“I guess you heard about the ghost gun.”
Chief Glushenko blinked. “What ghost gun?”
“The state police found a ghost gun they think was the murder weapon. They said they were going to keep you informed and you were going to keep me informed. I’m assuming Detective Kowalski knows, right?”
“Did you call him?”
“Yes, but he hasn’t called back yet.”
“How do you know about the gun?”
“I was there when they found it in my grandmother’s field.”
“I’m sure I’ll hear about it in due time.”
Julia was surprised that he hadn’t been told, but Courtney pressed on.
“Chief, how often do you see ghost guns around here?”
Glushenko shrugged, his expression impassive. “Not often.”
“Have you ever?”
“No.”
“So does that tell you anything, that a ghost gun was the murder weapon?”
“Tell me anything?” Chief Glushenko shrugged again. “I don’t know what you’re asking me.”
Julia thought he was being difficult, but Courtney took it on the chin.
“I guess I mean, can you draw any conclusions from the fact thatit is a ghost gun and that you have not ever had a case involving one?”
“No.”
“Why not?” Courtney asked, her tone even.
“You’re making the assumption this ghost gun is the murder weapon. It goes to Ballistics, and that takes time. Until we get a match on the tests, I wouldn’t say it’s the murder weapon. I never speculate.”
“How do ballistics tests work with a ghost gun? Do they test it the same way as a regular gun?”
“I don’t know.”
Courtney shifted in her chair. “Well, if it wasn’t the murder weapon, why would it be on my grandmother’s property? Obviously, it’s not a typical gun, and you’ve never had a case with one. I mean, what are the odds?”
“I don’t want to speculate.”
“It didn’t look like it had been there that long. There was no moss on it.”
“I don’t want to—”
“I understand,” Courtney said, interrupting him, and Julia knew she was getting frustrated, so she took a turn.
“Chief Glushenko, do you know if anybody checked the tire tracks around the farmhouse? The grass is tall, so the pickup truck would’ve left an imprint.”
“That’s up to Detective Kowalski. If he discussed that with the state police, I have no knowledge.” Chief Glushenko pursed his lips. “I’m not in charge of the investigation.”
“I thought you were. The state police said Buckley PD was in charge.”