Read Online BirthStone by Sydney Addae - Free Book Online

Detective.
I’ll get that file to you.”
    “I appreciate that Mr. Merriweather. Have a
good day.” He clicked off, gazed at his report for a minute, and
then finished his comments. “There is inconclusive evidence that
the death of Robert Merriweather was anything other than
accidental,” Jennings read softly before closing the file and
sending it to the captain.
    Three hours later, he came back from lunch.
The captain had left a message for him to report to his office when
he returned. After taking a long sip from his cup, he tossed it and
went to see the captain. He tapped on the closed door.
    “Captain?”
    “Come in, Jennings.”
    He ran his fingers through his short
reddish-brown hair, and tucked his shirt into his black pants
before opening the door. Unsure what awaited him on the other side,
Jennings moved cautiously, listening to his wolf.
    Captain Samson sat behind his desk, a large
folder sat on the side. He waved Jennings to a chair. “Sit,
sit.”
    Jennings took a seat, trusting his wolf to
inform him of any foul play. “Thank you, Sir.” He found a
comfortable spot and waited for the captain to explain the purpose
of this visit.
    “Merriweather had one of his people drop
this box with folders and other things off while you were at lunch.
He called fifteen minutes ago saying a small box with a piece of
critical evidence, some clothes or something, was accidentally left
out of the package they delivered and wondered if you or one of the
other officers could swing by to pick them up. I told him that we
could wait until someone on his staff had an opportunity to bring
in the additional information, but he insisted this new evidence be
looked at today. He went on and on about how patient he’s been, and
the many times he has come to the station.” The captain released a
long sigh. Sitting forward, he clasped his hands on his desk and
gazed at Jennings. “I’m not going to lie. When you first came here
a couple of months back, challenging the status quo, and allowing
this man to have a voice, I wondered how long you’d last. When you
disappeared, I thought I’d have to write you off. It shocked me
when La…Mr. Knight called to tell me you were returning and to make
sure you received your back pay.”
    Jennings hid his surprise at the captain’s
candor.
    “I read your report, you closed the case
that I told you wouldn’t go anywhere in the beginning. But in the
meantime you became Merriweather’s champion. He didn’t stress that
you be the one to pick this information up, but it’s your case and
I want you to handle it. Besides, he thinks you are the only honest
cop on the force.”
    Jennings cheeks were on fire. “Sir, that was
not my intent –”
    The captain waved down his explanation. “I
am a black police captain in the mountains of West Virginia, with
two more years to serve before my retirement.” He eyed Jennings as
he tapped a folder on his desk. “How do you think that
happened?”
    Jennings had wondered but never dared to
ask. “I don’t know, Sir.”
    “I applied and interviewed for the position
along with a lot of other highly qualified men and women. This…” he
waved at his large office, “...is a dream job. This city has one of
the lowest crime rates in the nation. My salary is comparable to
those of much larger cities and the perks are awesome. My home,
car, and insurance…covered…for life.”
    Jennings stared at the older black man in
shock. That was a really good deal. Maybe he should hang around and
apply when the old man retired. “Wow.” That was all he could come
up with and it was inadequate.
    “Yeah, but after I interviewed with everyone
else, my final interview was with Silas Knight. He approves every
government official who works in this state.”
    Jennings’ eyes widened. He didn’t know
that.
    “When he sends a cop to me for a position,
the man is hired, no questions asked. Or if he sends new equipment,
like the security monitors his people are