Crow's Nest [✓]

Chapter 23

They stepped into the police station, the air heavy with urgency. Ignoring the curious looks from the other officers, they made a beeline for the Chief's office. The door was slightly opened, and they could see Chief Gibson seated behind his desk.

Thomas knocked on the doorframe to announce their presence.

Chief Gibson looked up from his paperwork, his eyes immediately zeroing in on them. "Ah, Detective Crow, Detective Hole," he said, gesturing for them to enter. "Take a seat. I've got some questions for you two."

They sat down in the chairs in front of Gibson's desk, the atmosphere palpably thick. The Chief leaned back, his eyes studying them with a mix of concern and sternness.

"So, I take it you've heard about Johnathan?" he asked, cutting right to the chase.

The tension in the room grew as Chief Gibson laid out the situation directly. "Johnathan was found dead last night. Murdered. And the last person seen with him was... Detective Harry."

The Chief's eyes fixated on Harry, his gaze sharp and unwavering. Harry, for his part, remained outwardly composed despite the obvious implication.

Thomas glanced at Harry, noting his calm demeanor. Chief Gibson, too, seemed to notice, his expression not lacking suspicion.

"Harry, care to explain just why you were with Johnathan last night? And why he was found dead afterward?" asked the Chief, his tone firm.

"He was a valuable informant," Harry said,"He knew things about the drug trade in the area, specifically about a particularly nasty drug we're trying to shut down. He happened to be at the Rusty Nail last night."

Thomas looked at Harry and then back at the Chief to comfirm Harry's statement. The Chief nodded, absorbing the information and mulling it over.

Chief Gibson's gaze flicked between Harry and Thomas, seemingly trying to judge the truth behind Harry's words. He leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk.

"We found your fingerprints at the scene, Harry," he said, his voice lowering slightly. "Care to explain that?"

Harry shifted in his seat, the mention of his fingerprints clearly ruffling him. "I... I had a run-in with Johnathan at a bar," he admitted, the words falling from his mouth like stones. "It... it got out of hand, and we fought."

Thomas watched the exchange intently, a flicker of unease in his eyes. The Chief, his expression hardened, continued questioning Harry.

The Chief's gaze hardened at Harry's response. "And this 'fight,' was it serious?" he pressed, leaning back in his chair. "Serious enough to cause harm?"

Thomas held his breath for a moment, the gravity of the situation slowly closing in on them. It was a dangerous tightrope they were on, teetering between truth and lie.

"I... I hit him a few times and he hit me as well," Harry admitted, the words almost like a confession. "But I swear, I didn't kill him."

Chief Gibson's eyes narrowed further, the skepticism obvious in his expression. Thomas could practically feel the air getting tenser as the interrogation ramped up.

The Chief's voice was a hard edge. "So, the fight was serious, and you were the last one to see him alive." He paused, his gaze piercing through Harry. "Doesn't exactly look good for you, does it?"

Thomas, sensing the need to shift the focus, spoke up suddenly, hoping to provide some balance to the tense atmosphere.

"Chief," he began, his voice calm and measured, "there's something you should know. Harry did get into a fight with Johnathan, but there was a witness."

The Chief turned his gaze on Thomas, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "And who would this witness be?" he asked, leaning forward slightly.

"A bartender named Jake," Thomas explained. "He was working the night shift last night at The Rusty Nail where the fight took place.  He saw the whole fight and actually separated it."

Thomas saw the flicker of interest in the Chief's eyes. The mention of a witness could potentially clear Harry's name.

Chief Gibson leaned back in his chair, thinking. "A bartender as a witness, huh? That could be useful." He glanced at Harry, the hardness in his eyes softening marginally.

"We'll need to bring this 'Jake' in for questioning," he said, his voice slightly more hopeful. "See if his account corroborates your story."

"Of course," Harry replied quickly, a note of relief in his voice. "He'd be able to tell you exactly what happened last night."

Thomas felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps the Chief's interest in Jake might divert the focus from Harry. The room felt less claustrophobic, the air a bit easier to breathe in.

"Before we bring in this Jake," Chief Gibson said, turning back to Harry, "I need you to give an official statement. We'll need to record and document everything, especially since you were the last person to see Johnathan alive."

Thomas looked at Harry, hoping he'd be able to keep his cool during the formal interview. It was crucial to maintain a steady, believable story.

As the Chief finished speaking, Thomas chimed in, his voice steady.

"Chief, I think it would be best if I conducted the interview," he said. "Harry's my partner, and I know his methods and thought process better than anyone here."

After a moment of thought, the Chief shook his head. "No, Thomas. You're too close to this situation, being Harry's partner and all. That could cloud your judgment."

He paused, glancing back at Harry. "We'll need someone impartial, someone who can objectively ask the right questions."