CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Brass rose quickly from the table and exited the room, Iris literally on his heels.
He was on his cell phone in an instant requesting an APB to pick up Nathan Randall for questioning, then following the call with a request for a search warrant.
Iris was on her phone as well calling Sara to update her partner on the latest developments in their case.
"That…." Brass began but stopped when Iris pointed to children in the hallway.
"Little pitchers with big ears," she whispered.
"Yeah, right." Brass chopped off the choice words he wanted to say.
Iris phone rang and she quickly took the call. It was the UNLV ornithologist calling to give his interpretation of his examination of the bluebird feathers she had sent to him. She thanked him for his assistance and turned to Brass who awaited her news with interest.
"The plot thickens, Master Brass," Iris quipped. "The game is afoot or should I say a-wing?"
Jim rolled his eyes. His girl was too much of a movie buff at times.
"Let's get back to the ranch," he replied with a smirk. "Heap big trouble brewing I think."
He took Iris by the arm as they headed out to his car to return back to the LVPD/CSI building.
Upon their arrival, Brass headed to his office while Iris stopped by to update Grissom before she went to find Sara.
"So your hunch was correct and that it wasn't the janitor and now may actually be a teacher," Grissom said.
"That's right. He's the only one left we were waiting to get a DNA swab on. He's a smooth talker, I'll give him that, but how can it be he's without priors?" Iris mused.
"You mentioned earlier on that his whole education work experience has been teaching developmentally challenged or disabled children," Grissom continued.
"What better hunting ground for a wolf in sheep's clothing," Iris stated with a hard edge to her voice as Grissom nodded in agreement.
Grissom's phone rang. It was Brass calling to tell him that he was going to serve a search warrant on Nathan Randall. He wanted Iris and/or Sara to go along with him. Grissom said both ladies would accompany Jim to the suspect's home.
Brass's car pulled up in front of the home of Nathan Randall. He got out along with Iris and Sara, all three of them noting that the house was within close walking distance of the children's school and not far at all from the nearby park. The other children named by Emily in the Happy Game had told other detectives working with Jim that Randall had been the initiator of the game and sworn the children to secrecy.
Jim approached the front door, waving Iris and Sara to follow behind him. Each had their gun holster unsnapped and ready. A black-and-white squad car rolled up behind Brass's car to provide further backup. He knocked loudly on the front door as he announced himself, "Mr. Randall, this is Detective Jim Brass from the LVPD. Please open the door. We know you're at home."
After several moments the door cracked open as Nathan Randall peered through to which Brass replied, "Nathan Randall, I presume? We have a search warrant. Please step outside and enjoy the company of these two fine officers while we have a look inside or outside as we see fit. After you, ladies."
"Ever the gentleman," smirked Sara.
"Hey, hey, be nice now," Brass grinned in reply.
"Shall we?" smiled Iris wistfully. As she walked past Nathan Randall, she noted him nervously rubbing his hands together and how red they appeared. Her eyes narrowed at him.