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Combs took a calming breath before entering the room. Previous encounters with Dub Corazon hadn’t been easy, and he didn’t look forward to this interview.
At least he’d gotten a reprieve with September, when Shadow came back. The black German Shepherd had more lives than a cat. They still had things to work out, though. He thought September might be the most aggravating, stubborn woman he’d ever met.
Lia ran a close second. She sat next to her grandfather, fidgeting, and her face brightened when he entered. Combs tried to ignore how that made him feel.
“Please, Mr. Corazon, stay seated. This is just an informal talk, that’s all.” Combs closed the door behind him, and took a seat on the opposite side of the table. “Ms. Corazon. How’re you feeling?”
“It’s Lia, remember? And I’m much better, thanks.” She turned to her grandfather. “See, I told you we don’t need an attorney.”
“We’ll see.” He smoothed his white hair and fussed with the straw cowboy hat he held on his lap. “Could we move this along? Lia has an important appointment later this afternoon to test that police dog of hers. Of course, that’s assuming the pup gets released from the veterinarian in time.”
Lia’s jaw flexed, and although she looked at Combs, she directed her pointed remarks to her grandfather. “You’d think after everything Karma did to keep Mele safe, not to mention rescuing me, that a test would be moot.”
“Deal’s a deal.” The older man’s knuckles tightened on the hat.
“You’ve already given your statement, Lia, we just need it to be read and approved.” Combs opened a folder and gave her several pages. “Please make any necessary changes or clarifications, initial them and sign.” He watched as she went through the formalities, scribbling a couple of notes but otherwise leaving the statement as prepared.
“How’s Mele? What’s going to happen to her?” She shoved the completed paperwork back to him.
“She’s with CPS.” Combs put Lia’s statement in the folder. The girl had run away from her last foster home, and been plucked from the streets in Hawaii by...they hadn’t figured that out yet. Combs wasn’t thrilled about sticking Mele back in foster care.
According to national data, eighty-six percent of missing children suspected of being forced into sex work came from the child welfare system. In Texas, the vast majority of young victims had some contact with Child Protective Services. “Here in Texas, we focus on the pimps. Wish we could do more for the victims.”
“Girls like Vicki are victims, too. Didn’t you say she was kidnapped? And yet, if she lived, she’d be going to jail.” Lia’s righteous indignation made her voice shake. “Vicki wanted to testify, and she ended up dead. Now you want to put Mele in the same no-win situation. How do you keep her safe?”
“I know, I know. You’re preaching to the choir.” He noticed someone outside the room, and paused for a moment. “Mele knows who killed Vicki. But the only name she has is Boss. Says it’s the same person who set the fire that nearly killed all y’all. Not to mention the property damage done to Corazon holdings.” He nodded to the older man, face solemn. “Glad you got the alarm in time to move your horses, sir.”
“Appreciate that, Detective. And I appreciate you rescuing my granddaughter.” He didn’t look at Lia.
Lia’s face turned rosy and she looked away as well.
Combs cleared his throat. “As it happens, we’re lucky our Hawaiian consultant has a knack for getting Mele to talk.” He motioned with one hand, inviting someone to join them. “In fact, she wanted to talk more with you, Lia, and is staying on for a while as part of the ongoing investigation.”
She tugged on his sleeve. “Grandfather? You don’t have to stay. I’m fine, if you want to go ahead.” Lia looked more nervous than embarrassed. Even fearful. Combs wondered why.
He shook off Lia’s hand and stood when the petite dark-haired young police officer entered the room and held out her hand. “So you’re the one who fished Lia out of that tank. I’m William Corazon, ma’am, but you can call me Dub. Very pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“Nice to meet you, too.” She took his hand, and offered a firm handshake. “Officer Pilikia Teves. You can call me Tee.”
He dropped her hand as if snake bit. “This some kind of joke?” He towered over Lia. “Did you put her up to that? Have you been digging in that mongrel shit, when I ordered you to stay away?” His other hand crushed the brim of his hat.
Combs frowned, and took a step forward. “Mr. Corazon, I don’t understand. Let’s stay calm. What seems to be the trouble?”
“I won’t calm down, Detective. And if you’re part of this, I’ll have your badge, see if I won’t!” He jammed the hat back on his head, stormed to the door, turned, and offered a parting shot at Lia. “Forget about testing that mutt of yours, I’m calling it off.” His lips whitened, breath came in gasps. “You lied to me, did the one forbidden thing I can’t forgive. You’re no better than that Teves bastard who killed my girl!” His voice rose to shouts, face purpled and a vein throbbed in his neck. “You’re not part of this family, not anymore. You made your choice. So pick up your stuff, and clear out. You hear me!” He slammed the door.
Lia stood silent, face white, mouth agape. She played with a bracelet on one delicate wrist.
Tee folded her arms tight, jaw working. She looked ready to bolt, too.
Combs stared at the two women, a tall Texas beauty and a petite exotic cop, one light and one dark. But they had the same eyes. The same smile. The same hair, except for the color. “What just happened?” But he had an inkling.
“I lost my home.” Lia knuckled tears away and squared her shoulders. “Need to find a place to stay. For me and for Karma.” She gathered her small bag, and hunted for car keys. “We’ll be camping over at Corazon Kennels if you need us. Who needs electricity or running water?” Lia tried to smile, but it faltered. “I have to go get my dog.”
Tee took a breath, and uncrossed her arms. “I like dogs. Been thinking about getting one.”
“That so.” Lia didn’t look at her.
Tee addressed Combs. “Karma could identify Mele’s Boss just as well as the girl. Dogs testify sometimes, don’t they, Detective?” She didn’t wait for an answer, as if she’d made a decision. “The department’s putting me up while I work the case but I need a ride.” She nodded at Lia. “You got a truck. You need a place to stay, and I got a room. Maybe we can help each other out. Maybe we can share, you know, resources, yeah?” Her hesitant offer anticipated vehement objections.
Surprise, anger and suspicion chased across Lia’s face in quick succession. Finally, she nodded stiff agreement. “Appreciate the offer. Karma and I will help any way we can.”
Tee turned to Combs. “What do you say, Detective?”
He had no reason to object. “You want to share the room, that’s up to you. If management has objections about the dog, have ’em call me. Police dogs get special consideration.”
Lia smiled her thanks, and followed the smaller woman out of the interview room.
Combs called after. “Tee! I’m still lead on this investigation. No more running off without backup, you hear me? Lia, that goes double for you.” He sat heavily and dropped the file on the table. One of ’em alone was trouble enough. Teaming a Texas firebrand and a Hawaiian volcano? He predicted fireworks in their future.
