Читать книгу The Major's Wife - Anthony Whyte - Страница 7

CHAPTER

4

With numerous questions still lingering in his mind, Sharkey walked out of the interview room. McAlister and Diana King were sitting at the desk. Sharkey was feeling annoyed. He was on the prowl for a motive in a possible murder case and felt Diana was somehow involved. She was still the last person who saw her husband alive. Before she felt the need to get a lawyer, Sharkey wanted to keep interrogating. The surviving spouse remained the prime suspect in his book. He couldn’t lose time on this trail.

Sharkey paused when he saw two female military personnel checking in with the top brass and the detectives’ chief. His face formed into a frowned expression. Things were getting political. Top brass, including the police chief and captain of the homicide division, discussed the case with his supervisor. Through the glass partition, they spotted him approaching. The head of detectives signaled for him to come inside the office. Sharkey went inside. While walking to where the group stood, the chief met him halfway.

“Detective Sharkey, one of Uncle Sam’s best aviators lost his life. You’re a good detective, Sharkey so I’m going to allow you to keep handling this case—”

“Chief, I gotta tell ya—”

“Sharkey, if you let me finish… It’s in everyone’s best interest that we all cooperate in this investigation as much as possible. Our cooperation will lead to us bringing his killer to justice as quickly and efficiently as possible. All-access to information involving this case is granted to our military attaché headed by Captain Blackbird.”

Sharkey glanced in the direction and asked, “I’ll be damn! Is this some kind of joke or what…? Those two look like damn high school teenagers.”

It was about then the military officer stepped forward and reached out to shake Sharkey’s hand. Sharkey was still staring with curiosity at the mean-faced, rotund man in a bright blue suit.

“Captain, I can’t do my job with a lot of interference by every—”

“Be very careful what you’re about to say, detective. You’re already skating on thin ice around here. So play nice, and just don’t screw this one up. I’ll have none of your B.S.,” his superior officer snarled, holding Sharkey’s stare. Then he continued. “That means to play fair. And that’s an order, Sharkey!”

After barking out his command, the chief walked back into his office, leaving Sharkey with the military police contingent from Fort Rucker, accompanied by individual Army investigators.

“Oh, sure. Thank you, chief,” Sharkey said with sarcasm. Then waving his hand in a mock salute, he turned and looked at the military personnel. Without making any attempt to conceal his disdain look, he said, “I’m Detective Sharkey.”

“I’m Captain Blackbird from HHC eighty-third military police company at Fort Rucker, and my assistant, Sergeant First Class Eubanks, from Army CID. We’re assigned to assist in any way possible. And hopefully, we can speed up the investigative process.”

“All that sounds real nice, but we’re here to solve a murder. Not to throw a military pep rally or some kind of college shindig,” Sharkey said.

Ignoring Sharkey’s cynicism seemed natural to the youthful-looking army officer. Wearing a half-smile, Blackbird asked, “How’s the investigation going—”

“Nice to meet you, captain,” Sharkey said, shaking her hand, and interrupting her. Then he smiled wryly and continued. “Looks like one of your guys was shot several times in what seems like a botched robbery. Maybe the assailant didn’t have enough time to complete the robbery. Maybe? We checked the vehicle, and it is loaded with all kinds of electronic gadgetry. Despite that, nothing was taken. The SUV was still running with the keys in the ignition. King’s wallet and two cellphones were still sitting out in the open—absolutely nothing was taken.”

Captain Blackbird listened intently. Then staring straight ahead, she said, “Except for his life.”

“He died from his assailant or assailant’s gunshots. It seems like he may have fought bravely, but the killer or killers appeared to have wanted the captain dead.”

“That’s not good…you’re making it sound like an execution…? And his wife, Diana King, was the last to see him alive,” Captain Blackbird said, shaking her head. “Are there any other witnesses?”

“None so far,” Sharkey said.

“Sergeant Eubanks, was this detail of the case shared with headquarters?” Captain Blackbird asked.

“Yes, ma’am. The commander notified Homeland Security as per SOP, Captain,” Sergeant Eubanks said.

“Thank you, sergeant,” Captain Blackbird said.

“So far, no forensic evidence has been discovered. King’s grieving wife is the last person to see him alive, and she remains our only suspect. Yes, this is not good at all,” Sharkey deadpanned.

“We spoke with the medics, and they reported that one of the rounds perforated a vital blood vessel to his heart. And as a result, he lost way too much blood,” Captain Blackbird said, shaking her head. “His wife was there when the paramedics arrived. How would you classify the way she’s holding up?”

“I’d classify her as very distraught,” Sharkey said. Cynicism was still dripping when he continued. “Dr. King came in to answer our questions. She’s presently under our jurisdiction, and we’re following up on questioning of—” Detective Sharkey said, and Cpt. Blackbird interrupted him.

“May I have a few moments with her—”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that. I mean, you could talk to the wife, but my partner or I have to be present. I understand he was military, but the murder took place off base. Unfortunately, it happened right here in Enterprise—our jurisdiction. Right now, she’s our only link to the crime,” Sharkey said.

“I’ll remind you that Homeland Security is reviewing the case because of the captain’s military affiliation, and our ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Maybe it was a terrorist attack on U.S. military personnel.”

“Homeland Security?”

“Yes, there’s a chance this could be a domestic terrorist cell attempting to strike at U.S. military target,” Sergeant Eubanks reiterated.

“Terrorist attack…? Are you joshing me?” Sharkey sounded annoyed.

“We’re not overlooking the possibility. We’re also not here to fight over jurisdiction, detective. We’d simply like to see Dr. King ASAP. Thank you,” Blackbird deadpanned.

“Don’t thank me. Thank my chief,” Sharkey said, walking away with the military contingent in tow.

“Okay fine. I’ll talk to King’s wife with your guys present,” Cpt. Blackbird conceded, waving her hands. “What’s the doctor’s story?”

“Her story—we still have to check out. But she told us that they were returning from playing golf in Ozark, en route to dinner at the Ponderosa—couple blocks away from her office. Since they were close to her office, she said her husband, who was driving, made a quick stop. She got out of the car and went upstairs to her office.

“And the Captain remained outside?” Captain Blackbird asked.

“Yes, she left him inside the car. Five minutes later, she saw a crowd milling outside. She saw the doors to the vehicle open, and what she thought was some type of fisticuff altercation involving her husband. She said he has a temper. So she hurried outside. When she got downstairs, she saw the body lying on the street. She ran toward the crowd, and saw that it was her husband—bleeding and unconscious.”

“Were there any witnesses to the killing…or anyone able to confirm her side of the story?” Captain Blackbird asked, shaking her head.

“Yes. The caller was at the scene. A couple just happened to be driving by, saw the body lying next to the Monument, and called nine – one - one. We have their names, and they already verified the wife’s actions. But no one saw our shooter leaving the scene. Dr. King said she didn’t either,” Sharkey said.

“The bullets were precise shot-pattern. It seems like there was every intention to do just one thing,” Captain Blackbird said.

“Yes, too damn precise… Detective McAlister is with the wife now. We can watch the interview on the monitor. Detective McAlister and I shouldn’t be much longer with this phase of the investigation. Then you can have her,” Sharkey said.

“Thank you, detective,” Captain Blackbird said.

They walked into a room with monitors all around the walls. Sharkey pointed toward one of the doors. They walked inside and saw a couple of other men in suits. All eyes converged on the images on the closed circuit T.V. The interview cameras caught different angles of Dr. Diana King and gave all the perspectives from her point of view. The live-feed of King’s testimony kept all eyes and ears glued to the monitors.

“Vaughn always loves Mercedes Benz brand. He thought they lived up to the hype. Vaughn also owns an eighty-six white Corvette, and that’s his baby,” she said softly. “My husband loves fast cars. He was training to be an Apache pilot. His license plate says AV8OR, Vaughn refers to himself as an army aviator how other people call themselves human…he loved flying…”

The investigators eyed everything about her with keen interest. Sharkey examined Diana’s facial expressions, and his eyes searched her demeanor. Then he walked out and hurried back into the interview room to see his partner handing Diana King his handkerchief to dry her teary eyes. Sharkey wore a sardonic smile.

“Planes and cars were his first loves,” Diana said, continuing her statement.

“It seems your husband loved everything fast,” Sharkey said with a smirk. “So I guess if I could tell that he’s got a nice car, I may wanna see what’s inside his pockets. I mean he could have some real cash.”

“Yes, and he’s sitting in a nice car. If I’m on the prowl to commit a robbery, I’d say he would be a likely victim,” McAlister said.

“But King’s body was found not far from outside the door to your office, Dr. King. You think he was trying to get away?” Sharkey asked.

“Knowing Vaughn. I think he probably was trying to get away.”

“Could it be that it was an attempted arm robbery…?” McAlister said. Then he waited for King’s mind to return to the scene before continuing. “Maybe our assailant heard the noise, panicked, and ran off before taking anything. Or let’s say, your husband saw the burglar and the gun while the burglar was trying to sneak up from the passenger side. The captain was distracted by the music—the scenery – something or someone had his attention. And he was smoking a cigar. Suggesting that King was relaxed—not expecting any intrusion. The passenger door opens, he thinks it’s his wife returning–”

“That sounds like an obvious thing to immediately jump at Jim Bob, but we still haven’t sifted through all the facts,” Sharkey countered.

He walked into the interview, staring at Dr. King. Sharkey took a seat across from Diana. He eyeballed her for a second.

“We’re gonna need every ounce of your corporation, Dr. King,” Sharkey said.

“I’m all in, detective. I’ll tell you all I know,” Diana said.

“Now we’re going to do this all again, make sure you haven’t left out a single detail. It might be important. Maybe there was someone already lurking in the lot across the street…?” Sharkey said.

“I didn’t see anyone detective. As I said, it was raining. I was just trying to get upstairs as fast as I could.”

Under the army investigators’ watchful gaze, observing vigilantly through a two-way mirror, detective Sharkey continued querying the grieving spouse. The investigators were closely watching Diana’s deportment as much as her responses to the questions. The police interrogated her. Diana King with her legs crossed, and in total control. Breaking down to cry at times, she appeared composed. The therapist appeared in control with a pen and pad in the interview room under both detectives’ intense gaze.

Captain Blackbird of the army criminal investigative unit and her assistant Staff Sergeant Eubanks was also watching with interest while Detectives Sharkey and McAlister of the Enterprise police questioning the spouse. It was with this knowledge that Sharkey interviewed Dr. Diana King. Maybe he was too careful with his questions. Diana was now smoking a cigarette. Although her emotions showed, she seemed very open in her answers.

“I was in my office for about five minutes, detective,” Diana exhaled.

“So five minutes after you left him and went inside the office, you heard the commotion outside and looked out the window. Did you hear any gunshots?” Sharkey asked.

“No, I didn’t hear a thing,” Diana answered.

Her tears streamed while she recounted the whole day and events that led to her husband’s untimely death. Diana King was the quintessential grieving widow, but Sharkey wanted to solve a murder, and the questioners pressed on.

“Are you sure that no one followed you to your office?” Sharkey asked.

“It was raining, and I really couldn’t see anything behind us when we on our way. But I’m sure that when we stopped outside the office, there was no one there.”

“When you arrived, did you look around to check for anyone?” Sharkey asked.

“Or maybe you accidentally left the door opened?” McAlister asked.

“No, it was still drizzling when I got out of the car. And I’m sure I closed the door,” Diana answered.

“Did you see anyone coming or going from your office door?” Sharkey asked. “Maybe behind the vehicle…?”

“No, no. No one else was there but me and Vaughn,” Diana answered.

“You said it was raining or drizzling?”

“Light rain, sort of drizzling. You know how the weather changes. It was going back and forth,” Dr. King said.

“Did you use an umbrella?”

“No, I hurried inside and unlocked the door. Then I quickly ran up the stairs and—”

“You said you ran upstairs after entering. Did you turn around and lock the door after entering or just went upstairs?”

“The door has a slam-lock. An alarm would sound if it weren’t locked,” Diana said.

“So, it was locked after you entered and went upstairs?”

“Yes—”

“While upstairs, did you hear anything or absolutely nothing else?”

“I heard nothing else until about five minutes or so later the noise—”

“What kind of noise?”

“Like people shouting. I went to the window and saw the doors opened. I think the alarm was going off and lights were going on and off,” Diana King said.

“You heard a commotion, then what?” Sharkey asked.

“I saw the crowd outside. After I noticed the passenger door and the driver’s side door left open. I ran downstairs.”

“What were you doing when you heard the commotion?”

“I was going through the files on my desk, searching to find the file that I wanted.”

“What file was that?” Sharkey asked.

There was no immediate response from Diana. Taking a break, she clasped her hands over her tearful face as both detectives stared at the distraught woman. Diana paused then finally releasing her face, she released a loud sigh then spoke.

“It was a case filename, Gonzalez,” she finally said.

“Why did you need this case file, Dr. King?”

“I was preparing to give my evaluation in a custody hearing. I wanted to refresh my knowledge of recent developments in the case that I had not yet entered, personal notes.”

“Didn’t you have this information ahead of time?”

“Yes, but I thought I had brought the file home. When I checked my office at home, I realized I had left it at work.”

“So, you asked your husband to stop there so that you could get the file?”

“Yes, that’s correct. But I mean Vaughn had promised to do it because I was at the hairdresser on Saturday. He forgot, and so we were planning to get the file Sunday. First, it was before then it was after and…” Diana’s voice became emotional and trailed.

“So, you decided to get the files, but there was no real-time?”

“It started thundering and rain. That was it for golf. So we were on our way to dinner, and Vaughn said he could make a pit stop. It wasn’t out of the way, and—”

“Where were you planning to dine?”

“The Ponderosa, that’s one of his favorite places for beer and steak,” Diana said.

“And so it was still raining when your husband stopped, and you got out of the car, ran inside went upstairs. Then you went about searching for the file?”

“Right—”

“So you didn’t hear any shots fired—any other noise until you looked out the window?”

“I didn’t hear anything but the commotion.”

“You saw the commotion outside?”

“Yes—”

“And the doors to your husband’s car were opened on both the passenger’s side and the driver’s side?”

“Yes, detective.”

“And you’re telling us that you couldn’t hear any gunshots, but you heard the commotion?”

“As soon as I glanced out the window and saw that—”

“How close were you to the window at that time?” McAlister asked.

“My office window is right above Main Street, and I’m able to see the street as I walked from the file cabinet’s location to my desk,” Diana said.

“Then you just happened to glance out the window?” Detective Sharkey asked while meticulously scrutinizing Diana.

“I was distracted from what I was doing because I saw several people milling downstairs, and they were making noise,” Diana answered firmly.

“Then you notice that the door to your husband’s car was left opened?” Sharkey asked.

“Yes, I saw both front doors opened. The alarm was going off…I…ah thought that my husband was in some sort of trouble. I thought he was in a fight. Maybe someone hit the SUV or something of the sort. Knowing my husband’s temper, he’s likely to swing first then ask questions later. So I ran downstairs and saw a man lying in the street by the statue…” Diana’s voice cracked with emotions. Then she wept for a moment before continuing. “I…I just thought…I didn’t know what. Oh God he was—”

“Take your time, Dr. King,” Sharkey said.

Detective McAlister handed Dr. King the box of Kleenex tissue. Taking a few, she dabbed at her eyes. Sharkey stared at her, his smirk stayed intact. Waiting for a few beats, allowing her to calm down, Sharkey asked, “There was a big crowd?”

“I saw a small crowd, maybe four people. They seemed like couples.

“Have you seen anyone before?”

“What do you mean?”

“Did you know any of the couples? Have you seen any of them before…? At the golf course…?”

“No, no, no, I’ve never seen any of them. I didn’t know any of the couples.”

“Continue, Dr. King. You were downstairs and saw a crowd. What were they doing? Did any of them have a gun?”

“I saw Vaughn…and I just reacted. I just saw Vaughn. Oh, I knew something was horribly wrong. He was lying. My husband was bleeding badly. I ran over to where he was, and there was all this blood…” Diana said.

Her voice was straining under the emotional weight. Tears flowed, and she paused several times to wipe her face. She sat, staring at the tear-stained leaf of the notepad.

“Then you called the police. I guess,” Sharkey said.

His tone was shrouded in a matter-of-fact, well masked that his real intent was not immediately discernible by all watching. Sharkey felt he was close to getting the truth from the surviving spouse.

“Someone from the crowd had already called the police.”

“How did it make you feel?”

“I was shocked, detective.”

“Why?”

“My husband was lying—he wasn’t moving, and there was a lot of blood. The sight was horrible. Just unbearable,” Diana said. Then she paused, raising her head. Her voice was cracking under the pressure of deep feelings when Diana continued. “I don’t know why anyone would want to kill my husband,” she cried.

“Do you know anyone who may have it in for the captain? What about the men under his command or friends? A beautiful woman like yourself, Dr. King, maybe a jealous lover or a family member…?”

“I don’t know what you’re insinuating, detective, but I don’t know anyone who would wanna hurt my husband. Vaughn was always given the highest respect and adoration by everyone he encountered,” she answered thoughtfully.

“What about you, Diana… Maybe someone close to you…?” The seasoned detective steeled his eyes on the shaken wife, studying every detail of her reaction. “While you at the golf course, did his temper get him into an argument or a fight?” Sharkey asked.

“No, no, no, we spent a wonderful day and planned on—”

He was still staring at her then he said, “I mean, what about you…? Did you have any reason to have him kill or possibly—”

“No, I wouldn’t kill my husband, detective!” Diana fired back, holding the detective’s gaze. “I don’t believe…” she started but let her voice trailed.

“You don’t believe what, Dr. King?” Sharkey asked.

They studied each other for a tension-filled beat. Diana green eyes locked with the seasoned blue of Sharkey’s eyes. Neither of them spoke. Then Diana broke the intense silence.

“I—I can’t believe that you’d think I’d have my husband killed… Ah, Detective…” Diana said in an angry tone.

“Dr. King, I’d like you to know that even the spouse becomes a suspect in a homicide like the death of your husband. Especially when that same spouse is the last one to see him alive.”

“Okay, but I didn’t have my husband killed.”

“I didn’t say you did. But let’s get back to what you did say. You told me that your husband had a short temper, right?”

“Yes, I’ve seen him blown his top a few times. Especially when he’s been drinking heavily.”

“Has this ah… Drunken rage occurred recently? Think, Dr. King.”

“I mean something did happen a few months back at a bar, but it was no big deal. The bouncers stopped it before anything got out of hand. I mean it was nothing—”

“It could’ve been something. Tell me exactly what happened.”

“We were at a bar, and some man grabbed my ass as I was walking by him, and Vaughn saw it. And before you know it, he decked the guy. Then the guy’s friends started to get in, and the bouncers got between everyone before things got out of hand.”

“What about when you left the bar? Was there any problems outside.”

“There were no problems, really detective. The guy who grabbed my ass, apologized to us when we walked by them on our way outside.”

“And that was the last you saw of any of these men?”

“Yes, that was all I saw of them.”

“So they never tried contacting you?”

“Not at all, detective. I never heard from any of the men again.”

“What about your husband? Did they try to contact him?”

“He never mentioned it, but I don’t think so.”

“How many men was there, Dr. King?”

“Ah, I’m sure there were a lot of men there that night. I’m not sure, detective.”

“How does it feel to have a lot of men hitting on you? I mean you’re a pretty hot looking chick, intelligent…got some amount of wealth—”

“Oh, please stop it, detective!” Diana shouted, shaking her head. “I am not the killer, and I certainly don’t know who did it.”

“Maybe a jealous… Just maybe I’d think you could have a reason not to tell me about these men. You could be having an affair with one of them.”

“I am certainly not having an affair with anyone, detective! Yes, my husband and I have had our ups and downs in the marriage. But I tell you we love each other, and always made up. We—”

Diana’s abruptly halted speaking and burst into tears. Detective Sharkey watched as tears filled her eyes and, and with her body heaving from the tremors of the flood of emotion, she wept. Sharkey handed her a handkerchief. Diana reached into her handbag and pulled out a pack of tissue. She quickly grabbed a couple of sheets and dabbed at her eyes.

“Would you be able to identify these men if you saw them again?”

“Yes, I think so. I mean it wasn’t that long ago…”

“Okay, we’ll follow up on that. Was that night at the bar the only time that you know of?”

“Yes, at least when I’m with him. Sometimes my husband,” Diana said, and paused. Removing some tissues, Diana dabbed at her eyes before continuing. “Vaughn liked to hang out with his friends. They have a tightly knit military bond. ‘Esprit de Corp,’ Vaughn used to call it. Sometimes I wasn’t even invited or allowed to attend their secret meetings.”

“Did you ever try to find out what happens at these ah…secret meetings?”

“Don’t ask—don’t tell… I did not need to know—it was my husband’s defense. Or just kill me with silence. Vaughn never shares any of that part of his life with me. He guarded it as if it was some sort of damn top secret. But if I could make a guess, I’d say they probably just sat around gambling and drinking. That was mostly what he and his friends would do in their downtime anyway.”

“How often did he go on these secret meetings?”

“Whenever the military sent him, sometimes three or four times a year.”

“And for how long would he be gone?”

“He could be gone anywhere from overnight to months. I mean, we have been married for seven years, but we’ve lived together for less than half of that time.”

“What happened to the other three and half years?” the detective asked, looking baffled.

“Not counting his actual combat time, well I should. My husband has been away from me due to the gulf wars, military schools, and other things such as military conferences. There are functions where wives are not allowed. He was married to the army, and Uncle Sam the same length of time as he’s been married to me.”

“Could there be anyone you know of out of all these men from the bar—”

“No, no, no, Detective Sharkey. I don’t.”

It did not matter how differently detective Sharkey phrased his questions. Diana seemed forthcoming and remained firm with her answers. Vigorously shaking her head, the bereaved spouse sob quietly. The Enterprise detective was fishing for any clue, and Diana was convincing in her role as a grieving wife. The police had no reason to doubt her, and they were already verifying her story. She was adamant when she spoke of her knowledge.

“Did your husband have a drinking problem?”

“No detective. You mean, was he an alcoholic? Vaughn sometimes drank a lot, but he always seemed to be in control. Military living and the missions he did were very stressful. Sometimes Vaughn needed time to unwind, relax and let off steam.”

“Sounds like he was a good all-round American, huh?”

“Yes, you could say that, detective. Vaughn’s father is a retired general. Vaughn had a great education and great role models around him all his life. We lived a good life.”

“Then you who wouldn’t know anyone who wanted to do away with your husband?” Sharkey asked.

“No, I don’t know anyone who would want to do that. Vaughn and I had our share of ups and downs, and I wouldn’t kill him. He was the perfect man for me,” she said, staring at the detective.

“You remember how many men were there at the bar that night with this guy?”

“Yes, there were about three or four in their group, I think. I can’t remember exactly, but I’ll say about three or four of them.”

“Three men plus the guy that assaulted you, or was it four friends plus the jerk who grabbed your ass?”

“It was four friends plus the jerk who grabbed my ass.”

“But that would make it five guys, right, Diana?” McAlister said.

“Yes, four or five, I can’t remember exactly.”

“Do you remember the name of the bar?”

“Yes, it’s an oyster… Ah Blue Oyster’s,” she said.

“What about the names of any of the guys from the bar?”

“No, I don’t know any of their names.”

“But you’ll be able to identify them from a line-up?”

“It was about four weeks or so ago. But yes, I think I would be able to identify them.”

Unknown to Diana, there were other investigators still huddling to watch the television monitor. The questioning continued for another hour, during which time, the police found nothing new. Sharkey again left the room and went outside to smoke a cigarette. He was pondering about the interview while smoking when McAlister walked out and joined him.

“What’s the matter? She gave us something new?” Sharkey asked.

“No, I gave her a break. She’s been though enough. I left her speaking with the service reps, ” McAlister said. Then he quickly added. “I have a hunch that if we find those men he fought with at the bar, we might possibly be able to find a killer?”

“King was well-loved amongst his military buddies. So you could be right about the incident at the bar. Maybe it was someone from outside his circle that we should be looking for,” Sharkey said, glancing at his partner.

It was afternoon when the military representatives and the police met to discuss the progress of the investigation. Diana was left in the interview room while the discussion took place in the detectives’ office.

“What do you think so far?” Sharkey asked.

“I think we should follow up with the incident at the bar. Maybe get witnesses fish around somebody may know who these clowns are,” Captain Blackbird said.

“And you, partner?”

“Yes, I feel there’s something there. Diana is a beautiful woman, and guys at bars sometimes don’t care if a woman is married or even with her husband. Too much alcohol and they’re grabbing ass. Now you have a deadly mix that could lead to someone’s feeling getting hurt.”

“It’s a start. I guess we can wrap this up now then,” Sharkey said.

There was a knock on the door, a uniformed officer peeked in and said, “Her father’s here, ranting, raving, and wants her released now. He brought his attorney with him.”

“Okay, we’re not holding her so she can go whenever she’s ready,” Sharkey said.

The detectives walked to the interview room where Diana was waiting. She watched both detectives as they continued speaking under hushed tones. Then Sharkey said, “Thank you for your corporation, Dr. King. And again, my condolences… We’ll get the perpetrator and bring you some justice. You’re free to go, Diana,” Sharkey smiled. “If we have any further questions, we’ll be in touch.”

McAlister opened the door and saw the older man not too far away. The angered older man was arguing vehemently with a military officer.

“I can’t believe you, cocksuckers!” He said, approaching the detectives.

“Is that your father?” Sharkey asked Diana.

“Yes, that’s him,” she said, watching the old man coming toward them.

“You’d think the police would have the decency and be out there searching for a real, dang murderer. Instead, they got my daughter locked away talking about some goddamn interrogation!”

“Papa, Papa, it’s alright. They were just doing their jobs,” Diana said, hugging the man. “Someone shot and killed Vaughn, and I don’t—”

“Yeah, I heard it’s all over the news. But Diana, Diana dear, are you alright?” the old man asked with concern.

Diana smiled and said, “I’m holding up…”

“We’ll stand by you. After all, you’re still our daughter despite whatever happened, including mixing with their kind,” the old man said, looking at the investigators.

The attorney tried to preserve the father’s objectivity. With a smile of embarrassment, he said, “Aw, you understand he’s just concerned about his daughter.”

“I don’t think he’s ever liked the marriage. And he probably never liked Diana’s choice of a husband either,” Sharkey deadpanned. “Truly, your everyday-trailer-park-redneck.”

“The only thing is he has a lot of money, lives in a big home, and loves his daughter,” the attorney said, throwing both hands up.

“I don’t care where he lives—he’s still a damn redneck,” Sharkey snarled.

The officers watched as Diana returned her father’s embrace before he angrily stomped away. The older man led his grieving daughter out the door with his attorney following, leaving the officers staring after them. The older man didn’t realize that his demeanor toward his daughter was married to a Black man who made him rocket up a suspect’s shortlist. Diana King was a person-of-interest based on the fact that she was the last person to see her husband alive. There was no reason for them to keep her any longer, and she was released.

“Sorry about your loss,” McAlister said, holding the door.

“Shut your flytrap,” the old man said, walking out with his daughter.

The officers waved goodbye to their only witness. Then Sharkey echoed what all investigators were thinking.

“Does anyone of you think that his hatred for his son-in-law could be enough for him to commit murder?” Sharkey asked when they were out of earshot.

“He has a lot of venom in him. It’s certainly worth a follow-up,” Captain Blackbird said.

“I reserved the right to answer that one in a couple of days. I gotta think about it,” McAlister said.

“Jim Bob, stop being the doorman, and let’s go do some detective work,” Sharkey said.

“Like what?”

“How about we rattle some cages and hear what tunes the birds are singing,” Sharkey suggested.

“Then we shake some feathers, and ah see what info they got for us?”

“Yeah, you got it. This time you’re driving,” Sharkey said to his partner. “We’ll be in touch,” he said, waving to the military investigators, Captain Blackbird and Sgt. Eubanks.

“They seem young to be doing this type of job,” McAlister said when they got in the unmarked car.

“Remember those were your words when the chief hears it back, and he gets mad,” Sharkey smiled.