Chapter 123
The investigation lives on
Detective James’ POV:
My phone rings, and I answer it, hoping for a break in the investigation, but it was coming from the police station, the same department.
Instead, I heard the panicked voice of Tammy, an inmate at the prison.
“Detective James, it is me, Tammy! You have got to help me, man! I am in trouble!” She exclaims.
I have dealt with Tammy before, and I know she is prone to exaggeration and paranoia. But there is something in her voice that makes me listen.
“What is going on, Tammy? What is wrong?” I ask as I tried to keep my tone neutral.
“They are out to get me, Detective! They are trying to kill me! I saw something I shouldn’t have, and now they are after me!” She replies with her voice trembling.
I raise an eyebrow, skeptical but also intrigued. Who is Tammy trying to convince this time?
“Who is after you, Tammy? And what did you see?” I pressed on.
But Tammy was not having it.
“I cannot tell you over the phone! You have got to come here, Detective! You gotta protect me!” She yelled.
I sigh, feeling a headache coming on.
I do not have time for Tammy’s antics, but something in his voice makes me hesitate. Maybe this time, he is telling the truth.
“Okay, Tammy. I will come to the prison and talk to you. But you need to calm down and tell me what is going on in a rational way, got it?” I say, trying to sound reassuring.
Tammy’s voice is still panicked, but she manages to stammer.
“Y-yes, Detective. Thank you!” She said.
I hang up the phone and rub my temples. This is going to be a long day.
I looked up from my desk as Tammy burst into my office, her eyes wild and frantic.
“Detective James, I told you; I am in trouble! They are after me!” Tammy told me.
I raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
“Who is after you, Tammy? And what is with the letter?” I asked.
Tammy held out a crumpled piece of paper, her hands shaking.
“This! It is from Lily! She is in on it too!” She said as I took the paper from her.
I took the letter from him, smoothing out the creases. It was a note, written in hasty handwriting.
“What does it say?” I muttered.
Tammy’s eyes darted around the room, as if she feared being overheard.
“It says she is going to make sure Megan does not leave on bail. And something about an escape plan… Oh God, Detective, they are going to kill me!” She exclaimed.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. This sounded like more than just Tammy’s usual paranoia.
“Let me look into it, Tammy. But you need to calm down and tell me everything you know.” I assured.
Tammy nodded, still looking frantic, but slightly more focused.
“Okay, Detective. I will tell you everything.” She replied.
I leaned back in my chair, eyes fixed on the letter.
This could be the break I needed in the case. Or just another wild goose chase courtesy of Tammy’s imagination.
But only time would tell.
“Alright, Tammy, let us get to the bottom of this,” I say, standing up and gesturing for her to follow me.
“We will head to the conference room and get the team together. It is time to brainstorm and figure out what’s going on.” I assured her.
Tammy nods, still looking nervous, but seeming to relax a bit now that she is sharing her concerns with me. He follows me out of my office and down the hall to the conference room.
As we walk in, I see my team already gathered around the table, looking expectant.
“Okay, everyone,” I say, taking a seat at the head of the table.
“Tammy here has some information that may be relevant to our case. Let’s hear her out.” I told them.
I nod to Tammy, encouraging her to share what she knows.
Tammy takes a deep breath and begins to explain, her words spilling out in a rush.
“It’s Lily, Detective. She is planning something. I do not know what, but she has been acting strange and I found this note…” he told us.
The team listens intently, their faces serious and focused. I can see the wheels turning in their minds as they process the information.
“Okay, let us break this down,” I say as Tammy finished speaking.
“What do we know about Lily’s movements and connections?” I asked them.
“Alright, team,” I say after a time of brainstorming.
“I think we need to get closer to Lily to figure out what is going on. And I think I know just the person to help us do that.” I said.
I turn to Sergeant Sarah turned in mate, who has been quietly observing the discussion.
“Sarah, I need your help with something. I want you to reach out to Lily, see if you can get her to open up about what’s going on.” I told her.
Sarah raises an eyebrow.
“What is in it for me, Detective?” She asked me.
I lean forward, my eyes locked on hers.
“I can offer you a reduced sentence, Sarah. You have been cooperative so far, and I appreciate that. But I need your help now more than ever.” I begged.
Sarah’s expression is calculating, weighing her options. Finally, she nods.
“Alright, Detective. I will see what I can do.” Finally, she nods.
I nod, a plan forming in my mind.
“Good.” I said.
“I will make sure to get the paperwork started on your reduced sentence. But I need you to be careful, Sarah. If Lily suspects anything, it could blow our whole case.” I told her.
Sarah nods, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
“Don’t worry, Detective. I can handle myself.” She told me.
“Okay, Detective, I will do it,” Sarah says, her voice firm.
“But I want to make it clear: I am not doing this out of the goodness of my heart. I want something in return.” She told me.
I lean back in my chair, expecting this.
“What do you want, Sarah?” I ask.
“I want a reduced sentence, like you said. But I also want assurance that I will be placed in a minimum-security facility.” She said.
” And I want a chance to see my daughter, unsupervised, at least once a month.” She added.
I nod, considering her demands. They’re reasonable, given the circumstances.
“Alright, Sarah. I can make that happen. But you need to deliver results. I need concrete information about Lily’s plans, and I need it fast.” I told her.
Sarah nods, a look of determination on her face.
“I will get it done, Detective. I promise.” She said.