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He checks his computer and replies, “His shift starts at six.”
Well, I can’t miss the opportunity to speak with him, but I also didn’t anticipate leaving Carrie alone all day. I have an errand to run before the store closes, so I excuse myself and tell the Chief I’ll be back before Hudson’s shift starts.
Inside the car, I hesitate for a moment before dialing Carrie’s number.
“Chris? How much longer? I’m dying of boredom,” she answers the call with a dramatic sigh. Despite today’s events, hearing her voice makes me feel lighter and calmer.
“I’m sorry, baby, but I have to talk to a patrolman who doesn’t come in until six. I didn’t want to worry you but someone broke into my office the other night, and this guy may have the information I need to find out who it was,” I reply.
“Your office? How? Your office is in a police station.”
“Exactly. If they can get into my office at the police station, who knows what else they could do? That’s why I need to stay and talk to this guy.”
“And dinner?” I can hear the disappointment in her voice.
“I’m still bringing dinner and a surprise. If you’re hungry, have a snack. We’re still gonna have a good night, I promise.”
“I know and I want you to find these guys. I’m sorry if I sound like I’m being selfish.”
“Don’t ever be sorry for missing me. I miss you, too.”
I end the call and speed out of the parking garage. The store closes in fifteen minutes.
* * *
Officer Hudson is a small,thin guy in his late twenties. I’ve seen him around the station before, but he was usually coming in as I was leaving, so this will be our first official meeting. He arrives just before six to find the Chief waiting at his desk. I watch through the window and see the look of terror on his face when the Chief tells him to come to his office.
He looks confused to find me waiting on the other side of the office door but nods and says, “Good to see you, Detective.”
“Officer Hudson, you were on duty two nights ago, and Detective Cappella’s office was broken into during your shift,” the Chief says and Hudson’s face goes white. “We’ve been told that you and another officer left the building around midnight, and you returned about thirty minutes later. Is that right?”
“Yeah, but we only went down to the garage,” Hudson stammers.
“What did you do there?” the Chief asks.
“Well, Sir, I’m a gamer and he had a console for sale. I went down to take a look at it, and I ended up buying it from him.”
“From who?” I ask, growing impatient.
“His name is Jackson, I think. I’ve never seen him before,” Hudson replies.
“No first name or badge number? There’s no one named Jackson on the day shift,” the Chief replies.
“Oh, man, no. I didn’t ask for his first name or look at his badge number, but I do remember his plate number. You could run it, right?”
“Why do you know his license plate number?” I ask, astounded that he has this information to offer.
“Like I said, I’m a gamer and he had a vanity plate. It’s GAMR6.”
“And you didn’t see anything suspicious on your shift?” the Chief asks.
“No, Sir. Did I do something wrong?” Hudson asks.
“I don’t think so, son. You can go,” the Chief replies.
When Hudson leaves, I say, “Are we running this plate or what?”
“I’ll run the plate and let you know what I find. You’re going to go to wherever you’re hiding this girl. Since you won’t let me help you with that, she’s been alone all day, and I don’t like the way things are looking here. She needs twenty-four-hour protection.”
