And now there’s another feeling coursing through me. A teeny, tiny glimmer of hope. If I can get proof of whatever it is he’s up to, I may have a way out.
Chapter 14
Hank
AFTER THE ALIBI
Monday, October 12
Lila knocks on my open door to get my attention. “There’s a Detective Sullivan here to speak to you.”
I rub my hands across my face. My eyes are tired and there’s a headache that’s been building ever since Randall Everett showed up here this morning that feels like it may level me when it hits full strength. I glance at the clock and groan. This has been the longest day of my life and it’s only four p.m.
“Okay, send him back.”
She nods, then adds, “Security guard is here. He’s parked out front and will do random patrols on foot around the exterior of the building throughout the day. There’s also a panic button at the front desk in case someone comes in while he’s making his rounds.”
“Okay, good. Thanks for getting on that so quickly.”
In a few minutes she’s back with the detective.
I start to stand but he motions for me to keep my seat. “Don’t get up for me. You look like you’re about to pass out as it is.”
“Thanks, Sully. Obviously, didn’t get much sleep last night.”
“I bet.” He takes the seat in front of my desk. “We’re finished at the Bayliss house.”
“Any leads you can share?”
He gives me a pained look. “Hank, it wasn’t that long ago you were on my side of this. You know I can’t share anything like that right now.”
“Hell, never hurts to ask. Figured you might throw me a little something for old times’ sake.”
He watches me, as if debating what he can say. “I can tell you we’re exploring all leads and will be offering a reward for any information.”
I sink back in my chair. When I was in the DA’s office, that statement always meant they didn’t get anything solid from the scene, so no real suspect. Everyone connected to Ben will be looked at very closely.
Nodding to let him know I understand what he’s telling me, I change the subject. “I’ll get a cleaning crew over to the house.” I don’t want Camille to have to deal with the mess forensics left behind or have to clean up after Ben’s injuries.
I know there’s more to this visit since he could have called with this info, so I patiently wait for him to get to it.
Finally, he says, “I’m going to need to do a formal interview with Mrs. Bayliss as soon as possible.”
“Of course. Camille and I both want nothing more than to do whatever we can to help. She’s at her parents’ house, about half an hour from here. I know they’re meeting with the funeral home people today and I just got word there is a Rosary at Ben’s church being said for him tomorrow. Can we do the day after that? Wednesday?”
“Was really hoping to talk to her sooner than that.” His expression tells me he doesn’t like me putting him off.
“I get it. But she’s not eating. Barely talking. It’s going to be a struggle to get her through the funeral planning not to mention that Rosary, since you know everyone is going to show up there, asking her questions. Let me get her past all that and then she’s all yours.”
We both know he can force her to speak with him sooner, but he wants her willing. He wants her talking freely. Not quietly combative. Because of who Ben was, Sullivan knows she’s not your typical witness who he can easily bully into thinking she has no rights. And because of who I am, he knows if he pushes too hard, I’ll advise her to say next to nothing, which won’t help his case. There are real benefits to being connected. He got enough initial information yesterday at the scene that he can’t say Camille hasn’t been helpful. So as much as Sullivan hates it, he’ll let me get away with postponing their interview for a couple of days.
I need some uninterrupted time with Camille to find out as much as I can before walking into a meeting with him.
“Wednesday. I’m assuming you’ll tell me why she can’t come into the station to speak with me next.”
“Sully, you know me too well. She’ll be more relaxed here.”
Even though being questioned is standard procedure, the media would have a field day getting pictures of the two of us walking into the station. The local coverage on this story has been nonstop, which is not surprising.
