far as to call it 'crap,' " Stacey said. "Left up to me, I'd let the matter slide, but Dolan seems to think it's a good idea. He's the boss on this one. Only takes a couple minutes and the place can't be any more than ten blocks away. If you want, I'll drive you over and bring you back when you're done."

"It isn't that," Cornell said.

"Then what?" Adrianne said. "Why are you acting like this?"

"I wasn't talking to you. I want your opinion, I can ask."

"Excuse the heck out of me."

"Look, I'll go down there, okay? I just don't like being told what to do."

Stacey said, "Tell you what. I've got an inkless pad in the car. Inked prints are superior, but I can see your point. We can take care of it right now if you'd prefer."

"Skip it. I'll go. It just bugs me, that's all."

"We appreciate that. I'll tell the detective the family's coming in."

"Wait a minute. Mom and Dad have to go, too?"

"Since the vehicle belongs to your dad, it wouldn't be unusual to find his prints on it. It's the same with your mom. No point in chasing our tails if there's an obvious explanation."

"Oh, for Pete's sake," Cornell said. He tossed the dish towel on the counter and went out the back door, letting it bang shut behind him. I'd have bet serious money he'd be lighting a cigarette to calm himself. His sister stared after him. "What's his problem?"

"Just drop it. He's in a bad mood," Justine said.

Adrianne caught my eye briefly and then looked away.