Page 47 of Innocent Intent

“Which case is that? I’ve worked hundreds throughout my career.”

Davis smirked. “But only one with Evans. I’m sure you’re more than familiar with which case I’m referencing.”

He offered a tight nod. “Arnold.”

“Yes, Johnathan Arnold.”

“Why are you curious about that case, Detective?”

“Several reasons, actually.” Davis moved closer to Trent’s desk but remained standing, asserting his dominance. He felt the need to level things between them since Trent wanted the appearance of having an upper hand. “For starters, what was the nature of your relationship with Evans when the two of you were assigned to the case?”

Trent’s lips flattened, and his jaw tensed. “I’m not sure what that has to do with the case. Care to elaborate?”

“I will. How about you humor me for now and answer the question?”

“Humor you?” Trent’s deep tenor rattled with his disapproval. “Detective, as I’m sure you’re aware, I am your superior. You showing up here unannounced, asking me questions about a case from fifteen years ago while demanding I ‘humor’ your line of inappropriate questioning seems to be a gross misuse of city time. How about you get to the point before I find myself doing some digging of my own.”

David smiled smugly. “Fair enough. I’ll get to the point. Were you sleeping with Cassidy when the two of you worked the Arnold case?”

“Who the hell are you to accuse me of sleeping with a subordinate, Detective?”

“Who I am isn’t quite as important as the details of the case that I’m asking about—”

“And why the fuck are you asking about that case?”

“Because it’s closely linked to one I’m currently working on.”

The irritation from Trent was apparent. Trent’s defensive nature and anger confirmed what Sidney Tyler had told Davis. Trent and Cassidy had an intimate relationship all those years ago.

It was possible to believe Cassidy’s guilt behind the case was related to being manipulated in a specific direction with the case under Trent’s persuasion. She was young, fresh out of college, and had just earned her training through the department. Her mentor crossed lines, and she ended up in his bed. Not that Cassidy didn’t bear any blame for potentially manipulating facts with the case, but Trent was her superior. He knew better than getting involved with a subordinate, then not speaking up to recuse himself or Cassidy from working the same case. One where Cassidy’s testimony had been the deciding factor for a conviction on a case where Trent was the lead detective.

“Do all the investigating you want, but keep my personal shit out of it. Regardless of my relationship with Cassidy, she and I both did good police work. Arnold was a piece-of-shit psycho who raped and murdered multiple women. He was guilty and is right where he belongs—rotting in prison for the rest of his life. Now, if you don’t mind. I have a meeting that I’m scheduled for.”

“No, don’t mind at all. I have what I need.”

“Good, now get the fuck out of my office.”

Davis smirked and nodded. “Have a good day, Chief.”

By the time Davis reached the door, Trent was speaking again. “And, Detective . . .”

Davis turned to face him, and Trent wasted no time issuing his threat. “Don’t you ever in your life come in my office like this again, accusing me of shit that you have no business sticking your nose in. I can guarantee that you don’t want to deal with the consequences when I start digging into your background. I’m not a problem you want, Davis.”

Without responding, Davis left his office. His jacket was clean, and he didn’t buckle under fruitless threats. He had no intention of unraveling the case concerning Arnold. His only goal was to understand Cassidy better. Some things were better left as they were. As much as he may not have approved of the methods, the outcome was favorable. A dangerous man was in prison and no longer had access to harm innocent people.

Now, there was the small detail of knowing that Cassidy had potentially lied about or withheld evidence on a case. Davis had to decide what to do with that information since Trent had confirmed that he and Cassidy had a past, one that would have been frowned on by the department. Was that a reflection of Cassidy’s character? Should he be concerned with what other things she would be okay lying about or withholding to get a favored result? Only time would tell, but for now, there was cause for him to err on the side of caution. Yet another reason he should be staying away from Cassidy. Deep down, he knew that he wouldn’t, and now the lingering question was, what did that say about him?

Back at the station, Davis decided to give an update. He was about to explore his one lead, learn more about Williams, and gain more insight into who wanted him dead.

“Captain . . .” When Davis knocked, Captain Jones lifted his head and waved Davis into his office.

“You here to tell me why the hell you were down at Police Palace pissing off Chief Trent?”

That was fast.

“I had questions.”

“About a case that doesn’t have squat to do with the one you’re working. I get that you’re new, but you have to know better than pissing off the guys that make the final call on whether or not you keep your job.”

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