I'll Protect You

Chapter 3

Richard Moreno had changed over the years. That much was clear to Tom, who held the photo Oliver had given the police. The Richard in the photo had a dangerous aura about him, sticking close to Henry and the others. However, the Richard in front of them was a doctor in training. He was clean-shaven and his hair was styled back. The years had shifted his hair colour from a silver to a darker grey, but Tom wasn't convinced it wasn't dyed, he was only ten years older than Oliver, who was only about 22.

Richard's home was small, and he was engaged to a wonderful woman who had invited them inside. She wore sensible clothing, a soft summer dress with a modest cut. She had introduced herself as Julianna, "but call me Julie", she said. Tom was surprised that Richard had such a normal life after looking at his track record, but Julie had helpfully explained that Richard was turning himself around, and wasn't involved in that stuff anymore. According to her, Richard was fully capable of supporting them both with his successful job as a fitness trainer.

"I do hope he's not in trouble again," she had said, "he used to be in and out of juvie but he's turned himself around." The juvie was not news to the police, as they had dug up Richard's records. Several accounts of mugging and robbery. Only one or two successful and always someone injured. Richard had claimed the injuries hadn't been on purpose, but the pattern was established, and the judge did not go easy on him.

"Hello Richard," Madeleine spoke when they had all settled, settling her self on Tom's left, "we're from the police department and we have a few questions about a new case."

"Yeah, sure," Richard replied, fidgeting a bit with his hands, "what can I help you with?"

"We were wondering what you think of Oliver? Peterson?" Tom asked and Richard stopped fidgeting, eyebrows scrunching for a second before his face lit up with a smile.

"Henry's younger brother yeah? Well, I haven't seen him in ages but when I write to Henry, Oliver's all he talks about," Richard explained before confusion clouded his features, "did he do something?"

"Not that we know of, but Oliver has been questioned about several murders, and with some new evidence we think that whoever committed these murders knows Oliver on a personal level," Madeleine elaborated and Richard nodded slowly.

"Yeah, I'll admit that when I was younger I would have been a prime candidate. We all cared for Oliver. We were his parents in a way. I would point you towards Henry but he's not exactly able to commit murder from where he currently is. Maybe someone else from the group, they might still keep in touch? I kind of split off after my second stay in juvie. Tried to find better people," Richard shook his head a bit, "maybe check the others."

"We will, thank you," Tom replied and Richard nodded at him.

"If it's not too much trouble can we ask your whereabouts Friday morning between two and five?" Madeleine asked, pulling out her notepad and pen.

"Yeah sure, I was out with my mates at the bar until about four, and then I came home. Julie can vouch for me," Richard replied, pulling out his phone and scrolling through his contacts. "If you need my mates' contacts I have them here."

"Yes please, and thank you," Madeleine said as she jotted down the numbers presented. She passed the sheet of paper to Tom who pocketed it.

"Thank you for your time," Tom said as the officers stood up.

"Is Oliver safe?" Richard asked and Tom smiled at him.

"We've installed several security measures to ensure his safety. It's too early to tell whether the criminal wishes to harm Oliver, or will in the near future."

"Thank you," Richard said, and he stood up, "I know I said I drifted off but I still do feel sorry for him. He was too young for such a thing and I don't really want a repeat of what happened so many years ago."