Page 70 of Family Affair

Chapter 16

“Good morning, good morning. Thank you for coming on such a short notice. ‘preciate it. I’m Detective Smirnoff, and this is Detective Willis.”

Cade inclined his head, scanning their appearances and mentally filing away clues about their respective personalities.

Willis was wearing a dark suit, had short hair and a nondescript face with watchful eyes - a stereotypical special agent. Not a rookie, but new enough on the force and itching to dive into the investigation, if his overly zealous mien with granite jaw were any indication. His rigid stance screamed military background and a big stick in the ass.

Smirnoff was a lot more colorful. All the detective lacked was the red suit to make kids come sit on his lap and take pictures at Christmas time. He possessed a head of wavy white hair, bushy beard, and round spectacles – if that didn't make him a twin for the jolly old St. Nicholas, then he didn't know what would.

“Come on in, Mr. Sheffield – may I call you Cade?” Cade nodded affirmatively. “This way, please, follow us. Don’t worry, we only have a few questions to ask you. A friendly talk, if you will.”

Cade raised his brows. “At the police headquarters?”

“Well, now. We have a nice new building here, don’t you think? Comfortable, spacious. Law enforcement has come a long way in terms of accommodations. Not like in my rookie days. Say, have you seen the same progress in the Army? I couldn’t help but notice that you recently discharged.”

Sure he noticed. Cade could well imagine how meticulously Detectives Smirnoff and Willis scrolled through his background information packet. “The Army’s doing the same as always, I’d say.”

“I see. I used to have a dream to serve when I was in high school. Special forces and all that. Didn’t quite work out that way, but I think I turned out alright. My missus says so, so it must be the truth!” Smirnoff guffawed, slapping himself on his protruding belly.

Cade didn’t buy into his jovial manner. Such a high profile case wouldn’t be assigned to a so-so investigator. Smirnoff must be top notch, Santa likeness notwithstanding.

Their friendly talk took place in an interrogation room. Gray walls and bright fluorescent lights didn’t do much in a way of creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, and neither did Detective Willis. This one hadn't uttered a word, leaving the task of small talk to Smirnoff.

Damn but Ross’s words were proving to be prophetic. He had a baaad feeling.

“You must be wondering why we invited you today.” Smirnoff situated his bulk in a chair, facing Cade.

Wondering?"I am completely lost." He was afraid his sarcasm showed.

"I would imagine you have at least one good reason in mind. Do you?" Santa smiled at him, totally unfazed.

“I’m not good at guessing games.” He checked his watch making sure they noticed.

“It’ll save you some time if you answer Detective Smirnoff's questions,” Willis barked from behind the desk.

Ah, the Bad Cop. Well, the role suited him.

Cade swung his eyes to the left and pinned Willis with a stare. As expected, the force of his direct gaze made the detective look away.

“I’m sure you heard about the murder of Reverend Williamson,” Smirnoff cut to the chase. Even his voice sounded like Cade imagined Santa's would, all smooth and rich, with perfect enunciation, ideal for reading bedtime stories to preschoolers. Ward had a smooth voice like that…

“I heard.”

“You knew Williamson personally, right?” Smirnoff's eyes turned sharp.

“I knew him.”

“What was the nature of your relationship?”

“He used to be my father's friend.”

“Used to. But not anymore?”

“Not for years.”

“Interesting. Have they been in touch lately?”

“You’ll have to ask my father that.”