“You can’t just arrest someone—at their workplace, no less—and then not tell them anything.”
“We just told you. Do you have any other questions?” After a long, awkward pause, Sam said, “Actually, I have a question. Did you know Amara witnessed you killing King?”
His face went hard as stone.
“That, coupled with Thelma’s testimony, which was exactly the same as Amara’s, ought to seal the deal for you.”
“Shut your fucking mouth. They know better than to ever breathe a word about me to anyone, let alone cops.”
“Well, guess what? They’re not afraid of you anymore.” She leaned in so her face was two inches from his. “It’s going to give me great pleasure to watch you get taken down for being the total scumbag loser you are. See you in court, Mr. Bingham.”
Sam and Freddie stood.
“Wait.”
“If you have something to say to us, now is the time.”
“I didn’t do whatever you think I did. They’re lying because they hate me.”
“You can certainly present that as your defense in court. I hope that works out for you the way it should.”
Freddie shut off the recording device and followed Sam from the room.
“Sorry to waste your time,” Sam said to Hope when they met up in the hallway.
“You didn’t. I’ll inform Catherine that we’re moving forward with the arraignment tomorrow based on the statements from Amara and her mother.”
“Are you charging Thelma, too?”
“I need to talk to Catherine about that. My inclination would be to charge for failing to report the murder and covering it up, but she may want Thelma charged as an accessory, so it doesn’t appear we’re letting her get away with her role in the murder.”
“Accessory charges might be overkill. I think she was afraid for her life and did what she was told to protect herself and her daughter.”
“I’ll mention that to Catherine.”
“Thanks, Hope.”
“You got it. We’ll keep you posted.”
To Freddie, Sam said, “After you get Louis resettled downstairs, let’s head out to find Gretchen Henderson.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
While she waited for him, she asked Detective Charles what she’d found out about Gretchen’s home of record.
She handed Sam a slip of paper with an address in Arlington, Virginia. Great. They’d have to leave the District, which always made Sam cranky.
“Thank you,” she said to Neveah. “How’re you doing?”
“A little rattled after yesterday, but everyone is. My dad wants me to consider a whole new career.” She was adorable, with dark brown skin, shoulder-length curly hair, soft brown eyes and a warm, engaging smile.
“Just so you know, that was our first-ever bombing. It’s not something you usually need to worry about on the job, and I’m sure there’ll be enhanced security measures put into effect after this.”
“Captain Malone said metal detectors will be installed at the main door.”
That was the only entrance the public had access to.
“I suppose that’s a good call, but it’ll take officers off the streets to work security.”
