“Before last night, when was the last time you had seen or used your gun?” asked White.
“I don’t really remember. It’s been a long time.”
“Where do you keep it?” asked White.
“When Tyler was younger, I had a gun box. But lately, it’s been in my desk drawer.”
“So last time you saw it, just ballpark. Weeks, months, years?” said White.
“Maybe six months. I bought it after Julia and I were married and were living in another house. We were robbed there.”
“Anybody been to your home recently who could have taken it and then returned it?” asked Decker.
“No, it’s just been me and Tyler.”
“Anyone have a key to your place?” asked White.
“Tyler does, of course. And Julia had one. In case of emergency.”
Decker glanced at White. “Nothing like that was found at Cummins’s house, was it?”
“Not that I know of, but they probably weren’t looking for a key.”
“I didn’t shoot those people,” barked Davidson. “I’ll take one of those polygraphs if you want me to.”
Decker said, “But you can see why you were arrested, can’t you?”
He looked at them in desperation. “I have a damn alibi.”
“But some alibis are better than others. And maybe Tyler has a reason to give you one,” noted Decker.
“He wouldn’t lie. He said I was there because I was there!”
“Okay,” said Decker. “Just keep calm.”
“How the hell am I supposed to keep calm! And Tyler was at school when they arrested me. I don’t think he even knows where I am.”
“We’ll fill him in,” said Decker.
“I guess I need a lawyer.”
“Yes, you do. Have you given an official statement yet?”
“No.”
Decker said, “Don’t without talking to an attorney, and he’ll probably recommend against it. Your arraignment is tomorrow. You’ll make your plea, and bail will be set.”
“I’m pleading not guilty.”
“Okay,” said Decker.
“Will I need to stay in jail?”
“Depends on what the prosecution asks for and what the judge decides,” answered White. “But given that we’re talking about multiple homicides, don’t be surprised if you’re remanded into custody until your trial date.”
“But Tyler!”
“Can take care of himself,” pointed out Decker. “But get a lawyer, okay? A good one.”
Davidson laughed, a bitter expression on his features.
“What’s so funny?” asked White.
“I wonder if Dennis Langley is available? I hear he’s really good.”
“But he also might have a conflict,” said Decker.
“Why? Because he and Julia dated?”
Decker didn’t answer. But he thought, No, because he might be a suspect, too.
Chapter 65
A?ROUND FOUR THIRTY THAT DAY Decker and White stood near the football field and watched Tyler run his routes and catch balls thrown to him by what looked to be a coach.
“Funny time to be doing that,” opined White.
“Actually, it makes perfect sense. This is his comfort zone.”
“You think he knows about his dad?” she asked.
“Oh yeah. That’s why he’s here.”
As they stood there another young man walked over to them. He was about six-two and weighed around two thirty, beefy in the legs, core, and shoulders. He was wearing Under Armour gear and was sweating profusely.
“You guys waiting to talk to Tyler?” he said.
“Yeah,” replied Decker. “We’re with the FBI. Who are you?”
“Drew James. I’m on the team with Tyler. Left tackle.”
“You got the blindside then, unless your QB’s left-handed.”
“He’s not. I am the blindside tackle. Just finished up in the weight room.”
“Never stops, does it?” said Decker.
“Not if you want to play in college.” He stared out at the field where Tyler was running hard. “Tyler’s got a chance at the big time, D1 Top Ten. I’m not nearly big enough for the O-line at a D1 college, and I can’t play another position. And I don’t have the frame to grow much more. I’m shooting for a decent D2 scholarship.”
“You make it sound like a business,” noted White.
“I just want my business degree,” said James. “No way I can go pro. I’d have to grow three more inches and put on a hundred pounds and be a lot more athletic than I am.”