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Jasper’s forte. He worked the gang
detail, but in a department the size of Olden, everyone’s cases overlapped.
They didn’t have big city budgets.
    Tyson read over Dustin’s shoulder while they quickly
perused the findings in the file. “Interesting,” Tyson said.
    And not what Dustin expected to read in the report.
What he hoped would be an open and shut case clearly had a few twist and turns.
He loved a challenging case, but this didn’t help McKenna Porter. Somewhere in
the back of his mind, where he didn’t want to acknowledge, he’d hoped for a
smoking gun…in someone else’s hand.
    Tyson chuckled. “Our princess has some explaining to
do.”
    “Yep.” Evidently, life in the Porter castle was not as
it appeared to the public.
    “What time did her attorney say she’d be in?”
    Dustin closed the file and tapped it on his chin.
Damn, he wanted to find evidence that proved McKenna innocent. She was scared.
He could see it in her eyes, but he’d also seen something else he found intriguing.
Something, that as the detective assigned to the Porter murder, he needed to
keep to himself or risk being taken off the case.
    Dustin checked his watch. “She should be here any
minute.”
    Walking away from Tyson, Dustin wondered if the
interview with McKenna would shed light on another possible suspect. He went
into the interrogation room to ensure the video surveillance worked properly.
The entire interview would be recorded. Most instances it became useful to use
a defendant’s own words against them.
    Dustin’s captain poked his head into the room.
“Pearce?”
    “Yeah?”
    “My office.”
    Dustin followed Captain Baird through the large room
littered with desks and filing cabinets. Telephones rang and scanners reported
activities underway in different parts of the community. Mostly domestic
disturbances, DUI’s, car accidents, and support for other public services like
the fire department.
    Once in awhile there were crimes involving local
gangs. Olden boasted an impressive record of solved cases verses those left cold.
Dustin was determined to see this particular case to the end as well.
    Tyson already sat in the office. “Close the door,”
Captain Baird said. He moved to the far side of the room and sat behind his
desk.
    Captain Baird was well respected by the troops. Thirty
years of service, a decorated officer, and an admirable leader. His officers
didn’t just give him respect. He’d earned it working alongside them. “We’ve had
an interesting detail develop in the last five minutes. I want your opinion on
how to handle it.” He glanced at Tyson. “Where do we stand with Ms. Porter?”
    Tyson looked at Dustin. Since the hospital Dustin had
made it clear he’d deal with McKenna, and he told the captain, “I thought I’d
handle the interview. She seemed nervous with me yesterday. Thought I’d use it
to my advantage.”
    The captain nodded his head. “Now for the interesting
development. Tyson, you’ll handle this. Dawn Wilson is in room two.”
    Dustin turned to Tyson and cocked an eyebrow. They had
already learned of Ms. Porter’s friend. Bosom buddies since elementary school.
    “I guess I’ll go have a talk with her.” Tyson stood
up. “Good luck with the princess,” he said to Dustin.
    “I met Dawn at the hospital. My friend, you’re the one
who needs luck. If McKenna Porter is the princess, Dawn Wilson is the royal
bitch. I think you’ve met your match.”
    “Just a minute,” Captain Baird said as Dustin and
Tyson headed for the door. “I think they might be in on this together. Give
them enough rope to hang themselves.”
    “Give us a little credit, Captain,” Tyson said with
his hand on the doorknob.
    The captain nodded his head and looked at the papers
on his desk. “I’ve already had a call from District Attorney Butler.”
    Nothing more needed said. Dustin and Tyson left the
office.
    Tyson nodded toward the main corridor. “Here’s the
princess with her