Page 53 of Kept in the Dark

It would be a shit-show, no doubt.

He could potentially lose his job if anything went sideways.

Right now, Sara was the only one who was significantly affected by the outcome of the case. But sometimes life just isn’t fair and you get the short end of the shit stick. That's life.

Right?

Trey wasn’t so sure.

Because at the end of the day, someone got away with murder and Sara had paid the price for it. And no matter how you spun that, it wasn’t right.

Sighing, Trey said, “Daniel, I know reopening this case will make waves, but it’s the right thing to do. You and I both know that. An innocent woman spent thirteen years in prison for a crime she didn’t commit, and a killer has been walking free. Sara Gallagher deserves for her conviction to be overturned, and for her name to be cleared.”

Daniel rubbed his jaw, contemplating Trey’s words. After a few moments, the man finally said, “For now, I’ll watch the video. But again, I make no promises. If it’s not enough to reopen the case, you’ll have to work to bring me more.”

Trey looked at him. “Thanks, Daniel. I-”

He put his hand up. “I’m only giving you two weeks to bring me something substantial or it stays closed. Especially with that missing woman. We can’t devote all of your resources to an old case that already has a conviction.”

Not wanting to try his luck, Trey nodded and extended his hand. “I’ll be in touch.”

Daniel shook Trey’s hand. “I’m actually glad you dropped in; I was going to call you. Lyn wants to have dinner next Thursday.”

“Will she let me bring a date?”

Daniel raised a row. “A date? You’ve never mentioned a girlfriend. Who’s the lucky lady you’d bring out for everyone to meet?”

Trey chuckled. “It’s actually my daughter and her mother.”

Daniel’s eyes widened and his mouth fell open. “Daughter? I didn’t know you had a daughter.”

“I didn’t either until yesterday.”

“Now there’s a story I want to hear. Well, Lyn will love to have all of you there.”

Trey smiled and stood. But before he walked out the door, Daniel quietly said, “You better be sure about this Trey. It could end both of our careers.”

Trey turned back to Daniel. “Trust me, I know.”

Then Trey made his way back to the station to see what he could uncover about Morgan Gallagher’s murder.

Hailey was on her way to meet Trey and Sara for lunch when she decided to make a detour to Elijah Washington's house. She knew Eli would have a better chance at opening up about her mother’s case if it was just the two of them.

Though Elijah had been Chief at the time of her mother’s death, he was also a close family friend. He and David had grown up together and had been friends for most of their lives. Eli was like an uncle to the twins and had been a confidant for both her father and mother. From what she saw, Eli took Morgan’s death just as hard as the rest of them did, as did his wife.

Hailey found it hard to believe he would miss evidence when Sara’s life hung in the balance. But she knew accidents happened and many innocent men and women went to jail for crimes they didn’t commit. Sara might just be another statistic.

Still, the evidence was weak and Hailey found it unlikely that a seasoned police officer, let alone the Chief of Police, would arrest their first suspect without looking at other possible suspects.

It didn’t make sense.

Hailey hoped Eli could shed some light on what happened that night. Maybe after thirteen years, something would jog his memory.

Eli opened the door a minute after Hailey knocked. He was in a pale blue striped shirt and navy slacks. It reminded Hailey of something her dad’s golf buddies would wear.

His hair was thinning and gray, and his dark skin was beginning to wrinkle. She was reminded of how much time had passed since she’d last seen him.

The man smiled ear to ear, lines fanning his eyes. “Well, I’ll be. What do I owe the pleasure, Hailey?”

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