Page 68 of Outsider

“Considering the sensitive nature of this, I can’t take it any further,” he tells me. “Cops are under investigation. They get wind of it and all the work that’s gone into it goes up in smoke. Bottom line, we need to lay low for now.”

I nod, but my head is spinning. The notion of deep-rooted corruption inside a police department I spent nearly ten years of my life in puts a queasy sensation in the pit of my stomach.

“There are so many good cops inside that department,” I tell him.

“I’ve no doubt,” he says. “We’re likely dealing with a few individuals inside the vice unit. Maybe a handful of guys. And someone higher up who’s letting it happen and is probably benefiting from it.”

“So Gina’s telling the truth.” Though the confirmation of corruption is devastating, that she hasn’t been lying to us settles the uneasiness that’s been pricking the back of my brain since she arrived.

“Evidently, someone’s gone to a lot of trouble to muck up her reputation.”

“They’re going after her credibility,” I murmur.

“That’s what I’d do,” he tells me. “Destroy her reputation. Stain her character. If she points a finger, no one believes a word.”

My mind forges ahead to Adam and his family. “Tomasetti, we could take Gina to the farm. Or I could check her into the motel for a few days.”

“I told Denny where she was and he seemed to think it was a good place. No phone. No contact with the outside world. I know it’s asking a lot of this family, that it’s an inconvenience, but do you think Lengacher would agree to letting her stay here for another day or two?”

“I’ll pull Adam aside and talk to him.” But I’m still thinking about Gina.

He notices my hesitation. “Are you uneasy with her being here?”

“More concerned about Adam and the children. I don’t want them involved.”

“Gina getting on with them all right?”

I sigh. “Maybe a little too well.”

Tilting his head, he arches a brow. “Seriously?”

I give his shoulder a faux punch. “I don’t want her to complicate things for Adam. He’s a widower. If something … happens, he would be judged harshly.” I sigh. “The problem is, I don’t know how to fix it or where to put her.”

He nods, turns thoughtful. “Look, if you’re not comfortable with her staying here, we can find another place. Say the word and I’ll get it done.”

“Do you think anyone’s looking for her?” I ask.

“You mean aside from every cop in the state?” He shrugs. “We can’t rule that out. But she has no connection to Lengacher. The rural roads are nearly impassable. And we’re only talking about another day or two. It’s your call.”

“All right,” I say after a moment. “I’ll talk to Adam.”

He nods, looking closely at me, and his expression softens. “If you’re an optimist, the weather and road conditions might not be such a bad thing. Keeps the bad guys at home.”

I know he’s right. Still, the thought of being stuck here any longer makes me sigh. “I think I’m coming down with a serious case of cabin fever.”

“Just don’t go all Jack Nicholson on me. Someone is probably counting on her testimony.”

I laugh. “I’ll wait until she completes her civic duty.”

Standing on my tiptoes, I press a kiss to his mouth. “Do me a favor and keep your snowmobile handy, will you?”

“In case you need a quick escape?”

“In case I need a quick … something else.”

He grins. “Bet on it.”

The years I was a police officer with the Columbus Division of Police were some of the most personally and professionally satisfying of my life. I loved the work. I gained a lot of experience in a short period of time. With the help of some generous mentors, I learned how to be a cop—a good one. Most importantly, I’d found my calling.