AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That’s an interesting point. Maybe you could have a word with him. He’s in rough shape.”
“Sure, I’d be happy to.”
“Thank you. I’m waiting for Randy Bryant’s attorney to arrive so we can talk to him. His prints match those on the pizza box that the PG County detectives found in the nearby dumpster, and the kid working the desk in the dorm has identified him as the guy who delivered the pizza to Rachel the night she was murdered.”
“It’s all coming together,” Cam said. “What’s the word from Stahl’s?”
“More remains being recovered from his backyard.”
“It’s just unbelievable and believable all at the same time. I never worked with him, but after hearing all your stories, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”
“I worked with him, knew how horrible he was, but I’m still shocked by this latest development.”
“I saw the news this morning. The whole world is coming for the chief on this.”
“As if he wouldn’t have stopped it if he’d known.”
“I know. I never understand the rush to change the leadership at a time like this, when we need him more than ever.”
“I don’t get that either. He’s the best possible person to guide us through these trying times.” Gonzo stopped himself. “Maybe we should have a bunch of officers say that publicly.”
“Probably couldn’t hurt. Count me in.”
“I will.”
“I’ll go talk to Gordon.”
“Thanks, Cam. Keep me posted on what you guys hear from IAB.”
“Will do.”
Cameron stepped into Sam’s office, where Gordon sat in one of the visitor chairs, staring blankly at the far wall. That he didn’t even seem to notice Cameron had entered the small room said a lot about his state of mind. “Hey, Gordon.”
The younger man glanced at him.
“I’m Detective Cameron Green. I work with Sergeant Gonzales and Detective Cruz.”
“Hey.”
“Do you mind if I sit for a second?”
Gordon shrugged. What did he care? The woman he loved was dead.
“I wanted to tell you that I understand a little of what you’re going through. Something similar happened to me. My new girlfriend didn’t die, thank God, but it was close. I just wanted you to know that I empathize with what you’re dealing with and how guilty you feel.”
“It’s all my fault. Rachel would still be here if she’d never met me.”
“It’s not your fault, Gordon. You loved her. You never would’ve hurt her, and you had no idea Tori was capable of the things she’s accused of doing.”
“I’ve known her forever. I mean, I knew she was upset that I wanted to see other people in college, but to do this?” He shook his head. “How did I not see that?”
“Because she didn’t want you to see it.” Cameron realized that by talking to Gordon, he was helping himself, too. “I was with my ex for more than a year. I never saw anything but her sweet, accommodating side. After we broke up, I saw a whole new version of her. She’d reserved a wedding venue even though we’d never once talked about getting married.”
“Whoa. That’s effed-up.”
“Sure was. I was shocked. And it just got worse until she took my new girlfriend hostage, assaulted her and forced my Gigi to kill her to save herself. It’s been a nightmare. I came so close to losing Gigi, so I feel for you, man. I really do.”
“It’s the worst feeling to know Rachel is dead because she dated me.”
