Total pages in book: 183
Estimated words: 174715 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 874(@200wpm)___ 699(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 174715 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 874(@200wpm)___ 699(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
“I know you covered the case, but calling on the DA to hunt down someone who thinks they got away with murder is a whole other story.”
“I called for that the entire trial,” she says. “I do what I do because I have the power to make a difference in ways just like this. You and Cole and even the ADA are tied up. I am the only one who can move the dial. My readership is vocal and loyal, which is an honor they have allowed me because I talk to them in an honest way. They need to hear this.”
“Cat, I don’t think—”
“I started writing the article before Cole even called and right now I’m almost to your place. I want you to help me put the finishing touches on it. I want to turn it in for tomorrow’s publication.”
“Yes, please. Come over so I can talk you out of this.”
“Your hubby wants me to do it,” she says, a smile in her voice. “See you soon.” She disconnects.
I immediately try to dial Cole. He doesn’t answer. He went to the jail to see Roger. I know he did. My mind goes to Savage and I hurry out of the bedroom in hopes he can find out. I all but run down the stairs and hear him cursing, which only serves to freak me out and quicken my steps even more. “What’s wrong?” I demand, and he stands up to face me over the top of the couch.
“Sports,” he says. “Sorry about that. I curse when my team wins and I curse when my team loses.”
I breathe out. “Okay. I think Cole went to the jail to see Roger. Can you find out?”
“Yeah, sure. Hold on.” He slides his phone from his pocket and punches a button. “Yeah man,” he says to whoever he connects to. “Where’s Cole now? Got it. Later.” He disconnects. “At the jail.”
“Which explains why he’s not taking my calls.”
The doorbell rings and I turn toward it and Savage protests. “Don’t even think about it. I already let you get attacked once.”
“That wasn’t your fault.”
He scrubs his two day-ish dark stubble. “Damn sure feels like it was.” He heads for the door.
“It’s Cat,” I call out.
“I know that as well as I knew the bathroom was clear,” he replies. “I’ll get the door. You stay here.” He charges toward the entryway.
I wait anxiously and the minute Cat appears with Reese by her side, I focus on him. “He’s at the jail. Should he be talking to Roger by himself?”
Reese is the one cursing now. “I’ll go there now.” He kisses Cat. “I’ll call you when I can.” With that, he’s already headed toward the door.
I press my hands to my face. “What are you doing, Cole?” I murmur, as if he can hear me.
Cat closes the space between us and grabs my hands. “You okay?”
“Not until he’s okay. Please don’t write that article. I cannot have you end up in the line of fire, too.”
“I’m not going to get hurt. We need to catch a killer. That’s what we all do together. And I know Cole knows this, but there is always a risk, but it’s a limited risk. Come read it.” She pats her briefcase. “And then you and Savage can give me ideas.”
“I’m in,” Savage says, turning off the television. “I like to catch me a bad guy, always, and our team is in on this now.”
“Let’s go make coffee,” Cat suggests.
I nod and a few minutes later I’m sitting with both of them in the kitchen reading Cat’s article out loud, focused on one important section:
What is the role of the District Attorney? Is it to get a conviction at all costs, including the life of an innocent man, or is it to convict the right person? If you didn’t answer “convict the right person,” let me give you something to think about. If Edward Sullivan wasn’t guilty, and a jury says he was not, who raped and killed those women? And can someone like that just stop killing? Statistically, the answer is no, they will not. Maybe they moved on to another city, state, or even country, but that killer is out there. What if you, or someone you love, is the next victim?
A reliable source has told me that law enforcement, and I include the DA in this category, has leads they could follow up on to catch the real killer, but they have not. That would, of course, require that they admit they attacked and ruined the life of an innocent man. Let’s just face it. Even if you’re innocent, if you’re accused of raping and killing four women, you will always be a rapist and a killer. What do you say on a date? By the way, I was on trial for rape and murder, but don’t worry! I was innocent.