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“Hair color? Eye color? Facial hair? Tattoos?”
“He wore a hat, so I didn’t see his hair. I don’t remember the color of his eyes, man. I wasn’t paying that close attention.” He swallowed audibly. “No facial hair. And I don’t remember no tattoos.”
David uncuffed Marcus then turned to Cassie. “I know where we have to go next. You ready? Say goodbye to your new friend. You can’t keep him.”
Marcus glared at the dog and grabbed his collar, yanking him closer and eliciting a soft whine from the animal. David stopped dead in his tracks.
“You know what? I changed my mind. He’s coming with us.”
Marcus’ head snapped up. “You’re not takin’ my dog, man. Fuck that.”
David dangled the handcuffs from a single finger. “It’s either the dog, or I start tallying the number of convictions I can get you for, and you found out quickly how high I can count.”
Marcus glanced at Cassie, who crossed her arms and did her best to look as confident as David. She didn’t know if they could get in trouble for taking the man’s dog, but even if it wasn’t exactly legal, she doubted Marcus would press his luck. He cared more about his own skin than his dog’s.
Marcus released Bear’s collar and threw up his hands. “You want anything else while you’re here? My car? My TV?”
David ignored him. He pushed open the front door and held it for Cassie, who patted her thigh and watched with delight as Bear stuck close to her heel. He kept his eyes trained on Cassie and didn’t even hesitate when she opened the door to David’s sedan and let him jump inside.
Cassie and David both slid into the front and cast a glance back at the dog. He was already curled up on the back seat, the tip of his tail wagging in delight. Cassie couldn’t help the smile that formed on her lips. She looked up at David.
“Now what?”
32
Cassie had decided Bear needed a bath and a good meal before she could even think about what to do with him next. They dropped him off at David’s house, much to his wife’s surprise. David promised it would only be for a day or two. Maybe they’d be able to find him a nice permanent home on their own, rather than taking him to a shelter.
Cassie’s brain was whirring. Could she take him? Apollo had never been around a dog before, and she had no idea how Bear would react to a cat. Besides, would she even be able to take care of a German Shepherd with everything going on with her life?
Her day dreaming was interrupted when David kissed his wife goodbye and ushered Cassie back into the sedan. He knew exactly where they needed to go next: Coastal State Prison.
It was not a spectacular facility. They’d last renovated in the late nineties, and while most prisons weren’t known for their artistic value, Cassie thought the medium-security facility could use a facelift.
The stark lights, imposing walls, and stern security guards left something to be desired, but it was the oppressive atmosphere that made her want to turn around as soon as they crossed the threshold. More than the presence of a few wandering ghosts, Cassie felt depression wrap an arm around her shoulders and squeeze tightly. The facility was full of bad memories that hung in the air, just waiting to attach themselves to someone like her.
Marcus Valencia’s reveal that a correctional officer had visited him had the gears turning in David’s brain, and he made a beeline for Warden Preston Wickham, who Cassie learned was David’s least favorite person in the world.
When they arrived at the prison entrance and announced their intent to see the Warden, a few of the security guards looked nervous. Wickham and David’s relationship must’ve been common knowledge because none of them wanted to break the news to their boss.
A rather rotund officer looked Cassie up and down as she and David made it through the metal detecto
rs, and without taking his eyes off her, he called for one of the other officers to come forward. “Santiago. Take our esteemed visitors to the Warden.”
“Yes, sir.” Santiago was tall, thin, and very green. He seemed to know what he was getting himself into but realized he didn’t have a choice. He offered David and Cassie a meek smile, then led them toward the Warden’s office.
The prison was quieter than Cassie had expected. Too many movies had her believing there’d be shouting and catcalling and a general ruckus to contend with. But Santiago didn’t take them anywhere near the prisoners. Instead, he led them down a short hallway and into a small office with a couple of waiting chairs. A secretary looked up from her computer and eyed both Santiago and his guests. She must’ve had some idea of what was going on because she looked back down at her computer, forcing Santiago to knock on Wickham’s door himself.
Santiago emerged thirty seconds later with his head hanging. He didn’t make eye contact when he gestured for the two of them to make their way inside. Cassie had the impression that while Wickham had allowed them through the door, they weren’t in for a welcoming party.
“Preston.” David’s voice was booming. Over the top. “It’s great to see you again.”
Wickham stood up from behind his desk. He wore a beige suit with a navy tie. His hair was thick and white, and his mustache must have been the envy of every man he encountered. He was undoubtedly handsome, but Cassie couldn’t dismiss the icy darkness in his eyes. She sensed he was a very shrewd man.
“David. Hope you’ve been well.” Wickham’s voice sounded tight. “Who’s your friend?”
“This is Cassie Quinn. She’s helping me out with our murder investigation. You remember the one.”
“I do.” He gestured to the chairs in front of him. “Close the door, won’t ya, darlin’?”
