Chapter 18 - CHOOSING A SIDE
Drew had found the camera in the equipment storeroom when the academy began inventorying materials for the investigation. Instead of taking the memory card out, he left everything together and called Hart from the sidewalk.
“I brought it here because I didn't know who else I could trust,” he told her when she arrived. “I haven't watched it.”
Hart documented the handoff and warned him not to go near the storeroom again. She had already requested the equipment through proper channels; now the camera could be examined without a dozen people handling it first.
Ryan called Drew while we stood on Rosa's porch. His name flashed across the phone.
“You're going to answer?” Hart asked.
Drew looked at Ben through the open door. “Yes. But I'm not going to lie for him.”
He put the call on speaker after telling Ryan a detective was present.
“You think Carter cares about you?” Ryan snapped. “She'll make you a witness and walk away. My dad can still fix this.”
“You told me Ben was pretending,” Drew said. “I believed you because it was easier.”
Ryan went quiet.
“I watched his mom cry,” Drew continued. “I'm done.”
Ryan's answer came low and venomous. “Then you're done at West March, too.”
The call ended. Drew started shaking. Ben pushed himself upright, walked slowly to the door with Rosa beside him, and held out his hand.
“Thanks for bringing it,” he said.
Drew couldn't look at him. “I should've opened the door.”
“Yeah,” Ben answered. “You should have.”
The honesty hurt them both. After a moment, Ben took his hand anyway.
Hart's phone buzzed. She read the message once, then looked at us.
May you like
“The prosecutor has approved warrants,” she said. “Officers are going to the academy.”
And this time, Charles Cole wouldn't be there to open the doors for them.
