Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 119935 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119935 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 600(@200wpm)___ 480(@250wpm)___ 400(@300wpm)
“…And as a man of authority yourself, you already understand some of the resources that someone in my position has. I don’t know Kim. That’s obvious. I just met the woman, as you know, but I’m a great judge of character. I’d have to be in order to have the longevity in the career I was committed to for so long. Kim is an exemplary person.”
A very sneaky person, too…
“She’s in need, and going through a difficult time right now, but in spite of all of that, she thought about someone other than herself. She thought of you, Mr. Currant.” He swallowed and looked across the kitchen, to now see Kim looking somewhat like Diesel after getting a scolding. He looked down at the floor and continued to listen to the man. “After she and I talked about your circumstances, and I want to offer my condolences regarding the death of your son right now, before we continue…”
“…Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Anyway, I looked into the details of your son’s case, Chad Currant, and I was alarmed.” His heart began to beat faster. “You’re right to be concerned, Mr. Currant. I made some phone calls, did a bit of digging, and the police work was sloppy, at best. There are missing files, and the police department was not cooperative with the agent I had contact them yesterday. I am not going to get into the private details of all the notes that were taken regarding that particular phone call, but I’ve determined that they didn’t alleviate any concerns. In fact, that is what assured me that I am moving in the right direction. The FBI is now involved, Mr. Currant. This isn’t over.”
He heard some typing in the background, as if the man were on his computer.
“I see from my research, you went through, and are still going through, great lengths to help solve your son’s murder. Advertisements. Interviews. Rewards for information. You’ve been quite proactive. That’s good. You’ve been diligent, too. I also see, however, some misconduct. It was relayed to me that on several occasions, you’ve threatened various police officers, and also have engaged in violent practices regarding some of the citizens of Fairbanks… altercations.”
“You would be in an altercation or two, too, if someone put slugs in your only kid, Mr. Cottage, and left him there like rotten meat. In fact, you had to be the one to go and find him—that’s how much they didn’t give a shit—and to this day, they won’t do anything to find who killed your boy. They lie to your face and make you out to be the monster. The bad guy. Half the town, people you helped out of jams, or loaned money to, act like they don’t know you once you start accusing the police of not doing their job.”
“I’m not here to judge you.”
“I don’t care about being judged. I’m just letting you know how we’ve gotten from point A to point B. I didn’t just wake up all of a sudden with an axe to grind. These people put it in my hand, and dared me to swing. Now all the trees are missing their leaves, and they’re angry because there’s no shade in the summertime, and no logs for the fire.”
“Yes… I understand. You have an excellent record as a ranger, sir. Impressive. You’ve received several awards over the years, and I saw you also have won recognitions for your wood carvings. Since we’re on this topic, Mr. Currant, while looking at your record, I saw a manslaughter charge, too. I checked out the details for that, as well. The reason I have to look into your history is because—”
“I already know why you’d have to do that.” He cleared his throat, growing annoyed. “Because it affects any case that goes to trial, regardless of this being about Chad, and not me. You need me to be a credible witness. Yes, it happened. I was on the job, a man was illegally in the park, I wrote him a ticket, he became belligerent and when I asked him to leave, he refused, then pulled a gun on me. I shot faster, and I shot to kill. Nothin’ more to it. It was self-defense. So yeah, I already understand why you’re looking into my life. My background, especially something like that, plays a part in it, particularly when it comes to a case involving a jury, even though it shouldn’t.”
“You’re correct. The manslaughter charge was self-defense, just like you said, and you beat the case. Very good, so we can move on from that.” The man sighed and continued, “I can’t promise you anything, but I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to get the manpower behind this case. I am retired, but still very much respected, and I know exactly who to notify to get some fire under this situation. You’re not alone. You’ve gone through a terrible loss… and… I would like to help Kim, and you. She’s a lovely person, and she loves you from the bottom of her heart. It was obvious as she was talking to me about what you’ve endured.”