Chapter 20
It was late, but there were still a few lights on in the Pearsons’ house.
I rang the video doorbell.
A few moments later, Julie’s voice crackled through the speaker. “Can I help you?”
“I’m sorry to disturb you at this hour. We received another report of a domestic incident. I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”
She huffed. “I’m fine. Who is making these reports?”
“Would you mind coming to the door? As a matter of procedure, I need to see that you are unharmed.”
An exasperated sigh escaped her lips. “Fine. I’ll be right down.”
She buzzed us through the courtyard gate, and we stepped to the porch. A moment later, a light flicked on in the foyer, and a figure descended the grand staircase.
Julie unlatched the deadbolt and pulled open the door, wearing a silk robe cinched around her waist. She looked at me with annoyed eyes. “As you can see, deputy, I’m perfectly fine.”
I surveyed her carefully. There were no marks on her neck. No bruising. No abrasions on her face.
“I’m terribly sorry. I know this is frustrating. Are you alone in the house?”
“No. My husband is here, my son is sleeping, and our oldest is out carousing around, I suppose.”
By that time, Richard was at the top of the stairs, wearing boxers and a t-shirt. His hair was disheveled. He plunged down the steps and joined us at the door. “Who is making these insane accusations?”
“I’m not at liberty to divulge that information.”
“I want to file suit. This is an invasion of privacy and a violation of the law.”
“You can make an information request, but names of witnesses are typically protected.”
Anger tightened Richard’s jaw.
"I hate to ask, but were you engaged in any behavior that could be… misconstrued?
"What do you mean?”
"We got a report that you strangled your wife.”
"Someone is deliberately spying on us, looking into our bedroom, and we're the ones that have to answer questions?”
"I know this is uncomfortable.”
“What my wife and I do in the bedroom is our business and nobody else’s.”
"Understood. Again, I apologize for the intrusion.”
Richard’s eyes narrowed at me. "What did you say your name was again?”
"Deputy Tyson Wild with Coconut County.”
"I'll be calling the sheriff and letting him know personally that I don't care much for these intrusions."
I smiled at the threat. "I think you should. I'm sure he'd be happy to hear from you.”
Richard’s jaw flexed. "I am a large donor to the sheriff’s campaign."
"And I'm sure he appreciates it. Good night.”
I didn't want to engage any further.
It would only go downhill from here.
JD and I left, ambled back down the walkway, then across the lawn to the vacant listing. We made our way back up to the patio and rejoined Zoe.
“So, what happened?"
"I can tell you his wife is very much alive,” I said.
Zoe looked at me with a blank expression. "That's not possible. I saw him strangle her.”
"Did you see him strangle her in bed?"
"Yes," she said with hesitation.
“I think they were just getting a little freaky in the bedroom," Jack said.
Zoey glared at him. "This was a little more than getting freaky in the bedroom. He strangled her. She wasn't breathing. She wasn't having fun. She fought against him, clawing at his face."
“Neither had any marks or indications of a struggle.”
“I know what I saw.”
“Look, you came out here in the middle of the night to spy on them. You launched a drone and trespassed on their property. I could haul you in for this. I know you’ve got permission to be on this property to take photos, but you’re trespassing now. This isn’t in your job description.”
“How do you know what my job description is?” she sassed.
“I really don’t want to take you to jail.”
Her face reddened with anger.
“I know you believe you’re doing the right thing,” I said in a soothing voice.
“I’m telling you, he assaulted her.”
“First, you told me he killed her.”
Zoe frowned. “I know what I saw.”
“Forget about the Pearsons. We'll handle it from here. Do not trespass again. Do not harass them. Don't fly drones on their property. If I gotta do this again, I'm gonna take you down. I don't want to do that. I think you mean well.”
Zoe’s glare persisted a moment, then she gathered her things. We escorted her off the property. She climbed into her SUV and drove off.
Jack said, "I think that one's a little crazy. Maybe a lot.”
We hopped into the Wild Fury van and headed back to the Avventura.
I took Buddy out for a quick walk, then settled in for the evening. The guys wanted to bring some girls back to the boat for a little after-party, and who was I to tell them no? I told Crash to keep it to a minimum. Necessary personnel only.
A small party ensued on the sky deck.
I called it an early night and left them to their fun.
Brenda called early the next morning. “I’m still waiting on DNA, but you’re going to like this.”