Trail of Secrets(59)

                “Not if the cases are handled by different judges,” Alex said.

                Seth shrugged. “That’s true. Things just don’t add up with Carlos Allen, though. I still wonder why the officers outside the bar didn’t try to take Carlos alive. Marty Weaver didn’t like me questioning their actions, though.”

                Alex snapped his fingers, and his eyebrows arched. “Hey, guys, that reminds me. I forgot to ask you something yesterday at work.”

                Brad came over to the table and sat down. “What?”

                “Why would Marty Weaver have any interest in that racketeering case we’re looking into?”

                Seth and Brad glanced at each other and frowned. “You mean the five-year-old unsolved murder of the laundry owner who was killed after complaining to the police that an extortion ring was demanding protection money from him every month?” Brad asked.

                Alex nodded. “That’s the one. I went down to the evidence room yesterday to see if there was anything we’d overlooked. When I started to sign in, I saw Marty’s name on there from that morning. I asked the officer if anyone else had been looking at the evidence in our case, and he said Marty had been the last one.”

                Seth leaned forward. “Marty Weaver came to the evidence room and looked at our crime scene evidence?”

                “Yes. Why would he do that?”

                Seth shook his head. “I don’t know. Who investigated that murder when it happened?”

                “Maybe we need to find out,” Brad said.

                Seth curled his fingers around his soft drink can and thought for a moment. “There should still be an active investigation into the racketeering ring that extorts money from small-business owners. Have either of you heard anything lately?”

                “No,” Brad said, “but we need to look into that. I’ll get started on it Monday morning.”

                “Excuse me, guys.” Laura’s voice startled the three of them, and they glanced up to see her standing at the table with Callie behind her. Both held bowls of food. “I thought we had a rule we didn’t talk about work on nights when we were together.” She glanced at the grill. “I hope you haven’t let the burgers burn while you were discussing your case.”

                Brad jumped to his feet and kissed his wife on the cheek. “They’re coming right up, ma’am.”

                Her gaze followed him as he rushed back to the grill and began to pile the hamburgers onto a platter. The back door opened, and Grace stepped out. She held Brad and Laura’s son, Mark, in her arms, and she beamed as she walked across the backyard.

                “This young man is ready to join the party if someone will be kind enough to bring his high chair outside,” she said.

                Alex pushed up from his chair. “I’ll do it if the rest of you can get the food ready.”

                Seth rose and came around the table to where Grace stood. The baby smiled when he saw him and held out his arms for Seth to take him. He laughed and took the child from Grace. He glanced over at Callie. “This is my best buddy. His name is Mark. He’s named after Laura’s brother.”

                Callie’s gaze drifted over him and Mark before she blinked and looked back at him. She smiled, but her eyes held a sad look. “I met Mark while I was inside. I understand why you said he was the cutest kid you’ve ever seen.”