Read Online The Charity by Connie Johnson Hambley - Free Book Online Page A

again.
    “I told you already. I had dinner with Gus at the Black Swan. Please, I really want to be left alone.”
    “Where did you go after dinner?” The senior detective absently picked at a tuft of dust clinging to the fine fibers of his jacket.
    Jessica gripped her hair out of her face with one hand while the other nervously fidgeted with the arm of the chair. She discovered the wayward buttons and closed her shirt. She didn’t answer his question.
    “Can you tell us about your evening, Miss Wyeth?” Jessica was aware that the younger guy was busy scribbling notes.
    Jessica fought her building hysteria. “We went to the pub. I forgot about the lights on in the house, I mean the barn, I think, um... I thought I heard something.” The images in her head collided, looking for escape. Bury them. Keep it in. “I guess I walked in. No, I didn’t walk in. I think I saw a man. Was it? Yes. Gus. The horses began screaming. No, I mean, well, yes. I... I...”
    Detective Coogan gave a slight smile and looked over at Trooper Shea. His smile faded. “Go out to the car and get my reports file.”
    “Sir?” Shea asked in a surprised tone.
    “Just do it,” Coogan responded derisively. Shea’s stiffened back and expression of practiced diffidence said all it needed to about his dismissal.
    Jessica could feel Coogan’s eyes on her again. His look made her feel vulnerable, somehow open to attack. Prey and predator. He walked toward the front door and glanced out in the direction Shea had retreated. “Would you feel more comfortable if I asked you some more questions later after you calm down for a little while?”
    Jessica blinked slowly several times and gave a barely perceptible nod of her head which freed another strand of hair.
    Shea hurried back into the house. A manila folder filled with colored forms and papers in his arms.
    “I think she’s had enough of a shock for a little while, Officer. I’m coming back after she’s had a chance to adjust to the news.” Coogan took the file from his partner.
    Shea lowered his voice to not be overheard. “Excuse me, sir? I don’t think that prematurely terminating this interview is wise. It’s a breach of standard investigation protocol. Visual evidence raises this person to ‘suspect’ and we should read her Miranda rights immediately. Leaving would offer opportunity to alter any evidence and —”
    “Oh? You have something to say about how things are done? Well, that’s okay, Officer . I can brief you on the details of proper procedures at the station.” Coogan’s derisive tone cut through his mechanical smile. “Go ahead. Memorize the place. It won’t change matters and I determine she is not a suspect , as you say, but is a person of interest and is going to remain that way until I’ve had a chance to talk to her alone.”
    “That’s not proper procedure.”
    “I decide what’s legit and what’s not. Got it?”
    “Sir! I don’t th—”
    “I don’t tolerate insubordination. I gave you my orders.” He returned to his car leaving the stammering rookie and woman alone. Bursts of static from the radio floated into the house. Coogan’s voice could be heard giving commands.
    Anna bounded into the room from the direction of the back kitchen. “My God, Jessica! What’s going on? The place is crawling with cops!”
    Jessica was barely aware of her friend’s embrace, but she welcomed Anna with a brief kiss on the cheek.
    “I... I don’t know. Something happened last night and I... can’t remember.”
    Seizing the opportunity, Trooper Shea introduced himself to Anna. “Can you tell me about last night?”
    Anna related the night’s events as best as she could, all the time keeping a close eye on Jessica. Anna knew nothing about the events after she dropped off her friend and concluded by saying she was there to take Jessica back to get her car.
    Shea returned his focus to Jessica. “Look Miss. I know you’ve had a horrible shock today. But please