Page 33 of Silent Prayer

"Do you recall meeting Laura Hastings or Sophie Tournay at that event?" Finn asked.

Rodriguez's brow furrowed. "Those names sound familiar... Wait, aren't those the women who were murdered recently?"

Sheila noticed a slight tremor in his hand as he said this. Nervousness? Or guilt? "That's right," she said. "We're trying to establish any connections between the victims."

Rodriguez's face paled. "You...you don't thinkIhad anything to do with those murders, do you?"

"We're just exploring all possibilities, Mr. Rodriguez," Finn said calmly. "Can you tell us about your relationship with these women?"

Rodriguez ran a hand through his hair, visibly agitated. "I...I didn't really know them. I mean, I might have met them at the gala, but I meet lots of people at those events."

"And Rachel Kim?" Sheila asked.

"I knew her from some school board meetings, but that's it."

Sheila leaned forward. "Mr. Rodriguez, we know that you run a men's group at St. Michael's Church focusing on moral purity. Can you tell us more about that?"

His eyes narrowed. "What does that have to do with anything? Are you implying something?"

"We're not implying anything," Sheila said, keeping her voice level. "We're just trying to understand the full picture."

Rodriguez stood abruptly. "I think I'd like you to leave now. If you have any more questions, you can contact my lawyer."

Sheila and Finn exchanged a glance. This wasn't going well. "Mr. Rodriguez," Sheila began, "we're not here to accuse you of anything. We're just—"

"I know my rights," Rodriguez interrupted. "And I know what you're insinuating. I'm a respected businessman and a valuable member of this community. I had nothing to do with those murders."

The tension in the room was palpable. Rodriguez stood with his arms crossed, his face a mask of indignation and fear. Sheila remained seated, trying to project calm while internally strategizing her next move.

"Mr. Rodriguez," she began, keeping her voice even, "I understand this is upsetting, but we have a job to do. These women were murdered, and we need to follow every lead."

Rodriguez's jaw clenched. "And I'm telling you, I'm not a lead. I'm a victim here—a victim of your baseless suspicions!"

Finn leaned forward. "Sir, if you're innocent, then helping us will only clear your name faster."

"I shouldn't have to prove my innocence!" Rodriguez snapped.

Suddenly, a memory clicked into place in Sheila's mind—Francine Albright, the elderly woman from St. Michael's. She had mentioned seeing a 'new priest' at the church recently.

Sheila's pulse quickened. If they could get Rodriguez in a lineup, Francine could potentially identify whether he was the man she saw. It wasn't conclusive evidence, but it could be a significant step forward—or it might completely exonerate Rodriguez.

"Mr. Rodriguez," Sheila said, her tone shifting to something more conciliatory, "I have a proposition for you. One that could clear this up quickly."

Rodriguez eyed her warily. "What kind of proposition?"

"We have a witness who saw a man at St. Michael's recently—a man she didn't recognize, who was presenting himself as a priest. If you'd be willing to participate in a lineup, we could potentially rule you out as a suspect immediately."

Rodriguez's expression wavered between suspicion and hope. "A lineup? But I haven't done anything wrong."

"Exactly," Finn said, catching on to Sheila's plan. "If our witness doesn't identify you, that's a major point in your favor. It could end our inquiries into your involvement right here and now."

Rodriguez seemed to consider this, his anger slowly giving way to calculation. "And if I refuse?"

Sheila chose her words carefully. "That's your right. But it would leave us with unanswered questions. We'd have to continue our investigation, which might involve speaking to your employees, your church group members..."

She let the implication hang in the air. Rodriguez's reputation was clearly important to him, and the mere suggestion of a prolonged public investigation seemed to unsettle him.

After a long moment, Rodriguez sighed heavily. "Fine. I'll do your lineup. But I want it on record that I'm cooperating under protest, and I reserve the right to have my lawyer present."

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