crimes I committed were due to my illness, not my character.”
“Your character has always been unimpeachable, Sergeant,” Chief Farnsworth said. “I’m sorry if we didn’t do enough to support you after Arnold’s tragic death.”
“You did what you could, sir. I believe now that everything that happened since the night Arnold died occurred because of a greater purpose. It was meant to teach me things I can use to be a more empathetic police officer and human being. There had to be some meaning in this. I refuse to believe Arnold died for no reason.”
“You’ve given me a lot to consider, Sergeant,” Faith said. “I need to speak to USA Forrester and determine whether he intends to pursue the charges.”
“I understand, but I’m giving the interview either way.”
“That is, of course, your prerogative. I’ll take your input back to Forrester and let you know how we plan to proceed.”
“Thank you for your consideration,” Gonzo said.
“Of course. For what it’s worth, I was never comfortable with these charges, but it wasn’t my decision to make. I can’t promise you anything, but I’ll remind USA Forrester that I’ve had concerns about this case from the get-go.”
“I appreciate your support.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
After Faith had left the room, Gonzo said, “I want to thank all of you for sticking with me through this nightmare. Knowing you all have my back has made a huge difference.”
“We do have your back,” Sam said. “We always will. What happened was such a tragedy. I came in here ready to fight to keep you from compounding that tragedy with another one. But you took care of that for me. I’m proud of you, Tommy.”
“Thanks. I’m trying.”
“We can all see that,” Malone said. “Whenever you’re ready to come back to work, let us know.”
“I’m aiming for around the first of December, if that’s okay.”
“Works for me,” Sam said. “You should give the interview to Darren Tabor. He’ll do it right.”
“That was my thought too.”
Sam nodded, feeling confident that Gonzo and his story would be in good hands with Darren. “I’ve got to get back to it. We’re closing in on Ginny McLeod’s murderer. We think it was the husband, which means the three golfing buddies who vouched for him are going to need to be arrested too. Lots of paperwork in my future.”
“Don’t you mean in Cruz’s future?” Gonzo asked with a smile.
“Of course that’s what I mean.”
“Glad to see some things around here haven’t changed.”
“Nothing has changed, except we miss you—and Arnold.”
“Thanks. It’s nice to be missed. Christina and I would like to invite you and your families to our place for dessert on Thanksgiving.” He glanced at the chief. “You too, of course, sir.”
“I do love me some apple pie,” the chief said.
“I’ll make sure there’s plenty with your name on it.”
“My wife and I would be delighted to join you, Gonzo.”
“Holy crap. The chief is coming, honey.”
Christina smiled at him. “So I hear.”
“We’ll be there,” Sam said.
“Us too,” Malone added.
“This is going to be the best Thanksgiving ever,” Gonzo said to Christina.
“It sure is.”
Chapter Thirty-One
As Sam left the chief’s conference room, a disturbance in the lobby had her running to find out what was going on. Two young Patrol officers had Ken McLeod Sr. in custody and were attempting to get him to Central Booking. He was fighting them every step of the way.
“You stupid bitch!” he screamed when he saw Sam. “What’re you thinking arresting me? I’ll have your badge and your ass! I have an alibi!”
“That’s full of holes,” Sam replied.
“What the hell does that mean?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.” To the officers, she said, “Get him booked and take him to interview two.”
Ignoring the man’s continued diatribe, Sam walked to the pit.
“McBride,” she said, “spring Ken Jr. from interview two. Tell him he’s free to go and thank him for his cooperation.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
While Jeannie took care of that, Sam went into her office, downed half a bottle of water and took another look at the cell phone reports Archie had compiled. This time, the words behaved themselves so she could actually read them. She focused first on Ken Sr. The pings put him on the golf course from noon to one ten. At one forty, the phone registered a ping at his home, and by two ten, he was back on the golf course.
“Hey, Cruz!”
Freddie popped up from his cubicle and looked into her office. “You bellowed?”
Sam signaled for him to come in. “The three men who said Ken Sr. was playing golf