Page 33 of Flynn

“He can be charming and agreeable when he wants to,” Ryleigh told her with a laugh.

“After careful digging, we found her, and she wants to testify. He terrorized her for years. She has been with him since she was seventeen years old. He got her pregnant when she was nineteen and insisted that she abort the baby because it would be an inconvenience.

She almost died during the procedure, and it has rendered her unable to conceive a child. This woman, now in her thirties, longs for revenge. She wants children, and that was taken from her.”

“He has fathered several bastards. Excuse my French.”

Ryleigh nodded and just resisted the urge to cradle her stomach. “He took that away from her and is flaunting his ability to produce children by other women.” She shrugged slender shoulders.

“I asked Sophia if guilt has worked in her favor, and she said that might be the case. He showers her with expensive gifts and has left her alone. He visits her once a week, but she says he does not touch her or force her to go to bed with him.

He is trying to appease her for what he did.”

“Touching and somewhat unexpected for a man of his violent and callous tendency.”

Rosalyn gave her a contemplative look. “You are certain this woman is not setting you up?”

“I am positive. Like I said, she wants revenge.”

“Which concerns me, honey. She is in it for personal reasons.”

“Sometimes that’s the best method.” Ryleigh pointed out.

“It seems that you two have something in common.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” she demanded, but she already knew what the woman was going to say.

“You are on a rather twisted road, and you might have lost all objectivity.”

“I am not-”

She raised her hand to stop the protest. “You are taking this personally, and I am afraid you are going to great lengths to see that justice is served.”

“I am just doing my job.”

“Above and beyond, one might say.”

“When has this become a problem? I am simply trying to do my best to build a case against a very notorious criminal. You should be applauding me.”

“I am concerned, Ry.” the woman said soberly. “Maurice Daley is a dangerous man, an extremely dangerous one, and involving this woman in your quest-”

“She wants to be involved.” Ryleigh refused to allow guilt to shadow her determination.

“She clearly stated that she is willing to come forward.”

“So, why has she not done so before? There must have been others who approached her - why now? That’s what’s making me so leery about the whole thing.”

“You think she is setting us up.”

“I would advise you to be cautious in your approach. I am certain that Daley sees you as a threat, and we both know what he does when he is cornered.”

Ryleigh lifted her chin, eyes flashing. “I will not cower in fear and back away because of him. He is just a man; he bleeds like we all do and does not worry me.”

“That’s foolish. He bothers me.” She jabbed a finger into her chest. “And I am not one to cower in fear for anyone.”

“Am I given the go-ahead with this?”

“If I say no?”

---