Page 89 of Kept in the Dark

Silence.

He’d take that as a yes.

Shaking his head, Trey focused on the road and let Hailey pout.

He took notice of a car that had been following them through a stretch of town. Though not completely abnormal, he was now being extra careful since Hailey had been hurt. He clenched his teeth as he remembered holding her limp body in his arms, soot dusting her face and clothes. It wasn’t until they had gotten into the ambulance that he noticed her blood on his hands.

Anger boiled below the surface and then guilt followed. He should have protected her. She should have never gotten hurt while he was there.

He turned down a side road, driving slowly to see if the car would follow.

It didn’t.

Once he was satisfied, they weren’t being followed, he took another side street and circled around to the main road where he continued toward Bobby's house. He felt paranoid but wasn’t willing to take a chance with Hailey’s life.

Once there, Trey turned to Hailey before getting out. “I don’t want to do this with you. You can be mad, but we’re not going to ignore each other.”

Hailey side-eyed him, holding on to her pride which slowly dissipated when she realized he was right. She sighed. “I’m sorry. I just don’t like that you’re keeping things from me. I get why you’re doing it, but I don’t like it.”

“If I.A. wasn’t opening an investigation, I would tell you,” Trey said.

“Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

Trey chuckled. “You’re right.” He kissed her on the nose and climbed out of the truck.

He knocked hard and waited, hearing faint footsteps as someone came to the door. Dusk was approaching and the pink streaks of the sunset would soon be replaced by darkness. Even the crickets and frogs were beginning their lullabies.

Trey studied his surroundings. They were far more secluded on this stretch of land than he had anticipated. The small farmhouse was enclosed by woods. He turned back toward the door when he heard the knob jingle as it opened.

Bobby Young stood at the door, a dish towel in his hand. He wore a t-shirt and basketball shorts that made him look much younger than he was. His brown hair was now graying and, despite being in his fifties, he was still in great shape.

“Can I help you?”

“I hope so. I’m Chief Harbor with Auburndale PD. I have some questions concerning the night Morgan Gallagher died. I'm not sure if you remember that case or not.”

“How could I not? It’s the case that got me thrown off the force,” Bobby replied.

Trey nodded. “So, I’ve been told. Do you mind if we talk inside?”

“I guess.” He stepped aside and ushered Trey into his home. The living room was just off to the left of the front door. Trey sat down on the couch and Bobby sat adjacent to him in a recliner that was upright.

Trey said, “I’m actually investigating Morgan’s death again. We have reason to believe Sara didn't kill her and that the investigating officers obstructed the investigation."

Bobby snorted. “You’re a little late to the party, Chief. I tried to tell people, but no one would listen. The cops who investigated were dirty.”

Trey nodded. “What do you remember from that night?”

Bobby closed his eyes. “We got there shortly after 11:30 pm. Morgan’s blood was nearly dry which was my first red flag seeing as how David claimed to have called us right away. Sara was laying next to her, unconscious.

“David told us she was under the influence and had killed Morgan, but there wasn’t any evidence to prove that theory. It was clear from some of her wounds that Morgan had fallen down the stairs, and later the M.E. said the cause of death was blunt force trauma. But there was no evidence linking Sara to the crime. The only reason her involvement was even considered was because she was laying next to Morgan and because David told us she was guilty, despite claiming he wasn’t home at the time.

“I mean, it wasn't out of the realm of possibilities, but David was so adamant that Sara had done it. It didn't sit right with me. Most parents would do anything to keep their kids out of trouble, not purposefully throw them into it.”

He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts, and then continued, “And besides that, she was so heavily under the influence that I don’t think she could even walk. Nothing made sense to me. Yet, all the other guys had no problem pointing the finger at Sara.”

He shook his head in disgust. “I tried talking to Washington about it but then David got involved. Next thing I know, I’m out of a job and had a ‘cease and desist’ letter along with a restraining order.”

“Did you ever believe Sara could have killed Morgan?”

---