Chapter 19: "The Dance of Deception"*

Marie and Officer Green stood outside the large glass doors of Kevin's office building, the pristine facade glistening in the midday sun. The place was modern, sleek, a stark contrast to the gritty streets where they had been investigating the recent murders. It made Marie's skin crawl. Everything about Kevin's public image was carefully curated, every detail polished to perfection. But she knew the truth was lurking somewhere beneath that shine.

Green shot her a glance as they walked in. "Remember, we're not here to tip him off. We just want to poke around, see if we can get him to slip up."

Marie nodded. "I know. He's cocky. He'll show his hand if we keep the pressure subtle."

They approached the receptionist, who offered a practiced smile. "Do you have an appointment?"

"We're with the Peach Creek Police Department," Green said, flashing his badge. "Here to ask Mr. Barr a few routine questions."

The receptionist, clearly accustomed to this sort of intrusion, nodded and picked up the phone. After a brief exchange, she looked back at them. "You can go right in. He's expecting you."

Marie narrowed her eyes. He couldn't really have known they were coming but by making it seem like he was expecting them, it made him feel in control of the situation. Kevin's office was enormous, designed to impress. Glass walls, a long mahogany desk, and shelves filled with books he probably never read.

Kevin stood as they entered, flashing a smile that was a little too perfect. "Detective Kanker. Officer Green. I've been expecting you. What can I do for you?"

His voice oozed with confidence. Too much confidence, Marie thought. She took the lead, keeping her tone casual. "Mr. Barr, we're just following up on some routine questions about property you own around town. We're trying to get a better understanding of the layout of the area as we continue our investigation into the recent string of disappearances and murders."

Kevin leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Marie. "Ah, yes. Tragic business, that. You know, this town used to be such a peaceful place. Now, it feels like there's danger around every corner. You must be working nonstop."

Marie ignored the false concern and kept her voice steady. "You own quite a bit of property, Kevin. We're just wondering what some of those places are used for. Especially the ones you've acquired recently. A few of them are in areas that don't seem to align with your usual investments."

Kevin raised an eyebrow but didn't seem fazed. "I have a wide portfolio. Some places are warehouses, others are just vacant lots I'm holding onto until the market shifts. Standard business practices."

Green spoke up, his tone casual but firm. "Have you noticed anything unusual at any of these properties? We've been hearing rumors of suspicious activity in some parts of town, particularly involving men in masks. Seen anything like that?"

Kevin's smile faltered for just a split second before it returned. "I don't spend much time at my properties, Officer. That's what I have staff for. I'm not aware of any illegal activities on my land, and if I were, I'd report them immediately."

Marie nodded, leaning slightly on his desk as if she was simply bored by his answers. "We appreciate your cooperation. You must have a lot of people working for you, managing those properties. It must be hard to keep track of everything that goes on."

Kevin chuckled, eyes flicking briefly to her hand on his desk. "That's why I surround myself with competent people, Detective. I make it a point to trust my staff."

Marie decided to push a little. "And what about the missing people? You've surely heard the rumors around town. Someone's been taking advantage of vulnerable women and men, particularly in the areas where you've acquired property."

Kevin's smile never wavered, but his tone cooled. "I'm aware of the rumors, yes. But you know how these things go. People are quick to jump to conclusions without any real evidence. It's a tragedy, but not everything can be pinned on a handful of wealthy landowners, can it?"

Marie narrowed her eyes. "We're not pinning anything yet. We're just exploring all possibilities."

Kevin leaned forward, resting his arms on his desk, his gaze locking onto hers. "Of course, Detective. I understand. You're just doing your job. But, you know..." His voice dropped slightly, taking on a more personal tone. "We could make this a lot easier for both of us. Maybe over dinner? I think you'd find it… beneficial."

The hairs on the back of Marie's neck stood up. The offer wasn't subtle—it was a power play, a veiled threat wrapped in a sleazy attempt to flirt. He wasn't just asking her out; he was implying that things could go her way if she let him get close. If she played along. She felt a surge of anger bubbling up, but she forced herself to stay calm, professional.

"That's a generous offer, Kevin," she said, her voice icy. "But I'm afraid I'll have to pass."

Kevin's eyes darkened, just for a moment, before he quickly regained his composure. "A shame. I think we'd get along just fine. But, suit yourself. I suppose I'll just have to be content with helping you however I can. For now."

There was a pause, thick with unspoken tension, before Officer Green cleared his throat, cutting through the moment. "We'll be in touch if we need anything further, Mr. Barr."

Kevin leaned back again, his smile returning, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I look forward to it, Officer."

As they left the office, Marie couldn't shake the feeling that they had just walked into the lion's den. Kevin wasn't scared. He wasn't even concerned. He was playing a game—one she wasn't entirely sure how to win yet. But she was determined to figure it out.

Outside, Green glanced over at her as they walked to their car. "He's definitely hiding something."

Marie let out a slow breath. "No doubt about it. He's too slick, too rehearsed. And that comment about dinner? He wasn't just hitting on me. He was testing me."

Green nodded, unlocking the car. "He's playing it safe for now, but we need more. He won't slip up unless we put some serious pressure on him."

Marie stared back at the office building for a moment, her mind racing. "I think we might have rattled him more than he let on. Did you notice how he dodged the question about his staff?"

"Yeah. He's not as calm as he wants us to think." Green started the engine, looking over at her. "What's the next move?"

"We need to find out who's working for him," Marie said, her voice firm. "And what they're doing at those properties. Kevin's not going to break unless we give him a reason to." She paused for a moment before adding, "And I have a feeling those properties are at the center of whatever's going on here."

Green nodded in agreement, his hands tightening on the wheel. "We'll need to get creative if we want to find out. But we can't tip him off that we're digging deeper."

Marie looked out the window as they drove away, her mind still on Kevin's smug expression and his thinly veiled threat. "I don't plan to tip him off. But we're not stopping, either."

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she pulled it out to see a message from Edd. *"Everything okay? Let me know if you need anything."*

Marie smiled faintly at the screen. She typed back quickly. *"I'm good. Let's just say the conversation with Kevin was... illuminating. I'll fill you in later."*

As they sped down the road, Marie's thoughts turned to their next steps. Kevin had shown his cards—just enough to know that he was involved, but not enough to prove it. Yet. And Marie wasn't the type to back down, not when she was this close to the truth.

Kevin wanted to play games, but she was going to make sure she was the one who won.