Don't Cage The Birdie (Book 2)(rough first draft)

Chapter 12. The thief in the night

The trip was over before he knew it and James rushed inside the plaza and was greeted by Brewster.

'Tell me everything,' said James.

'I investigated him like you said,' explained Brewster, hurrying to stay in pace with James. 'I found out he has a record of suspected break and enters and has spent some time in jail for possess stolen property. I got a man up town to head over and pay him a visit and see what he could find out and he reported no one home. Then he gets a call that someone's reported notice of a break in at Syracuse a few blocks over from Hanley Street and arrived and caught him in the act of climbing the backyard fence with a stereo player and video player. A TV was already in the boot of his car parked on the side street. We brought him in and transported him down here as soon as we caught him.'

'Where is he now?' asked James as they marched towards the elevators.

'Holding room 3,' said Brewster. 'He's demanded a lawyer and has one on the way.'

'Hold him off,' commanded James, stepping into the elevator and tapping the floor he needed. 'I'm going to have a word.'

The doors closed and took him up two floors and he stepped out when the doors dinged open. He made his way down the brightly lit hallways and signed in to an adjourning room and an officer opened a locked door and let him through into another hallway. James marched down the hall, counting the doors until he came to holding room 3. He took a breath and let it out and stepped into the room, locking the door behind him.

It was bare, with only a table and two chairs. A cassette tape machine sat on the table. There was two-way glass along one wall, inside the room reflecting the room while on the other it stared into the room. Sydney Binding sat slumped in a chair, hands cuffed to the table. He looked up as James entered and grunted.

'Mr Binding,' said James, pulling out the spare chair and seating himself. 'Looks like we're in a bind,' he joked, though there was no humour in his voice or face. This was serious.

Sydney Binding didn't laugh at the joke, keeping his face straight. 'I want my lawyer,' he said.

'He's on his way and as soon as he's here we'll send him in. I just have some questions in the meantime.'

'Ask away, but I'm not talking till he gets here.'

James smiled wanly, checked to see there was a fresh tape in the machine and pressed play. 'I'm Detective James Holland, New York Police Department, registration number 9697040939. This is the record of police interview with Sydney Binding. The time is,' he looked at his watch and sighed, seeing the broken watch face. He pulled out his pager and glanced at the clock on the tiny screen. '8.46 pm.'

He fell silent and the cassette taped spun on, recording silence. Eventually James leaned forward, face pulled into harsh features. 'So what can you tell me about tonight I don't already know?' he asked.

Sydney shrugged and said nothing.

'Mr Binding, or do you mind if I call you Sydney? Sydney -'

'Whatever you want,' interrupted Sydney.

'Sydney, you've been brought in on charges of break and enter at night, possess property you knew to be unlawfully obtained. Those are just the charges you're facing as of this moment at,' James glanced at his pager again, '8.48 pm. What you don't know is you're the runner up to be charged for break and enter with a side dish of murder.'

Sydney's eyes widened at the allegation. 'I didn't kill anyone.'

'Maybe not tonight,' said James, voice low and sharp as a razor, 'but how about two nights ago, early Tuesday morning?'