Page 19 of Let Her Run

"You need to come down to the station with us," Jake said, "and you need to stop resisting, or else you could be facing some serious charges."

"Okay, okay!" Eric exclaimed, arms up and eyes pinched shut. "Just--don't shoot me, man!"

They approached him cautiously, and Jake pulled out a pair of handcuffs. He quickly secured Eric's hands behind his back, then motioned for Fiona to take the lead.

"Let's go," she said, and Eric nodded, his eyes lined with tears.

They escorted him out of the alley and onto the street, where a small crowd had gathered. Fiona could see the fear in their eyes--fear of the unknown, fear of what was happening in their quiet neighborhood. Fiona kept her gaze forward as they led Eric back to the car.

***

Eric was trembling in the interrogation room.

Fiona watched him carefully, trying to read any signs of deceit on his face. If this was an act, it was a good one--he did seem genuinely scared. But was he only scared because he got caught?

Because he was the killer?

Jake was beside her, conducting the interview alongside her, but so far, Eric hadn't given them much.

"Tell me about the Cyphaclide," Fiona said. "What do you know about it?"

"Uhh, it's a super regulated chemical we use to kill pests without harming plant life... but it's apparently very toxic to people when ingested and hard to detect. I had to take a whole certification course on it. Why? What's this have to do with that lady's death?"

Fiona's eyes hardened on him. "Because we believe Cyphaclide was used to kill Sharon French, and we know you're certified to use it."

Eric blanched yet again. "I--I am, sure, but I'd never hurt anyone! It wasn't an easy certification to get, man... I didn't kill that lady... I never even went to her house!"

Fiona narrowed her eyes, searching for any hint of deception in Eric's words. He seemed genuinely scared, but there was something in his voice that made her think he was holding something back. She leaned forward, her gaze fixed on his face.

"Eric, we need you to tell us everything you know about Sharon French," she said.

Eric shook his head frantically. "I don't know anything! I swear!"

"Then why did you run from us?" Jake asked. "I identified myself as FBI, and your instinct was to run. Obviously, you're guilty of something. So what is it?"

Eric's eyes darted back and forth. "Oh, man, you're really gonna make me do this? Come on..."

Fiona frowned. What was he getting at?

"Do what?" she asked. "We want the truth."

Eric sighed. "Damn it... okay... fine, if my life's already over and I have to choose between murder and this, then fine! Look, I'm not a killer, okay? But--sometimes when I visit clients' houses, I... I sort of take something off the top for myself, okay?"

Fiona raised an eyebrow, her expression turning skeptical. "What do you mean, 'something off the top'?"

Eric shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "You know, I'll take a few bucks out of their wallet or maybe a piece of jewelry if it looks valuable enough. It's not like I'm hurting anyone, right? It's just... a little something extra for me."

Fiona and Jake exchanged a look. This wasn't exactly what they were expecting to hear, but it was possible that Eric was telling the truth.

"Did you take anything from Sharon French's house?" Jake asked.

"No!" Eric exclaimed. "Like I said, I never even went there! I swear!"

Fiona leaned back in her chair, considering Eric's words. It was possible he was telling the truth, but maybe he was just lying through his teeth to protect himself.

"Then where were you when Sharon was killed?" Jake asked his voice firm and demanding. "Where were you yesterday?"

Fiona knew that the coroner had confirmed Sharon's death had occurred that day, likely in the morning to early afternoon. When the plumber had found her body, it had only been dead for a few hours. By the time the police had confirmed this case was connected to Glen's and got the FBI involved, it was late in the night, and so Fiona and Jake were put on the case this morning. But Sharon French--she had only died yesterday.

---