Page 8 of The Smart Killer (High Peaks Murder, Mystery and Crime Thrillers #4)

I n the shadowy observation room, Noah, Ray, and Porter shared a charged silence, their eyes fixed on Adam Johnson through the one-way mirror.

Adam shifted uncomfortably, seated in the brightly lit, cramped interview chamber, with barely enough space for a small table and three chairs.

His posture was tense as he anxiously glanced around the room.

There was a clock on the wall, its ticking sound punctuating the silence in the room. The hands moved steadily, marking the passage of time as they prepared to interview him.

Adam, a black man in his thirties, was wearing a worn-out grey hoodie that seemed out of place in the formal setting of the police station.

His eyes were bloodshot, likely from a lack of sleep or the emotional turmoil he was experiencing after the tragedy at his home.

Noah noted his hands slightly trembling, revealing his inner stress.

“So, he just walked in of his own accord?” Noah asked.

“Yep. It’s as plain as day. Said he wanted to speak to someone about a fire at his home. Hasn’t told us where he’s been since or where he was that night. Wants to speak to a detective. Doesn’t want a lawyer, at least not right now.”

“Any signs of a struggle?”

“No scratches, no bruises, he’s given us a DNA swab and prints. He’s cooperating.”

“You told him his family’s dead?”

“He already knew. I guess a neighbor told him. Can’t keep that under wraps.

Can you imagine that? Rolling up to your house to find it burnt to the ground only to be told by a neighbor that your kids and fiancée are dead.

” He let out an exasperated sigh. “After that, he came straight here. Figured I would wait until you arrived.”

“Let’s go in then.”

“Is the rook coming in?”

Noah exchanged a glance with Porter. “Do you want…”

“Of course.”

After entering the interview room, Noah and Ray sat across the table from Adam. The room was tense, heavy with anticipation. Adam looked up at them, his eyes full of grief. It was clear from the red in his eyes he had been crying.

Across the room, Porter leaned back against the wall, watching the scene unfold with keen interest. His eyes darted between the three, absorbing the atmosphere, ready to learn from the seasoned investigators.

“Hi, Adam. Noah, State Police. I should let you know that this interview is being recorded. I’ve been told you have waived your right to legal counsel.” He paused. “I just want to say that I’m very sorry for your loss.”

Silence lingered for a moment, the air thick with unspoken questions.

Adam stared back like a man lost at sea, so Noah continued. “Who was the man found dead at the house?”

“My brother. Jamal. He was visiting me from out east.”

Finally it made sense.

Noah nodded. “Where did you go last night?”

“Down to the marina. I was on my boat.”

“And the truck and gasoline canisters?”

“I borrowed Jamal’s rental. Didn’t want to spill gas in my Tesla. I headed out to get some gas, fill up the boat, and get groceries and alcohol. I was going to take my brother out fishing for two nights. Hannah came over to look after the kids. My kids…” he stopped, emotion rising in his voice.

Noah gave him a minute.

“Why didn’t you return home last night?”

He lifted his eyes and closed them, then looked back at Noah. “Because my brother was meant to join me. He stayed an extra hour because he was playing a video game with my youngest son. I told him to take the Tesla, and I would meet him down at the marina.”

“You never called when he never showed up?”

He dipped his chin. “I figured the game was running a little late. I cracked open some beers and passed out.”

Ray exchanged a glance with Noah, silently communicating that he thought the guy probably was full of shit. It certainly did seem convenient, but there was the glaring question. Why would he kill his fiancée, his kids, and his brother?

Ray interjected, his tone a giveaway for his disbelief. “How long have you known Hannah?”

He shrugged. “Nine months, give or take.”

“And how would you describe your relationship?”

“Good.” He frowned. “We just got engaged. Why? You think I did it?”

Ray lifted an eyebrow.

“No, fuck you. I didn’t do that. Why would I kill my own kids?”

Noah interjected, “Mr. Johnson. No one is saying you killed them.”

“He sure as hell is implying I did.”

Ray leaned back in his seat. “We’re just trying to get all the facts.”

“Well, then, don’t point the finger at me. I wasn’t anywhere near it when it went up, and I have a grocery clerk and multiple people down at the marina that can vouch for me.”

Ray clasped his hands together. “You are aware there are things called timers.”

“You son of a bitch!”

Noah was quick to intervene. “Ray. Can you…” he said, pointing to the door. Ray headed out, and Noah followed him. As soon as the door was closed, he let loose. “Really? Timers.”

“I had to push his buttons; see how he would react.”

“Well, congrats, you did a fine job.”

“What, we’re supposed to believe he leaves just before the place goes up and doesn’t return because he drank too much?”

“Ray, how many times has Tanya paid to have you put into the back of a taxi to bring you home when you were only meant to be out for one beer?”

“That’s different.”

Noah shook his head. “Look, right now, he may have answers to whoever was behind this, but if you go pulling that shit, he’ll lawyer up, and we won’t get anything.”

Ray shrugged and headed back inside. Noah straightened out his suit and took a seat. “I’m sorry. My apologies,” Ray said before Noah continued.

“Mr. Johnson. Hannah’s sister told us you received a letter a few days ago. Is that right?”

He shifted his glare from Ray to Noah and nodded. “Correct.” He scoffed. “I just thought it was some joke, you know, someone from the neighborhood just being an asshole. I threw it out. There was no name on it. No return address.”

“What do you do for a living, Adam?”

“Construction.”

“And would you know of anyone who might want to harm you, your kids, brother, or Hannah?”

He shook his head. “Look, I moved here from Albany for a slower pace of life. I thought I had found that.”

“And Hannah. How did that come about?”

The question triggered a memory, and for a brief second, a smile flickered on his face.

“It sounds cliched. But in a bar. She had this way about her, like a magnet, drawing you in. I used to tell my mother I didn’t believe in love at first sight, that it was all bogus.

” He paused. “But I was wrong. Hannah proved me wrong.”

Noah nodded. “You proposed to her. When was the wedding meant to be?”

“Four months from now. Winter. She wanted it in the summer, but…”

“Why not?”

“She was waiting for her divorce to finalize.”

Noah looked at him. “Kyle.”

“That’s right.”

“Do you know if he ever threatened her or you since she’d been back?”

“Me? No. If she had been, she never told me.”

Noah tapped the table with his fingers. “If asked. Would you be willing to take a polygraph?” Noah knew he was pushing his luck after what Ray had dangled out there, but the faster they could clear him, in as many ways as possible, the more it would save them in the long run.

Adam closed his eyes and slowly nodded. “Yes.”

“Hang tight,” Noah said before exiting the room.