Innocent in Death (In Death, #24)

by J.D. Robb

“No one’s going to believe you.” Rayleen’s face was wildly red with rage, and not a hint of fear. “My daddy will fix it all.” “Wrong again.” Eve took a firm hold of Rayleen’s arm while Peabody took the other. A few feet away, Straffo stood staring at his daughter like a man still gripped in a nightmare. “Rayleen.” “Daddy! Daddy! They’re hurting me! Stop them.” He took two lurching steps toward her. “He was just a baby. He was just a little boy. He loved you so much. How could you do that, Rayleen, to people who loved you so much?” “It’s lies, Daddy. She’s lying to you. I’m your best girl. I’m…Mommy did it! I saw her do it, Daddy. She pushed Trev, and then she killed Mr. Foster and Mr. Williams. I didn’t want to tell on her, Daddy. I didn’t want them to take her away from us. I—” “Stop. Oh, God.” He covered his face with his hands. “Oh, God.” “Take her, Peabody. Take her, Mira, and the CP agent to Central. I’ll follow as soon as I can.” “You’ll pay,” Rayleen said to Eve under her breath as Peabody signaled a uniform to help her. “You’ll pay, just like the others. I’ll enjoy you the most.” “Spoiled brats don’t scare me. Read her her rights, Peabody, and book her, three counts murder one, one attempted murder. We’ll add on Adele Versy when we have that locked in.” “Daddy! Don’t let them take me away from you! Daddy!” Eve turned away and walked toward Straffo without looking back. “Let’s go sit down, Oliver.” “I have nothing left. I have nothing. That’s my child. She…I made he...

Oliver Straffo comes to terms with what his daughter has done. Rayleen threatens Eve and tries to put the blame on her mother.