“You wanted to coach at the college level,” Jack said. It wasn't a question.
“Yeah. But I knew I needed to start with high school to build up my credentials. Build up my wins.” David looked up at Jack, his expression almost pleading. “I came here, and it was perfect. Still had contacts in Baltimore. I knew I could get what the boys needed. Not for everyone. Just those who would get better, get stronger. It wouldn’t hurt them.”
“But it did hurt them,” Jack said coldly. “Terrance is in the hospital.”
David said quickly, defensively. “I never wanted that. I love those guys… the team. I just wanted them to have their own success. Their own scholarships. Their own future.”
“So how did Cheryl become involved?” Jack asked.
David's shoulders sagged. “We went out a few times. She was kind of up for anything. Then I discovered she'd taken some money from her job when she needed it.”
“From Martin? The fitness center?”
“Yeah. So I got her to help me… for my silence. Like I said, she was up for anything. I told her she could be the person the pills came to, and she would hide them in one of the containers of protein powder at the gym.” David's voice was flat now, mechanical, like he was reciting facts that didn't matter anymore. “She owed me, and she liked the extra cash.”
“And you had your Baltimore contact,” Mark interjected. “The Baltimore DEA and BPD now have him in custody.”
David nodded miserably. “It’s stupid that steroids are illegal. The meds are safe. I've used them. I know what they do.”
“You didn't know,” Jack said, his voice hard, “and didn't care that Terrance had an undiagnosed heart condition that caused the reaction.”
David's head snapped up, his face going pale. “What?”
“Terrance Bogdin has a congenital heart defect,” Jack said, each word deliberate and cutting. “The steroids you gave him put additional strain on his heart. He collapsed because his body couldn't handle what you were pumping into it. He could have died, David. And it would have been your fault.”
“It's not my fault,” David said, his voice rising with desperation. “I didn't know about his heart. How could I know? It's not?—”
“It's absolutely your fault.” Jack interrupted, his control finally slipping. “You gave illegal drugs to minors. You manipulated kids who trusted you. You put their health at risk for your own ambition. And when it all started falling apart, you went after an innocent woman and tried to kidnap her.”
David slumped in his chair, the fight draining out of him completely. “I just wanted to coach at the college level. I just wanted to be successful.”
Jack stared at him, disgust churning in his stomach. This man had hurt kids. Had put Rachel in danger. Had been willing to destroy lives in pursuit of his own pathetic dreams of glory.
“We're done here.” Jack stood abruptly. “You'll be charged with distribution of controlled substances to minors, assault, attempted kidnapping, and any other charges the DA decides to add. Enjoy your time in prison, David. I hope it was worth it.”
Jack and Mark left the interview room and walked back to the detective bullpen. Around them, other detectives were waiting to see the wrap-up of his case and to offer support. Several of them called out congratulations as Jack passed.
“Hell of a collar, Hudson.”
“Nice work on that case.”
“Good job, guys.”
Jack nodded his thanks, but the words barely registered. All he could think about was how close he'd come to losing Rachel. How those thirty seconds between hearing her scream and reaching her apartment door had felt like an eternity. How his heart had pounded when he'd seen David's arm around her waist, shielding himself.
Mark clapped him on the shoulder. “You did good today, Jack. Really good. Believe me, I know how hard that was.”
“Thanks.” Jack suddenly remembered his dad mentioning Mark’s family being threatened and how the sheriff’s detectives and deputies had to rescue them. “Shit, Mark… I’d forgotten about your situation.”
Mark nodded. “A long time ago, but it never leaves you.”
This time, Jack just nodded, knowing no words were necessary. But as he sat down at his desk to type up his notes before heading to the magistrate's office, all Jack could think about was the earlier scene that wouldn’t leave his mind.
Footsteps pounding up the stairwell. He honestly couldn’t remember if it was him or Mark who shouted that the sheriff’s department was there and to let Rachel go.
But he did remember when he rounded the landing with his weapon drawn and locked eyes with David's. Every bit of his training flew out the window as he focused on keeping his voice calm, keeping David talking, and looking for an opening.
And then Rachel had made her choice. She'd gone completely limp, her full weight dropping suddenly in David's arms. The unexpected shift threw David off-balance. His grip loosened just enough that Jack could lunge. He’d never been more terrified or more proud in his entire life.
