Page 47 of Breaking Rules

Sam nodded. “Which means she has something to hide.”

“And given what we’ve discovered with her record as a stalker, she might be more adept at lying, avoiding, and hiding things than she looks,” Wyatt added.

Jo nodded. “She was in that bar the night Alex died. Maybe she was a part of what happened to him, or maybe she saw something.”

“Either way, we need to find out. Looks like we’ll have to pay another visit to Marnie’s headquarters, and if Amelia isn’t there, we might have to surprise her at home.” Sam took out his phone. “In the meantime, I’ll give Harry a call and see if I can get him in here.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Harry was more than happy to come in and talk about the case.

He settled into a chair in the squad room, a wistful smile on his weathered face. “That bank robbery case, it was something else. Nothing like that ever happened in our sleepy little town before.”

Sam leaned forward, his eyes intent. “What about Hartman? Do you think he was just incompetent, or was he purposely botching the investigation?”

Harry scratched his chin. “Hard to say for sure. But there was definitely some evidence that went missing. Poof, like it never existed.”

“Interesting.” Sam tapped his pen against the desk. “You think Hartman had something to do with that?”

“I couldn’t prove anything, but it always seemed fishy to me.” Harry’s eyes narrowed. “You reopening the case, Chief?”

Sam hesitated. “We’re exploring all angles. This money showing up in Alex Sheridan’s apartment, it could be connected.”

Harry’s face lit up. “Well, I’ll be. Never thought I’d see the day. If there’s anything I can do to help, just say the word.”

“Actually, I was thinking we could take a trip to the evidence room in the next town over. See if we can dig up anything on the old case.”

“Count me in.” Harry pushed himself to his feet. “I’ve been waiting fifty years for another crack at this one.”

Sam grabbed his jacket and whistled for Lucy. The German shepherd trotted over, her tail wagging. “Looks like it’s going to be a long day, girl.”

As they headed out, Sam glanced at Harry. “What do you say we make a pit stop at Brewed Awakening? I have a feeling we’re going to need the caffeine.”

Harry chuckled. “You read my mind, Chief. A good cup of joe and a fresh set of eyes, that’s what this case needs.”

Lucy hopped into the back of the cruiser, her nose pressed against the window. Sam slid behind the wheel, the weight of the past and the promise of the future hanging in the air. The engine rumbled to life, and they set off, ready to unravel the secrets that had lain buried for half a century.

Ray Child, a cop in his fifties, greeted Sam and Harry as they entered the evidence room. “Well, well, if it isn’t Chief Mason and old Harry Woolsten.” He grinned, shaking their hands.

“Good to see you, Ray,” Sam said. “How’s the family doing?”

“Oh, you know, same old same old. Kids are growing up too fast.” Ray chuckled. “How about you, Harry? Enjoying retirement?”

Harry nodded. “Can’t complain. Keeps me out of trouble, mostly.”

Ray’s eyes twinkled. “Speaking of retirement, mine’s coming up in a couple years. Any advice, Harry?”

Harry laughed. “Just one thing: keep the wife happy. That’s the secret to a long and peaceful retirement.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Ray paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “You know, it’s funny you should mention retirement. Another retired guy was here today, looking at some old evidence.”

Sam’s ears perked up. “Oh yeah? Who was that?”

“Dom Hartman,” Ray replied.

Harry and Sam exchanged a glance. Interesting coincidence.

“Does he come here often?” Sam asked

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