Chapter 6 - A FATHER'S PRICE
Mercer drove away after I photographed his license plate and asked him, loudly, whether he planned to repeat that lie to police. Drew stayed. He cried with his hands over his eyes, ashamed of tears he had earned.
The next morning I met Detective Naomi Hart at the county station. She was direct, sharp-eyed, and unimpressed by the Cole name.
“A training pistol isn't the same as a loaded firearm,” she said after watching Drew's video, “but pointing it at someone's head can still be a crime. We need your full statement. And I want to speak with every witness.”
“There's more,” I told her. “The academy has a critically injured cadet and conflicting medical times.”
She studied me. “Those are separate allegations. Don't blur them just because the same people are involved.”
Fair. I'd worked enough investigations to know that a good case needs facts, not rage.
That afternoon Charles Cole's attorney invited me to a private meeting at the town's nicest hotel. I brought my own attorney, Dana Brooks, who looked at the contract waiting on the table and laughed once.
“An apology drafted for my client,” Dana said. “And a confidentiality agreement.”
Charles Cole sat in a navy suit with silver hair and a pleasant smile. “Emma, nobody wants a woman's career damaged over a young man's foolishness.”
“Then tell Ryan to accept responsibility,” I said.
“He's applying for a prestigious commission. One false allegation can ruin him.”
“He wasn't falsely accused.”
Charles slid a second document across the table. It promised a substantial donation to my veterans hospital if I signed.
“My patients need that money,” I said.
“Then surely you'll consider it.”
Dana pushed the paper back. “We're done.”
May you like
At the door, Charles dropped his smile.
“Ms. Carter,” he said, “you should ask Dr. Price how long she expects to keep her medical license.”
