Free Deadly Sin (Cassandra Farbanks) by Sonnet O'Dell

suddenly appeared on the database, I’d have no idea how thoroughly he checked. Hamilton would know I saw his research and that I had something to hide. I was glad he wasn’t telepathic, or he’d have caught the miasma of guilt and suspicion swirling in my head. The only telepath I’ve met is the mayor and I was not his biggest fan. He tried using me to advance his political agenda and I didn’t like that.
    The pause in our conversation was uncomfortable. I was relieved when there was a knock on the door, it opened and the face of Detective Sergeant Butcher peer in.
    “Sorry to interrupt.” The words were polite but his face was completely unapologetic. “We got a call. Possible homicide in Fort Royal Park.”
    Hamilton stood and strode purposely towards the door that Butcher now held all the way open.
    “I need three units in cars,” he called, “and to the Fort Royal Park immediately.” Butcher rounded his desk, retrieving his gun and badge from the top draw. Hamilton fixed him with his gaze.
    “Not you Butcher. Remember the evaluation, desk duty for the first month.”
    “Oh come on Ham, you know I’ll be fine.”
    “With the auditor in the building, you’re going to play by the rules or you’ll have to go back on leave.” Butcher sat back down with a displeased grunt. “You coming?”
    I was lost in my own head. Butcher called Hamilton, Ham. Ham and Butcher, it made me giggle. Hamilton stared at me, and I realized he addressed me. Was I going to go along?
    “Sure,” I said, following him. As we walked out of the room, I looked back at Butcher. He had no happy face. In fact, he looked severely pissed off at both of us.

Chapter Five
    I climbed into Hamilton’s car before really thinking about it. There was nothing in the call that suggested this death had anything to do with Callaghan’s murder except for the tiny prickling I got at the back of my neck, and that was hardly proof. Either way, Hamilton embroiled me into looking at another body that may or may not have anything to do with me. Just great . I remember a time when I could count the bodies I’d seen, on one hand. This was no longer. When Hamilton didn’t put his flashers on, I grilled him on his sullen detective sergeant.
    “Tell me about Butcher? Why have I not met him before?”
    The brow above his left eye twitched. They both may have twitched, but I only saw his face in profile. Hamilton has a very graceful profile, the kind that belongs on a byzantine vase.
    “He’s been on leave.”
    “I got that from when I asked him why I’d not met him before. Why was he on leave?” We pulled up to a red light and Hamilton looked at me with suspicion.
    “Why do you want to know?”
    “Well for one, he was giving me the serious evils when we left and I want to make sure he doesn’t go all Ted Bundy on my ass.” Hamilton barked laughter then pulled forward as the light changed color.
    “Apart from the fact that that’s a bit harsh, it’s completely ridiculous. Butcher wouldn’t hurt a fly.” I crossed my arms, refusing deflection.
    “That’s great for the fly community. I’ll send them a memo. I, however, am not a fly.”
    Hamilton sighed. He saw I wasn’t going to back down so he capitulated.
    “Last August we got called to a multiple shooting at a house. The uniforms were sure the house was clear. The shooter was hiding in a closet. When Butcher found him, he got shot. He took three to the chest, one in the hip and another in the leg. The kid just kept shooting till his clip emptied, even though Butcher was down. Most of the other rounds went into the wall when he’d hit the floor. It was touch and go for a while but he’s a tough man.” Hamilton turned left and headed south. He sounded like he greatly admired Butcher for what he’d been through. “It was remarkable that there was no damage. The kid had been no marksman. With some physical therapy, time, and mandatory sessions with the force psyche, he’s making a full