The Devil's Snare: a Mystery Suspense Thriller (Derek Cole Suspense Thrillers Book 4) by T Patrick Phelps Read Free Book Online

paused a few beats. “Want to continue?”
    Ray Kafra spent the next fifteen minutes going over the building and evolving case against Louis Randall’s son. When the two were finished, Ray said, “Louis, I’m sorry that this is your son. I honestly wish that a mistake was made, but this is as close to an open and shut case as I’ve seen. I know you can’t, or won’t, agree, but I think you should start thinking about a plea.”
    “I appreciate your advice, Ray. I really do. There will be time to discuss a plea, if it comes to that. Right now, I need to get my client out of custody so he can assist in our investigation.”
    “I’m asking for remand without bail,” Ray said. “Pretty sure I’ll get what I ask for, considering the crime.”
    “Your entire case is circumstantial. I’ll get bail.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

    Their flight landed in Syracuse—after a fifty minute delay and a two hour layover in Philadelphia—at six thirty. Getting to Syracuse, New York from almost anywhere by plane was never an easy task. Few airlines flew direct flights from Cleveland to Syracuse, most flying to Chicago, Washington, D.C. or Philadelphia first then completing the flight to Syracuse.  
    Crown and Nikkie, having flown both legs in first class, arrived in Syracuse feeling refreshed and ready to begin the investigation. Derek, who flew both legs either crammed in the middle seat or wedged against the window, deep in the bowels of the planes, arrived cranky, smelly and far from refreshed.
    Being six feet tall and weighing close to two hundred pounds, Derek’s muscular body was not made for plane travel. Though he had earned “gold elite” status on American, Crown booked the flights, assigned the seats and felt compelled to let Derek know she wasn’t happy with his insistence that she play no role in investigation case against her son.
    “Have a nice flight?” Crown asked as the three made their way to baggage claim.
    “Absolutely wonderful,” Derek said. “Being crammed against a wall and seated next to a fleshed out, sweaty carpet salesman from DeMoines on the final leg, inspired me.”
    “How so?” Crown asked.
    Derek noticed a slight slur in Crown’s speech. He paused, looked at Crown, then said, “I think we, as an agency, are getting too comfortable. When I get back to the office, I’m going to make some changes to my agency. Take some of the comforts away. Make us a little hungrier for success. And, I’ll be implementing a zero tolerance policy on alcohol use during work hours.”
    “Good luck with that,” Crown replied. “I’ll help you out by getting rid of the shitty scotch bottles you hide in your credenza.”
    After picking up their rental cars and driving to their hotel outside of Utica, New York, they checked into their rooms.  
    “Crown,” Derek said as the three entered the elevator and rose up towards their respective floors, “I need you to call your ex-husband and arrange a meeting for me and Nikkie. Find out where he is with the case.”
    “Already did that,” Crown replied. “You two are meeting with Mr. Perfect for drinks at eight thirty tonight. I’m heading over to Bo’s house.”
    Nikkie said, “Bo’s out of jail?”
    “Released under a million dollar bond, to my ex’s custody. Not sure how he pulled that off, but I have to give old little dick credit: He’s good at what he does.”
    As the elevator doors pulled open, Derek noticed that Crown was not carrying the suitcase she had brought with her on the airplane. “Crown,” he said, “where is your luggage?”
    “In the car.”
    “Why didn’t you bring it with you to the room?”
    “I’m not staying here. I’m staying with my son at his house.”
    Derek stopped, his arms bent, palms open, his countenance filled with confusion. “Why am I paying for a hotel room for you if you aren’t planning to stay in the hotel?”
    “Points. I need to rack up my membership points.”

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    “To be fully