Hidden Vices by C.J. Carpenter

deaf.”
    â€œShe’s deaf, not blind; it’s all here in the paperwork.”
    â€œI’m sure it is—one of the judge’s cohorts signed off on an illegal search. She has a right to an interpreter. You will not go through this home without a detailed explanation to the owner, which is now Vivian seeing as the judge is on a slab somewhere.”
    â€œ Ms. McGinn, apparently I need to remind you once again that you do not have jurisdiction here, or anywhere for that matter,” Krause said.
    â€œBut I do have a cell phone, and with my current pseudo-
celebrity status I can get a film crew over here in one minute while you walk all over Vivian’s personal freedom and right to an interpreter. And then I’ll find the best lawyer to sue your department, the judge who signed that warrant, and you personally on her behalf. And guess what, she-man : she will win.”
    Detective Michalski whispered to his partner, “Krause, let’s go.”
    â€œWe’re coming back, with an interpreter.” Krause stared Vivian down before slamming the door.
    Vivian went up to the door and opened it, prompting Krause to turn around. Vivian flashed Krause her middle finger.
    Megan looked out the gatehouse door. “Do you need an interpreter for that sign?”

Sixteen
    Megan immediately called Callie and briefly explained the situation. She asked for him to come over to Vivian’s right away. Megan wrote a note telling Vivian what she and the detectives spoke about and that Callie was on his way. Vivian pointed at Megan’s chest and then down at the floor. She wanted Megan to stay. Megan shook her head no and continued writing on the notepad while saying it aloud: “I can’t stay and shouldn’t be here when they return. Callie will be here with you.”
    She then pointed to herself and the outdoors.
    â€œNo, you can’t leave. They’ll be back soon. You need to stay,” Megan said and wrote. “I will stay until he gets here.”
    It wasn’t long before Callie arrived. He flew through the door, slightly out of breath. “Megan, what’s going on?” He signed with Vivian asking if she was okay. He continued to sign while speaking to Megan. “Why do they want to search the gatehouse? That bastard stayed as far away from Vivian as he could. What are they looking for?”
    â€œI have no idea. It’s probably procedural, given that the gatehouse is so close to the main house, but—I don’t know. The same detectives stopped over at my place earlier this morning.”
    â€œWhat?” Callie was confused. “Why were they talking to you?”
    â€œThey were just asking generic questions about seeing anyone in the neighborhood, things like that. And just so you’re aware, the female lead on the case is an absolute piece of work. My advice is to stay out of their way and don’t get into any communication without the interpreter.”
    â€œWait, where are you going? You’re leaving?”
    â€œCallie, I can’t and shouldn’t be here.” Megan felt ashamed for retreating, but she also knew it was in everyone’s best interest. “Listen, I didn’t get on well with Krause, the lead working this. Trust me on this one. You want me as far away as possible.”
    Callie stared at Vivian and back at Megan. He was clearly not happy with Megan’s choice. “Okay then.”
    She placed a hand on his shoulder. “If I didn’t think my presence would have a negative impact, I would stay. You know that.”
    His reaction softened some. “I know, kind of.”
    â€œCall me or come over later.” Megan turned to Vivian and mouthed, “You’ll be okay.”
    Megan returned to the Macks’ house immediately and realized the adrenaline jolt she’d had during her verbal warfare with Krause had temporarily lifted the physical pain she was feeling. She knew it would