Page 26 of Dead Air
"This podcast creates opportunity." Parks continued when she didn't respond. "Public scrutiny forces thorough review where internal questions failed."
"You sound almost grateful to Blackwell."
"I appreciate catalysts regardless of motivation." He sipped his coffee. "This Blackwell woman serves her own agenda, but her spotlight might illuminate departmental shadows."
Lawson studied him with renewed interest. "Most Internal Affairs officers protect the department image above all else."
"Most Internal Affairs officers never worked military investigations." Parks smiled tightly. "Pentagon politics make police departments look transparent. I learned to follow evidence regardless of rank or consequence."
"That approach creates enemies."
"Already collected plenty." He shrugged. "Career advancement stopped mattering after my second tour in Afghanistan."
The comment landed differently than standard police bravado. Something genuine resided in his dismissal of politics. Maybe a man who'd faced actual war viewed departmental threats differently.
"What happens next?" She gestured toward his folder.
"I continue reviewing the original investigation. Interview all officers involved. Examine chain of custody for evidence." Parks recited procedures like someone who found comfort in protocol. "You continue your current duties while cooperating with my inquiries."
"And the podcast?"
"Remains problematic but potentially useful." He closed his messenger bag. "Blackwell possesses information someone leaked. That someone concerns me more than her journalistic methods."
Lawson nodded, still uncertain where Parks ultimately stood. Ally or adversary remained unclear, but his presence shifted the landscape. Someone besides her now questioned the official narrative.
"I need access to your notes from the original investigation." Parks stood, gathering his materials. "Your perspective as Landry's partner provides context the official file lacks."
"My notes became part of the case file." This lie flowed easily after years of repetition.
"Your official notes, yes." Parks slung his bag over his shoulder. "But detectives maintain personal observations. Theories. Connections that might seem insignificant until later."
Her unofficial case file flashed through her mind. Five years of private investigation compiled in notebooks and digital files.Revealing those materials could end her career—or provide the breakthrough Monica's case needed.
"I'll review what I have." This compromise bought time while she assessed Parks' trustworthiness.
"I appreciate your cooperation." He handed her a business card. "My direct line. Available anytime."
The card stock felt heavy between her fingers. Old school, like his paper files and precise handwriting. A man who left minimal digital footprints in a world of electronic surveillance.
"We'll speak again soon, Detective."
He departed with military efficiency, leaving Lawson alone with cooling coffee and unsettling revelations. The case file differences troubled her most. Someone had provided her with altered evidence logs after Monica's death. A deliberate attempt to conceal the incomplete processing.
Richardson's warnings echoed in her memory. Be careful who you trust. Even people who seem like allies might have their own agendas.
Did that warning now apply to Eli Parks? His forthright approach might represent genuine dedication to truth, or sophisticated manipulation designed to expose her unauthorized investigation.
Lawson gathered her materials and left the coffee shop. For the first time in five years, someone else questioned the official narrative surrounding Monica's death. The relief almost overwhelmed her suspicion.
Almost, but not quite.
chapter
ten
Magnolia Cemetery stretched acrossforty acres of Savannah's east side; ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss creating natural cathedrals above weathered headstones. Parks navigated the winding paths with practiced familiarity, a single white rose in his hand. Three years, two months, and sixteen days since he'd started making this weekly pilgrimage.
The headstone bore a simple inscription: Detective Bram Kowalski, Savannah Police Department, Beloved Partner and Friend. No mention of the circumstances that brought him here. No acknowledgment of the investigation that cost him his life.
