Let Darkness Come Read Free Page A

in his notebook, then looks up. “Anything unusual happen before you two went to bed last night? Did he say or do anything out of the ordinary?”
    A one-sided smile tugs at the corner of Erin’s mouth as she looks away. “We came home, we got dressed for bed, we reviewed the evening. After that, I wasn’t feeling well, so I took a couple of pills and went to bed. Next thing I knew, it was morning.”
    â€œWhat kind of pill?” the cop asks.
    â€œOh…sleeping pills. Ambien. When I’m hurting, the pills help me sleep.”
    The detective makes another note and offers Antonio a grim smile. “Thank you for your cooperation. I’m sorry to ask a lot of questions at a time like this, but it’s routine in situations of unattended death.”
    Unattended death …The words tighten a new knot in Antonio’s throat. He wouldn’t let one of his dogs die an unattended death, yet his beloved son had died without comfort, without hope. Had Jeffrey awakened in pain? Had he been able to speak? Had he called for help, for his father?
    He looks at his daughter-in-law, whose pale cheeks have been reddened by the cold. Why didn’t Erin hear anything? She’s such an attentive wife, a good girl for Jeffrey. Surely she would have awakened if he’d struggled or called out—
    But he can’t think about those things now. If he does, he’ll buckle like a marionette with cut strings and be no good to anyone. Erin needs him now; so do Jason and the girls.
    He’ll consider how and why Jeffrey died when he’s prepared to do something about it.
    But he does need to speak to this detective. He stands and steps toward the front gate, then motions for Malone to move closer. When the man approaches, he turns his back to Erin and lowers his voice. “Have you found any sign of an intruder? Do you suspect foul play?”
    Malone tucks his notebook away. “I really can’t say at this point.”
    â€œThere are security cameras, you know. Jeffrey was quite vigilant about security.”
    â€œYes, sir. We saw the cameras aimed at the front and back entrances, so we looked for the control center and found it in a closet. I’ve skimmed the tapes, but I saw nothing unusual.”
    â€œWhat about the alarm? They had a good system.”
    â€œThey did, and the alarm wasn’t tripped. We found no signs of an intruder at the doors or windows, so right now I’d say we’re looking at a natural death. But the medical examiner won’t be able to confirm that until after the autopsy.”
    Antonio digests this news in silence, watching as men and women in blue jackets stride in and out of the house, many of them carrying bins filled with plastic bags, all neatly labeled. Within those bags he sees syringes, insulin bottles, scraps of paper, a comb, and toothbrush. They’re doing a lot of work for a so-called natural death, but then, Jeffrey was not an average citizen. He maintained a high profile, and people who rise above the crowd can’t help but tempt others to take potshots at them.
    As the wind blows the scent of wood smoke over thestreet, he turns his attention back to the detective. “Those questions you asked Erin…do you think my son might have committed suicide?”
    The cop lifts his chin. “Do you?”
    â€œNot a chance. Jeffrey had everything to live for, and he loved life.”
    â€œI understand he was preparing to run for higher office?”
    â€œHe felt he’d grown stagnant as a state senator. We were certain he could win a seat in Congress, so we were testing the waters. Quite successfully, I might add.”
    â€œEnemies?”
    Antonio frowns. “Jeff’s opponents squared off against him in the courts of public opinion. He never mentioned anyone more threatening than those rabid radio talk show hosts.”
    The detective shrugs. “I don’t see any reason to suspect foul play.