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“But you broke them out of the apartment. Quite a coincidence.”
Gabe smiled. “I don’t believe in coincidence. But yes, it was a good thing I was there. I heard them pounding on the door and, with the help of Chief Estes, got it open.”
After the interview was over, and Gabe was on his way out, he ran into Carolyn Madden. He did a double take. She looked awful, like she hadn’t slept in a week.
“Why are you here?” she asked.
“IA interview.”
She nodded and they passed one another. He’d just reached the elevator when he heard her call his name. He turned back.
“Do you have a minute?”
In her office, with Madden looking as if she had the fate of the free world weighing her down, she said, “Chief Raven brought a cold case to my attention. A car accident.”
“I’m familiar with it.”
She rubbed her brow as if a pounding headache lurked there. “Do you honestly believe Ira HoffmanSr. could have done such a thing? Ordered a vehicle tampered with?” The distress in her features was etched there.
“I don’t have any doubt he could have done such a thing. Ira Hoffman is a cold and calculating man.”
“Humph. He certainly doesn’t like you or Detective Grace.” She sat back in her chair, silent for a minute. Gabe was about ready to ask if they were finished, when she said, “He wants me to file charges against her.”
“Hoffman wants charges? For what? She did her job.” A fierce wave of protectiveness rolled over Gabe.
Madden nodded ever so slightly, chewing on a thumbnail.
“I know he was the biggest contributor to your campaign. Are you telling me now that he owns you?”
She shook her head. “No, no, uh... We just connected on so many levels; we have the same concerns. He talked me into moving here, running for prosecutor. I thought...”
“What?”
“There’s always room for improvement. I’d hoped to make a mark here, to make some meaningful changes benefiting both law enforcement and the community. Ira has different ideas.” She groaned as if in physical pain. “He called me to the house yesterday. Told me about the kidnapping. I couldn’t believe he’d endanger his own grandson by trying to negotiate with the kidnappers. He was ready to pay them ten million dollars. I begged him to notify the police, the FBI, someone, but he wouldn’t. I don’t believe the world would be a better place without police officers—I don’t. Police work needs reform, yes, but we can’t do without police.
“Gabe, he never wanted you investigating the shooting. He talked me into believing you’d be too partisan. And he stuck up for Jareb Moore, said the guy was an upstanding, well-known community organizer, not violent. Now I read his prints were on the weapon that killed Johnston. To say I’ve been misled is an understatement.”
Gabe watched her, seeing a struggle, searching for the right words to help in some way. “Then do the right thing. Say no to Hoffman. Be your own person. If your ideas really will make things better, it will work out.”
He left Madden sitting in her office. As soon as he got in his car, he called Danni.
“I was just going to call you.” Her voice sounded chipper and bright.
He smiled. “Got you first. You sound in a good mood.”
“I am. I had a nice long talk with my mother. And Mayor White called.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope. I’m on my way over there now.”
“To the mayor’s house?”
“Yes. She apologized for her father’s outburst last night. She thanked me for saving Leonard’s life and wanted to have a talk over coffee.”
“Great.” He told her about Madden.
“I’ll pray for her,” Danni said. “She has a lot to work out and I hope she steps up and tells Hoffman he is not in control.”
“Me too. Can I see you later?”
“Of course. I’ll call you as soon as I’m finished at the mayor’s.”
