Page 21 of Waste
“I understand that you barely know Miss Evans.”
“That’s true.”
“Why are you still hanging around?” DI Wilson asked bluntly.
“Because I like Shelley, and I want to make sure she’s getting the best care. I’m not here all the time; I leave for meetings and to eat. And return to my hotel room in the evening,” Drew replied.
“But why are you paying?” DI Wilson pressed.
Drew studied him. “Why not? I have the funds, Shelley needs the help, and I can use my money to help her recover quicker.”
“And you expect nothing in return?” DI Wilson sneered.
“No, I’d like Shelley to go on a date with me, but I don’t think that will occur soon. However, I’m able to use this time to get acquainted with her. But if Shelley tells me to bugger off, then I’ll leave,” Drew said honestly.
“Just as simple as that?” DI Wilson continued sneering, and Drew’s anger rose.
“Before you infer something dangerous or deviant is happening, I suggest you research me. Once you’ve done that, if you wish to continue interrogating me, speak to my solicitor and make an appointment,” Drew retorted.
“Only a guilty man reaches for legal counsel,” DI Wilson baited.
Drew held Wilson’s gaze. “I pity you. I’m sorry that the job you do has made you so jaded that you can’t recognise a nice gesture when you see one. Truly, I can’t imagine living in your world, where everything comes with strings or has a price. People could call me a humanitarian, I guess. I do a lot forcharity, and my own charity is a project close to my heart. Like it or not, DI Wilson, I’m a good man and strive to improve myself. Somewhere down the line, I believe you were the same, but your career soured you.”
DI Wilson flushed at Drew’s words, and his face turned red. “Now, look—”
“No, you look here, that’s enough,” Gail snapped with pent-up emotion. Drew and Wilson both went quiet. “Drew is welcome here. He’s correct; he’s paid a small fortune to get the best doctors for Shelley and didn’t have to. My daughter nearly died, so why aren’t you out looking for the culprit?”
Wilson sent Drew a glance, and Drew grasped its meaning. Wilson thought Drew was behind it. Well, good luck proving that.
“A killer is targeting Shelley. What are you doing about it?” Charlie demanded.
“We are following several leads of inquiry…”
“Oh, don’t give us the standard BS line. Do you have a viable suspect?” Jake cut Wilson off.
“We have a possible culprit and are building a case against him,” Wilson said, staring at Drew.
Drew laughed. “Then it’s a good job I can account for my whereabouts. Before you sling mud, be warned: if you come for me, make sure you have rock-solid evidence because I am going to destroy your career. I shall have my manager pass over my schedule for the last month. Investigate all you want. But the hours you waste on me mean the real culprit gets away.”
“I want your time as well,” Wilson stated.
Drew laughed. “My assistant will take care of that. I’m rather absentminded. She can figuratively account for every minute of my day and night. And before you ask if I have an alibi for the nights, I do and don’t. I don’t have a girlfriend or a casual lover. I do, however, have friends at whose places I stayed. And if I’dsnuck out of their homes, I’d have set their security systems off. Be my guest, investigate freely and throw away your time.” As Drew uttered the last few words, his Sin kicked its ugly head up. Drew ruthlessly shoved Waste down and held the DI’s gaze.
“You’re awfully confident. That often comes before a fall,” DI Wilson sneered.
“As I said, go ahead. Lose valuable time looking into me. In the meantime, I’ll take steps to protect Shelley, something you’ve not yet offered,” Drew pointed out.
Wilson’s skin darkened as blood rushed to his face, and his temper rose. Drew calmly held his gaze and waited.
“If I were you, I wouldn’t let him anywhere near your daughter,” Wilson said to Gail and Jake.
“He has a point, though, Detective Inspector. What are you doing to keep my sister safe?” Charlie demanded.
“We’re unclear—”
“In other words, nothing. In that case, your advice is worthless. If Drew is willingly letting you investigate him and cooperating by giving you his full diary, I doubt he’s the culprit. But as Drew said, waste your time on him. We’ll protect my sister,” Charlie cut the DI off.
Wilson sent him a dark stare, and Charlie returned it.
