Page 45 of In Cold Blood

“So you have a history?” Roberts asked, with a look of surprise.

“Yeah, somewhat,” Parish replied.

“I would call it more than history,” Noah added. “But that’s neither here nor there. Look, sheriff, I understand the situation you’re in but you have to see it from my point of view. He’s my brother. Can I at least look over the autopsy and police report? And possibly speak with the officers who were first on scene?”

“I’m afraid not. You know how it works, Noah. I can’t have you interfering, and you know that information is only available to us and the DA while we try to build a case.”

“Against who?”

Roberts didn’t answer his questions, he averted his gaze. “Listen. We have released the cause and manner of death. Right now, the report is still a part of our investigation. However, you can speak with your father and Kerri regarding the autopsy. They did speak with the pathologist and received a verbal preliminary summary. And as for the officers on scene…” He stopped short.

That was his answer. Deafening silence.

Noah shook his head. He was being stonewalled. The rules of having access could vary based on jurisdiction. He had a feeling that it might go this way. “Could you at least tell me if you have any idea about the woman that called in, as I heard you didn’t get a name?”

Roberts removed his spectacles and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Who told you that?”

“Does it matter?”

Roberts averted his gaze again before turning to Parish. “Do you mind waiting outside? We’ll continue our conversation in a moment.” Parish nodded and glanced at Noah as he walked out. He knew that Noah was on edge.

As soon as the door closed, Roberts let out a sigh and leaned back in his seat.

“Noah, I know the emotions are riding high and you’re still reeling but please. Leave the investigative work to us. If you can be of use, we’ll find you. We want to know who did this as much as you do. Whoever killed him, took one of ours and for that, I am going to do everything in my power to bring them to justice, but you’ve got to trust me.”

“I do. It’s just him I don’t.”

“Whatever problems you and Parish have, take it up with BCI. Right now, State sent him, not you, to handle this investigation. I have a job to do as does he. Let us do it. Go home. Grieve. Spend time with your family. Hugh said he hadn’t seen you in forever. I’m sure you’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

“Don’t patronize me, Daniel.”

He raised both hands and blew out his cheeks. “All right. Okay. But this.” He pointed at him. “This is why you can’t be involved. Red tape aside, you’re too raw. Too close to the case. Now you have my word that I’m going to throw everything we have at finding out who did this. Okay?”

Noah wanted to say no. He wanted to state his case but itwould have only fallen on deaf ears. He could already tell that Roberts’ back was up. He was going by the book. Whatever Noah hoped to gain from this conversation would have to come by other means. At least he’d found out that Thorne had been placed on the case. To what extent, well that was to be learned. And learn he would. Noah rose and feigned a smile.

“I’m sorry.” He nodded. “You’re right. It’s the investigator in me.”

“Understood.”

“Thanks for all you’re doing.”

Roberts rose and came around and shook his hand and placed his other on Noah’s shoulder. “Anything you need. Just call me.”

“I did have one question. Just curious but Kerri told me that Luke wasn’t driving his regular Tahoe the night he died. Do you know what was wrong with it?”

“The transmission went.”

“Ah. Okay. Thanks.”

He nodded and turned to walk out. “Oh, and Noah. Your father had mentioned you might be interested in a position. I mean, not that we’re in a rush, but with Luke gone, there is an opening and with your background with a sheriff’s office and BCI, you would be a great addition to this county. Of course, no decision needs to be made today.”

“Would it change your answer about allowing me to work on this case?”

“Nice try. No. Chew it over and remember my door is always open to you.”

Noah smiled politely. Inside he was doing anything but that. As he exited, he found Parish lingering outside the door like a fly around a turd. Probably eavesdropping. Parish stepped to one side and then entered the office, closing the door behind him.

It pained him to be shut out of the investigation. Hecouldn’t imagine his father would have received anything more than he would. While Roberts wouldn’t come out with it directly, he knew their family would be scrutinized as much as anyone else.