"Rain, Anthony Vincent - Three Palms" - читать интересную книгу автора (Rain Anthony Vincent)

Since I had the distinction of finding the body, the officer who interviewed me said I had to speak to the lieutenant. I got a Diet Coke from a vending machine and sat down on whitewashed cement steps. I tried to think cool thoughts, but it didn't keep me from feeling like a steamed clam.

Eventually, a cop with officer's stripes on his sleeves and sweat on his face approached me.

"I'm Lieutenant Harmon," he said, wiping his his hand across his forehead and then his pants leg. When he spoke, his top lip rode up just under his nose, giving him a menacing look. Or comical, depending on your take.

"What's your name?" he asked in a soft southern twang.

"August Caruso." I placed the soda can on the step next to me and stood up.

Harmon had cop's eyes. No light coming out of them, but large amounts of information being absorbed. "My officer said you were awakened by the gunshots and found the body. Is that right?"

"Yes."

"You saw no one else besides the deceased back there?"

"No one."

He furrowed his brows and folded his arms. "Most people would've stayed inside when they heard the shots. Why did you go out there?"

"I'm a private investigator. I didn't think twice."

He tipped his head back and looked down his nose at me. "Can I see some ID?"

I showed him my PI and driver's licenses.

"You're from New York. Why are you here?"

"I was working a bail jumping case. I stopped here for the night."

He handed my licenses back to me. "You must be used to this kind of thing back home." Everyone seems to think that. They all watch too much TV. He hitched his shoulders. "You carrying a weapon?"

"I'm not a Federal Bail Agent, just a PI. I don't have a license to carry in Florida."

Harmon held his eyes on mine. "How did you expect to handle your perp? With politeness?"

"I can't answer that." I winked at him. "Tricks of the trade."

Harmon leaned a little closer. I got a whiff of decaying cologne. "You mind?" He patted my shirt at the waist and under the arms. I got the sense he wanted to say something, but he remained silent for several moments. When he spoke, it was to an officer behind me.

"Butch," he said. "Extend the perimeter to either sidewalk and make sure those cars keep moving."

He jutted his chin at me, his lip riding up over his teeth again. "I may have more questions for you, Caruso." Red and yellow lights flashed across his face. "How long are you staying in Melbourne?"

I shrugged. Everything was working out so well these past few days, I thought I might never want to leave Florida.

"Give your New York number to one of my officers." He turned and walked away. "Thank you for your cooperation."

I gave my numbers, then went back to my room. I helped myself to a Corona from the fridge. I brought the beer and a chair over to the window. The ocean beyond the highway was pitch black. Sailboat lights bobbed up and down on the black waves like stars fallen to earth.