Page 31 of Knife in the Back (New Orleans #4)

“What do you have on the dead brother?” Burke asked. “I’m thinking he doesn’t have a record.”

André gave him a pointed look. “Because Antoine hasn’t yet found him with his facial recognition software, and I’m sure he already checked the mug shot database.”

Burke just shrugged, unwilling to admit to the hacking that everyone knew Antoine did routinely. “Do you have any forensics?”

“The bullet was a .380, still in the punk’s skull. He was found in the river. His body had gotten tangled up in some fishing line. A fisherman found him when he went to get into his boat.”

“Tangled up on purpose?”

“I don’t think so. His feet were the only things sticking up out of the water. He had a cement block tied to his body. He was supposed to have sunk. I think he was tossed off that particular dock where he was found.”

“Gators?”

“Only a little. His face was still identifiable. He’d only been in the water for a few hours at most. He was found at ten last night. Your man Banks has an alibi, yes?”

“Oh yes. He’s been here with Naomi’s son, her mother, and her ex-father-in-law since five yesterday. I put Harrison on the kid’s six even though the father said no, because the mother said yes and she still has shared custody.”

“Still? You expect that to change?”

“Asshole ex came right out and said he would petition for full custody because Naomi put his kid in danger and that she was delusional.”

“Does Miss Cranston know he’s going for full custody?”

“She does. She knew that was a near certainty when she asked for my help yesterday morning. She was willing to accept the risk, thinking it might even be safer for Everett if she did lose custody.”

“Why do you think Gaffney went after Everett and shot up Sylvi’s shop? That was a rapid escalation.”

“We think they followed Naomi to my office yesterday. Once they knew she’d involved us, they knew they’d lost control over her. I guess grabbing Everett and shooting up Sylvi’s shop were last-ditch efforts to bend her to their will.”

“Somehow I think there’s no danger of her doing that now.”

“You’re right.” Burke felt pride for her courage. “Anything else on Pablo? Camera footage from the dock?”

“None. Everyone we talked to knew the cameras were out and had been for at least a month.”

“So, once again, they know the area.”

“Fair to assume. Or at least one person in their organization does. Can I get the footage of the woman who bought the flowers from Sylvi?”

“Of course. I would have called you last night, but everything was…insane. I couldn’t think straight.”

“That was their goal.”

“I know,” Burke said grimly. “We all know. And I’m shorthanded now, with all my main people guarding the children, but I’ll figure it out.”

“What about Kaleb’s kids?”

“The bodyguards he hired showed up this morning, so my guy took off. Juliette didn’t seem inclined to tell Kaleb I’d put someone in front of their house last night. I don’t think she wants to fan the flames.”

“That’s a mess, B.”

“I know.” Burke shook his head. “He said I was selfish. That I didn’t care about him or his kids because I chose to be a cop and a PI. That my job had nearly gotten his kids hurt once before. And I couldn’t deny it.”

“Burke.” André’s tone was gentle. “You are not selfish. And that Gaffney threatened Kaleb’s kids six years ago and last night is on Gaffney.”

“Easy to say until someone nearly grabs them off a busy street.”

“Did you blame Kaj Cardozo for being a prosecutor? That nearly got Elijah kidnapped.”

Burke shook his head. “No, of course not.”

“And Molly? Did you blame her when assholes tried to take Chelsea and Harper when you were investigating the murder of Gabe’s father?”

Burke shook his head again. “No.”

“Then hold yourself to that same standard.”

Burke finally nodded, exhausted. “I didn’t sleep much last night.

” Not even after talking to Naomi. He’d lain in his bed, his thoughts no longer a maelstrom.

They were focused like a laser on Braden and Trent, seeing them being taken away in a black SUV.

He knew that disaster had been avoided, but his mind kept playing the what-if game.

When he’d finally fallen asleep after dawn, he’d dreamed of Snow White, with her dark hair and pale skin. She was knitting.

That made him smile. Naomi had been incredible just now. He had the feeling that was the real Naomi Cranston, the firebrand who fought for the safety of their children.

“What?” André asked. “Why does a sleepless night make you smile like that? Or is it a certain woman with a tongue that could cut through titanium?”

Burke chuckled. “She put you in your place.”

“She did. Makes me wish I’d known about her issue when she was accused. It wasn’t my department, so I only paid a passing bit of attention.”

“She was wronged.”

“I’m beginning to see that. What are you going to do next?”

“About Naomi or the case?”

“Both.”

“I’m going to clear her name.”

“I figured that. I meant specifics.”

“She’s trying to get in to see Cresswell.”

André’s brows shot up. “She’s got even more guts than I thought.”

“I don’t think it’ll happen, and if by some miracle it does, then I don’t think we’ll get anything out of Cresswell.

He’s been threatened. No other explanation for why he’s clammed up.

I bet he’s got enough dirt on NOPD folks to get himself a reduced sentence, but he hasn’t even tried.

He’ll serve his entire sentence for his crimes. ”

“I know. I’ve talked to him myself. He said not one word.”

Burke sighed. “It’s less than a week till Mardi Gras.”

“Which means we need to work fast to stop whatever they’re planning.”

“That’s the idea.”

André rose, then pulled Burke to his feet, giving him a one-armed hug and a back slap. “You never did tell me why she’s knitting knockers.”

Burke chuckled. “Come on, let’s get some coffee. I’ll have her show you.”

André gave him serious side-eye. “Will my wife be angry with me?”

“That’s a guaranteed no. But you might have to dodge Naomi’s knitting needles if she’s still mad at you.”