The Oaths We Keep

Chapter 21

Taylor sat at the window of a small coffee shop across from the bus stop, watching for whoever might show up for the files. Barnes sat across from him, nursing her second cup of coffee since they arrived. Neither of them wanted to talk since they had left the station. The minutes ticked by slowly, and so far, nothing happened.

"They're not coming," she finally said.

He looked over at her with a tired face. "Be patient. They'll show. They can't leave those files there long term, so they'll show."

The time passed slowly. Barnes rechecked her watch and saw that only five minutes had passed since they last spoke. "Okay, I have to pee," she said, standing up to walk to the restroom in the back.

"Don't take too long," he said as she walked away.

He shook his head in frustration and wondered if she was right. While they sat there, only a few people took even a passing interest in the case under the bench. Almost two hours had passed since they first arrived, and still nothing. He hated to admit it, but he was more tired than he let on. He yawned more than a few times as the seconds ticked away.

Several minutes passed before Barnes returned. "Let me guess; they haven't shown yet?"

He looked at her with a scowl on his face. That was all the answer Barnes needed. "Alright, let's do this. Recover the bag and get our boys to call their boss again."

"Hey, wait a minute, look," she said as she pointed back to the bench. A black man dressed in mismatched clothing sat down and picked up the bag. He rummaged through it for a moment and tucked it under his arm. Looking around, he started to walk away. "McClendon move in," she said as she began to stand. Taylor was still sitting at the table, looking at her with a surprised face. "What?" she asked as she headed to the door, "are you just going to sit there?"

When they got to the bus stop, McClendon had the suspect in custody. "Good work, McClendon," Taylor said as he and Barnes approached.

"Thanks, but I don't think he's our guy," McClendon said with a noticeable sound of disappointment. The man looked confused by the sudden attention he received from the approaching officers. Taylor slowed as he noticed the heavy smell of alcohol on the man. "He said his name was Lenny. Pretty sure he's homeless."

"Lenny, did someone tell you to take that bag there?" asked Taylor.

"No sir...no sir...I just wanted to...return...it to...some guy," Lenny stammered, slurring his words as he stood on unsteady legs.

Taylor was frustrated and disappointed. He told McClendon, "Okay, why don't you get Lenny some medical attention here and then take him to the shelter over Spring Street? Come on back to the station when you're done." Turning his attention back to the homeless man, he said, "Thanks for your help, Lenny." The drunken man saluted at Taylor before McClendon began leading him to his car.

Barnes seemed to know what Taylor was thinking. "Laura, you were right. I don't think they're coming for the files."

She tried her best to hide her 'I told you so' expression. "So, what's our next move?" she asked.

"We need to talk with Erin Harper again. Then, we need to dig into the people she worked with because something much bigger is happening at Daniels, Morgan, and Steers.

Erin Harper was waiting for the detectives to arrive in the interrogation room. She sat at the table with a blank stare on her face. Barnes wanted to say something to her but decided it would be best if Taylor took the lead. Erin had all but shut down as she awaited news of her husband and his condition.

"Mrs. Harper, I called the hospital on the way back to the station. Your husband is badly injured and will need to be in the hospital for a while. He's unconscious right now, but the doctors say that's not necessarily a bad sign. They don't think he's in any immediate danger, but they will monitor him closely."

Erin looked toward him without making eye contact. She did not speak and barely moved. "Mrs. Harper, I know this is difficult, and I know you are in a bad spot, but we need to talk about your case." She did not respond. All she could do was sit with her left arm resting against her body while her head was slightly bowed, her right hand resting over her mouth and nose. There were no tears, and she made little effort to speak.

Taylor looked over at Barnes and then got up to leave the room. Barnes sat at the table as he left the room. "Erin," she said after he left, "we need to talk. I know this is tough...."

"No, you don't know," came a voice that Barnes almost did not recognize as Erin's anger burst forth. "You can't possibly know how difficult this is. I should be there with him. I should be by his bedside. I should be with my children. Anywhere but here. You wouldn't even let me see him for five minutes."

"Erin, I did what I had to do."

"Is that what you tell yourself? You do what you have to? What about simple human decency? What would it have hurt? Where did you think I would go?"

"Erin, there was nothing I could do at the time. It would not have been any different if he had walked away without a scratch. I hated to keep you from him; believe me, I did. Hell, I hate it now, but I had to do my job. I want to help you, but I can't without your information."

"Is that all I am now? A means to an end? Give this information, and I get a promise that you'll help me?" Erin said, feeling her anger and frustration growing inside of her.

"No, I'll take you to see your husband and get you the best lawyer I know."

"I don't need your pity, Detective."

"You don't have it. For what it's worth, I believe you, and I want to help you. I can't promise anything, but will do everything I can to help you. To do that, you must tell me everything you know."

"When do I get to see my husband?"

"Tomorrow morning. First thing. Then, you need to sit down with your lawyer and tell him everything you know. After that, we'll need to talk again." Barnes felt the strain of the situation beginning to ease. "Erin, this is the best deal that you'll get. I know you don't believe me, so give me a chance to prove it."

Erin began to calm down. She regarded Barnes with caution and uncertainty. "Is this lawyer of yours any good?" she finally asked.

"One of the best," Barnes assured her.