The Betrayal by Terry Lynn Thomas

Author:Terry Lynn Thomas [Thomas, Terry Lynn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2020-09-18T17:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Monday, October 20

Andrew’s fury at Richard had been continual and relentless, but Richard had somehow managed to stay out of his partner’s way over the weekend. Beth Musselwhite had sent her promised termination letter, along with a written guarantee that Andrew and Richard would be paid for outstanding services and would additionally receive their bonuses. Richard had gladly turned over the entire mess to Wendy. His plan was to work his cases until he handed them over, billing as many hours as possible. To this end, he was able to stay in his office behind his closed door with little disturbance.

Richard had always been able to shut off the stress and tune out the noise around him when he was focused on work. Now was no exception. He had 500-plus pages of deposition testimony to read before a trial that was scheduled to start in ten days. The case would in all likelihood settle, but Richard always prepared, just in case.

On this Monday morning, he had worked from eight o’clock straight through the lunch hour, doing his best to at least appear busy so Wendy and Andrew would leave him alone. Finally, after reading the same sentence five times, he pushed away from his desk and grabbed his jacket. He had just closed his office door when that cop – what was her name? Inspector Sharon Bailey – came into the foyer with her partner, a surly young girl who didn’t bother to hide her dislike for Richard. Richard plastered a smile on his face and went into the foyer to meet the two women.

“What can I do for you today, ladies? I was just leaving.”

“This won’t take long, Mr. Sinclair,” Inspector Bailey said. “We have a warrant to take a DNA swab.”

The younger officer all but threw the warrant at Richard. He caught it as it fluttered to the ground and perused it quickly. “Very well. Let’s go in my office.”

Inspector Bailey stood by while the younger officer took two swabs from Richard’s cheek. After she put the swabs in a plastic tube, both officers signed and dated the label, and the tube was tucked into an evidence bag, which was also signed by both officers before it was sealed.

“Why do you need my DNA?” Richard asked.

Inspector Bailey gave him a condescending smile. “Sorry. Can’t discuss the investigation. Thanks for your cooperation. We’ll be in touch.”

And without further explanation, both women left.

Their absence created a sort of vacuum, and Richard Sinclair was acutely aware that things were happening behind the scenes over which he had no control but which could ultimately affect him. He stepped out into the hallway to find Andrew standing outside his office.

“What was that all about?”

“I have no idea,” Richard said.

“Where are you going?” Andrew called after him.

“Out,” Richard said.

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