Theories:
Shaw was being paid to destroy evidence
Multiple people were using Shaw’s services
There was a middleman connecting criminals to Shaw
Eugene and Dan may have been part of this network
“We need more evidence,” Nora said, scowling at the list. “Right now, this is all circumstantial. You need proof Shaw was taking money, proof of who paid him, proof of the network.”
“Shaw’s financial records would show deposits. Large amounts of cash or unusual transactions.” Carson pulled out his phone. “I’llhave Finn pull Shaw’s banking history. See if there are any red flags.”
“And the middleman. If there’s someone connecting criminals to Shaw, there has to be a trail. Phone records. Email. Something.”
Carson looked at Nora with admiration. “You’re really good at this.”
“I find fraud for a living. This is just fraud with a badge.” She smiled. “Plus, I’m invested. Eugene terrorized me for months. If Shaw helped him do that by destroying evidence in other cases, I want him to pay.”
“He will.” Carson’s voice was hard. “I promise you, Nora. If Shaw’s dirty, I’ll prove it. And he’ll face justice.”
***
Monday morning, Carson met with Finn in a secure room at the station.
“You’re sure about this?” Finn asked, pulling up Shaw’s financial records on his laptop. “Going after a former captain? That’s career suicide if you’re wrong.”
“I’m not wrong. Look at the cases. The pattern is there.”
Finn held up his hands in surrender. “I’m not arguing. I’m just saying, be careful. Shaw has friends in the department. People who worked with him for decades. If you accuse him without solid proof, they’ll close ranks.”
“Then help me find solid proof.”
Finn typed rapidly. “Okay, let’s see what we’ve got. Shaw’s salary was public record. $120K annually when he retired. Pension of about $80K. Standard for a captain with his years of service.”
“What about deposits? Large amounts of cash?”
“Looking... Okay, this is interesting. Shaw had a savings account that showed regular deposits beyond his salary. Nothing huge. $2,000 here, $3,000 there. But consistent. Every few months for the past fifteen years.”
“How much total?”
