Free Conviction: Book 3 of the Detective Ryan Series by Andrew Hess Page B

hoodie, and running sneakers.
    “You want coffee first, or after the run?”
    “You actually plan on running?”
    He approached which rendered me cautious. “I started coming here every day since the shooting hoping we could talk. I figured it was the best way to come see you, only you never showed. After the first two days, I decided to walk up and down the path trying to find you. It wasn’t so bad, so I started doing it every day until they arrested me.”
    I had to admit, Rodney looked like he shed some weight since the last time I saw him up close. “Let’s have the coffee first. This way I can be sure neither of us does anything stupid during the run.”
    “You really think I would hurt you, Ali?” I could tell he was offended by the comment, but wasn’t meant to come across that way.
    “No, it’s to make sure I don’t knock you over the rail.” I grabbed the coffee in Rodney’s left knowing he always drank with his right hand. I smiled and jabbed him in the shoulder to let him know I was joking. He walked back to the road and looked up and down it to make sure no one was approaching. “Don’t worry I came alone. You can pat me down too if you think I’m wearing a wire. Maybe I should strip?”
    “Cut the crap, Ali. You can’t blame me for being paranoid. The court is rushing to start my trial, and you randomly decided to hear my side of things. It’s just a little suspicious.”
    “Yeah, well things changed.”
    “What things?”
    “Off the record?” I waited for him to nod his confirmation. “I had an impromptu meeting with Dr. Cain the other morning. She was trying to cut a deal with the A.D.A. saying she was getting threats not to talk to us. Her defense attorney wanted to protect her client and said they would help us in our investigations for protection and a prison transfer.”
    “What investigations?”
    “Supposedly, there are a few including the Campus Killer.”
    “What? Ali, you solved that one. You took the son of a bitch down. He’s dead. How can there be anything more to that investigation?”
    “She’s claiming he had help, and the person that helped is the one that left the message for her.” I could see hearing Dr. Cain’s accusation was bothering Rodney, but he needed to know why I was giving him the chance to clear the air with me. To do that, I needed him to trust me.
    “What else happened?” he asked.
    “I came home that night to find someone had broken into Thornton’s house. Whoever’s been leaving me flowers everywhere, decided to leave more of them, this time on the bed I’ve been sleeping in.”
    “You think it’s the same guy that left them on your desk that night?” Rodney knew the same thing I did. If this was the same guy, it could potentially clear his name.
    “I don’t know. If it is, I plan on taking him down once and for all.” I glanced up at Rodney knowing his brain was processing everything I told him. “Don’t go blabbing to your attorney about any of it yet. If we can’t turn up shit, I don’t want it blowing up in your face.”
    “Okay, Ali. I won’t say anything until you give me the go ahead.” He took a long sip from his coffee, swirled it around his cup again and polished it off.
    “Now, start talking. Tell me what happened that night.”
    “When you got those flowers and the message, I panicked. The last time you thought Amanda was in danger, you left her in my care and I fucked up. I left her with the other officers. It was a mistake that haunted me for six months. So when I bolted from the station was because I wanted to ensure she was okay.”
    “Rodney, you were ordered to investigate the matter. I don’t blame you for what happened.”
    “You might not, but I did. I floored it to your house and got there before anyone else did. I didn’t think to call backup because I knew you and Thornton were on your way. Not wanting to waste any time, I broke the door and entered your house. I tried the light switch, but the