The Bone Field by Debra Bokur (top e book reader txt) 📕

was racing. The smiling faces of Helen and Reggie stared back at her from the table’s surface. The image of the anchor hung above them, and she peered closely at it, imagining it dangling from a bracelet worn by a child who was too young and innocent and brainwashed to know right from wrong. The now-familiar driver’s license photo detailing Matthew Greene’s long, stern face filled the photo beside the one of the harvest-gold refrigerator with the skeleton still nestled inside it, crowned by the carved wooden fruit that occupied the space where the skull should have been. Just beneath this image was a picture of Bill Bragden, as well as the smaller photo taken from Manuel Raso’s album, displaying the refrigerator in the employee break room at the pineapple plantation.

Hara had already added the photos of Eden’s River that she’d taken during the morning excursion with Tomas. Kali ran her finger along the edges of the images in a wide circle, striving to see the connection that would explain why five people had died without anyone knowing why. The answer seemed to be close, but it was still out of her reach.

The sound of Walter’s car pulling up outside interrupted her reverie. As she waited for Abraham to be ushered inside, the sound of a second vehicle could be heard, followed by the slamming of a door and a raised male voice, which she recognized as Nathan’s. The voice grew louder as Walter opened the door and ushered Abraham inside into the small reception area, where a wall with a counter and a window of bulletproof glass laced with wire separated the space from the interior of the station. The duty officer looked up, taking note of the small parade.

Behind Abraham and Walter, Hara had blocked the doorway, preventing Nathan and an older woman from entering the room. Nathan was still shouting what sounded like Bible verses. There was a look of annoyance on Hara’s face, and he turned toward Walter, looking for direction.

“Captain, what would you like me to do?”

“I would like,” said Walter, standing next to Abraham, “for you to remind this citizen that this is an official police interview, and unless he would like to spend the next hour in a holding cell, he should wait quietly outside the building in his vehicle.”

“You have no authority over my husband,” interrupted the woman, scowling menacingly.

“Am I to understand you are Ruth Waters?” asked Kali, stepping past the counter. She had imagined a gentle, passive woman—not the angry, rabid one in front of her.

“Yes, that’s my name,” Ruth snarled. “My family and I answer to a higher power.”

“Well . . . that may be true eventually,” said Walter, keeping his cool. He looked directly into Ruth’s eyes. “However, in the present moment, you, your husband, and your grandson will all answer to the Maui police authority. Now, I need to hear verbal confirmation from both of you that you will not cause a disturbance while we’re interviewing your husband. Have I made myself clear?”

Ruth looked toward Abraham, who gave a brief nod.

“Fine,” said Ruth. “My husband has graciously indicated that you may speak with him. We will wait.” Her eyes swept from Kali and Walter to Hara. “My grandson and I will pass the time praying for each of you, that you may see the True Light.”

Walter’s eyebrows rose. Kali could tell from the way his lips moved that he was doing his best not to laugh out loud.

Hara looked at Ruth in disbelief. “Captain, should I . . .”

“Not necessary, Hara,” said Walter. “These people will wait outside.” Walter turned to the duty officer. “Should either of these individuals attempt to enter the building while I am interviewing Mr. Waters, they are to be placed under arrest for obstructing a police investigation. Feel free to interrupt me in the interview room.”

Walter turned away without another look at Ruth or Nathan, and spoke directly to Abraham. “This way, Mr. Waters.” He glanced at Kali. She followed them as they came through the barrier into the interior of the station and walked to the interview room. Walter led Abraham inside, directing Hara to get a glass of water for him. Kali stood just outside the door, fingering the tip of the coroner’s report in her pocket, and watched as Walter checked the recording equipment. When Hara returned, Walter joined her outside of the interview room, closing the door behind him, leaving Hara to guard over Abraham.

“I’d like you to ask the questions,” he said. “I’ll jump in when I need to, but I think it will throw him off his game a bit to be questioned by a woman. Hara will be watching though the one-way glass so there’s another official observer.”

She nodded, then pulled the report from her pocket and thrust it into his hands. “Get a load of this,” she said.

Walter read it, frowning. He looked up, his face clearing. He whistled through his teeth, the sound low and full of astonishment. “Damn,” he said. “This is unexpected. What’s your conclusion?”

“I’m not sure. But I don’t want Abraham to know we have this information right now, so let’s keep it to ourselves for the moment. Have you already offered him legal representation?”

“Yup.” He snorted. “He says there is no legal authority in existence except for his partner in the clouds.”

“Just checking all the boxes.”

He nodded. “Have to do it. You ready?”

Kali nodded her assent. As they entered the interview room, Hara left to take his place out of Abraham’s sight, behind the glass. Abraham looked up and smiled, his sparkling eyes unfathomable. Kali studied his blue shirt and his white linen trousers. She could see one of his sandals sticking out along the side of the table; his tanned foot matched the sun-browned tone of his face and arms. His silvery, coal-streaked hair was tucked behind his ears, curling over the neckline of his shirt. He looked comfortable, completely at ease. She felt sickened by his proximity.

“Nice