Until the Final Verdict by Christine McGuire Page A

sort it out. Bottom line—did you get a match from Tucker’s rape kit?”
    â€œOne. The DNA profile from the vaginal swab matches the profile from Judge Keefe’s blood standard. It was his semen.”
    â€œHow sweet—two judges boffing each other in chambers and now it looks like one of ’em’s a murder suspect. How about her husband?”
    Menendez shot McCaskill a dirty look. “Doctor Sanchez is excluded as donor of the semen on both the vaginal and the anal swabs.”
    â€œOh, that’s just great. Can you people tell me who shot the semen up Tucker’s ass, or do I have to use my imagination?”
    Menendez’ olive complexion gave way to a deep red blush. “That’s for you to find out, Mr. McCaskill.”
    McCaskill started to walk away, then stopped and turned. “I thought that’s what you were paid to do. I guess I’m on my own.”
    As he headed to the door, Menendez stared at his retreating back, then flipped him the finger.
    â€œShoulda left the little jerk’s hair sticking up so he looks as stupid as he acts,” she told Granz.
    Granz smiled. “Next time.”
    â€œNext time, come by yourself.”
    Granz patted her on the shoulder. “My pleasure.”

CHAPTER

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26

    G RANZ AND M C C ASKILL LEANED against Granz’ Buick.
    McCaskill smoothed his hair. “Where does that leave our investigation into Tucker’s murder?”
    â€œIt isn’t our investigation, it’s mine.”
    â€œThe protocol is for the Sheriff to keep the District Attorney informed.”
    â€œI know the drill, McCaskill, so don’t create any territorial disputes with me. It’s my investigation until I turn it over to you for prosecution. In the meantime, I make the decisions, including what information you get. Now, get off my car, I’ve got to get back to my office.”
    â€œThere’s one other thing.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œThe Simmons murder.”
    â€œI don’t know for certain that he was murdered. He could have intentionally overdosed to avoid a trial.”
    â€œThat’s a crock of bull, and you know it.”
    â€œEven if he was, I don’t know who murdered him.”
    â€œYes, you do, and so do I. I knew you couldn’t keep your personal feelings from overriding your professional obligations. I stopped by the morgue on the way here, talked to Nelson. Take Mackay into custody.”
    â€œDon’t have probable cause.”
    McCaskill laughed. “You’ve made hundreds of arrests with a lot less PC. Arrest her ass.”
    â€œFuck you.”
    â€œThen I’ll bust her myself.”
    Granz pushed away from the car, turned toward McCaskill, and clenched his fists. “Stay away from Kathryn or . . .”
    â€œOr what? If you’re too pussy-whipped to do your job, I’ll do it for you. Just stay out of my way.”

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27

    â€œM OM, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ?”
    â€œI thought I’d give you a ride home from soccer practice.”
    â€œAshley and I were going to walk home together.”
    â€œI need to talk to you, honey. It’s important.”
    Emma tossed her books into the backseat of the Audi A4. “Can we go by Sophia’s and get a burrito? I’m hungry.”
    Kathryn merged into traffic. “It’s only four o’clock. Didn’t you eat lunch?”
    â€œYeah, but that was a long time ago. Can we?”
    â€œI suppose we can pick something up and take it home. We’ve got to eat dinner anyway, and I don’t feel like cooking.”
    Emma gave her mother a long look. “You said you have something important to talk to me about. Am I in big trouble?”
    Kathryn patted her daughter’s knee. “Of course not.”
    â€œYou’ve been crying.”
    â€œWhat makes you think that?”
    â€œYour mascara’s all streaked.”
    â€œOh.”
    â€œWhat’s