In Death Collection: Books 30-32 by J.D. Robb

Eve.
    â€œThat’s right.”
    â€œAnyway, honey, you know you were at work until nearly four. He works so hard,” she confided to Eve. “And then you came right home and we had our little lie-down before we got dressed for the dinner party at Rob and Sasha’s. It was a really nice party.”
    â€œTaija, it’s a matter of principle.”
    â€œThere, there,” she said, stroking. “Now, now.”
    DuVaugne took a slow, audible breath. “Taija, I think I’d like my evening martini.”
    â€œSure, honey, I’ll go tell Derby to mix you one right up. ’Scuze ... I mean, please excuse me a minute.”
    After she’d clicked out, DuVaugne turned to Eve. “My wife is naive in certain areas.”
    Maybe, Eve thought, but she also came off as sincere, and absurdly likeable.
    â€œNaive enough not to understand ‘working hard’ includes you paying a con man for confidential information on the workings and projects of U-Play? We have Dubrosky in custody,” Eve said before he could speak. “He rolled on you.”
    â€œI have no idea what or who you’re talking about. Now, I’m going to ask you to leave.”
    â€œPeabody, read Mr. DuVaugne his rights.”
    While he blustered, Peabody recited the Revised Miranda. “Do you understand your rights and obligations in this matter?” Peabody finished.
    â€œThis is beyond belief!” His face burned bright red as he shoved to his feet. “I’m calling my lawyer.”
    â€œFine. Tell him to meet us down at Cop Central.” Cool and calm in contrast, Eve rose. “Where you can chill in Holding until he arrives, at which time we’ll filter our questions through your representative on both matters—your involvement in corporate espionage and your connection to Bart Minnock’s murder.”
    â€œJust a minute, just one damn minute. I was nowhere near Minnock’s apartment yesterday. I’ve never been to his apartment.”
    â€œYou’ve requested a lawyer, Mr. DuVaugne,” Eve reminded him. “We’re obliged to wait until your representative meets with you before we take any statements or continue this interview. We’ll hold you at Central prior to that, and prior to booking you on the pending charges.”
    â€œArresting me? You’re arresting me? Wait. Just wait.” He didn’t sweat like Roland, but his hand trembled as he pushed it through his glossy mane of hair. “We’ll hold on the lawyer; we’ll keep this here.”
    â€œThat’s your choice.”
    â€œMartinis!” Taija announced in a bright singsong as she preceded Derby into the room. “Let’s all sit down and have a nice drink. Oh, honey, look at you! All red in the face.” She walked over, patted his cheeks. “Derby pour the drinks. Mr. DuVaugne needs a little pick-me-up.”
    â€œGive me that.” DuVaugne grabbed the oversized shaker, dumped the contents into a glass to the rim. Then downed it.
    â€œOops! You forgot the olives. Derby, pour our guests drinks.”
    â€œWe’re not allowed to drink on duty, Mrs. DuVaugne, but thanks.” Taija’s mouth turned down in a sympathetic frown. “Geezy, that doesn’t seem fair.”
    â€œTaija, go upstairs. I have business to discuss here.”
    â€œOh.” After shooting her husband a hurt glance, she turned to Eve and Peabody. “It was nice meeting you.”
    â€œNice meeting you, too.”
    â€œDerby, leave us alone.” DuVaugne sat, rubbed his fingers over his eyes. “I didn’t have anything to do with Minnock’s murder. I was at my office until four. My driver brought me home. I didn’t leave the house again until seven. You can check all this.”
    â€œCan and will. But when a man pays someone to steal for him, it’s a short step up to paying someone to kill for him.”
    DuVaugne dropped his hands.