Heinous by Debra Webb Page A

wife. Most of the department, as you well know, was in an uproar over Chief Harris’ decision to investigate Lieutenant Grayson and his partner, Sergeant Jack Riley.”
    “This investigation,” Harold began, “created quite a bad feeling toward Chief Harris.”
    “Please rephrase your remark into the form of a question, Chief Black,” Teller advised, “and identify who allegedly had a bad feeling toward Chief Harris.”
    “Of course. Is it true,” Harold tried again, “that Chief Harris’ investigation into Grayson and Riley created a bad feeling toward her within the department?”
    “Chief Harris proved to be correct about the murder,” Dan answered gladly. “Sergeant Riley and his wife were responsible for Mrs. Grayson’s murder.”
    “Be that as it may, you didn’t answer my question,” Harold argued.
    “How is any of this relevant to my client’s alleged involvement in Captain Allen’s disappearance?” Teller demanded. “This is becoming nothing more than a fishing expedition as well as a colossal waste of time and tax payer dollars.”
    Harold shifted his attention to the attorney. “Mr. Teller, we are investigating the potential homicide of one of our own. Determining the circumstances of all events leading up to Captain Allen’s disappearance is crucial to ruling out the possibility that anyone in this department was involved in his disappearance.”
    “You mean,” Dan cut in, too damned frustrated now to keep his mouth shut, “like the possibility that I was the one who made him disappear.”
    “Please, Dan,” Teller said firmly, “wait for a new question.”
    Harold sighed. “I’ll move on to another question. As chief of police, what did you do to control the situation between Chief Harris and Captain Allen?”
    Dan searched for calm. All he had to do was answer truthfully and professionally. One step at a time, he would get through this. “I warned Captain Allen that he’d better show the proper respect to his superior. I urged Chief Harris to find a way to work with Captain Allen. That’s it. I have no idea how his cell phone ended up in my trashcan. I have—”
    “You’ve answered the question, Dan,” Teller cautioned, cutting him off.
    Dan ignored him. “I have no idea how Allen’s wedding band came to be in my barbecue grill. But I do know a set up when I see one.”
    “For the record,” Teller interjected, “both the trashcan and the barbecue grill were easily accessible to anyone passing on the street.”
    “So noted, Mr. Teller,” Harold stated.
    Dan didn’t trust his instincts about Harold anymore. They had been friends for years, but then, so had he and the mayor. At this point, he wasn’t sure who he could trust besides Jess.
    “The fire at your home was ruled arson,” Harold commented.
    “Is that a question, Chief Black? What are you suggesting?” Teller countered.
    Harold shook his head. “I’m not suggesting anything, sir.” His attention rested on Dan once more. “I’m desperate to solve this case and clear up the confusion.”
    Teller stood. “Well then, until you have enough evidence to consider Chief Burnett a suspect, I would
suggest
you stop harassing him with the same questions he’s already answered.” He looked to Dan. “This proceeding is over.”
    Feeling more helpless and frustrated than he had when they started, Dan pushed out of his chair.
    “Dan,” Harold stood, “I hope you know I’m doing all I can to sort this out.”
    “I’m confident you are, Harold.” There was a lot more Dan wanted to say, but he decided to be smart and do as his attorney advised this time. Jess needed him to be smart. Whatever happened with this case affected her as well as their child.
    Teller waited until Harold and Roark were gone. “You did fairly well, Dan.” He reached for his brief case. “Next time, remember not to give more than you’re asked. Answer only the question and leave it at that. Easier said than done, I know, but it’s