Free In the Shadow of Love by Annie Bruce Page A

measure of the other before entering.
    The Captain stood gesturing for Morris to take a seat.  Suddenly it felt more like an interview than a dreaded reprimand.  When the Captain finally spoke Morris braced himself for bad news as The Lieutenant stood guard.
    “Detective Morris we know you’ve been seeing Maggie Faraday.”
    “I beg your pardon, sir.”
    The Captain leaned forward, resting his forearms on his desk and locked eyes.
    “You were at her house today for quite awhile.”
    “I’m conducting an investigation.”
    “And you’re going back for dinner.”
    Morris’ stomach tightened as the conversation took an unexpected turn.  He was conducting an investigating and she was a witness.  Catching the call that day was a random event - or was it?
    Resentment permeated his body.  Ready to defend himself if necessary, his mind a whirl of activity as he tried to sense what was coming next.
    The Captain stood suddenly – so did Morris.  It was an automatic response.  When a senior officer stood so did the subordinate.
    Just as suddenly, the Captain walked out of his office and into the main station area where the detectives routinely gathered to solve the crime of the day.  He paused for just a moment then said loud enough for others to hear, “Come with me Detective,” another pause, “NOW!
    An uneasy feeling gnawed at the pit of his stomach as all eyes turned in his direction.  He held his head high, yet felt like the condemned walking the proverbial plank.  One minute the Captain was speaking to him with civility the next he was barking orders.  Morris did the only thing he could – he obeyed.
    Led into an interrogation room at the back of the building, Morris found himself isolated from the rest of the station.  Decades ago when the police station was first built the room was used to unofficially interrogate suspects.  Today it was more of a liability given the public’s distaste for even a hint of police brutality.
    Did the Captain have unofficial plans for Morris?
    “After you Detective,” it wasn’t an invitation.  All three men gathered uncomfortably in the small room and Morris braced himself for the worst possible outcome as sweat dripped down the back of his neck.
    “Relax, detective.”  The Captain’s tone changed with the closing of the door.
    “Lieutenant, are you sure nobody can hear or see us?”
    “Yes, Captain.  I’ve taken care of everything.”
    Morris’ uneasiness returned as he looked at the faces of the two men crammed in the room with him.  He prepared himself to fight his way out if necessary.
    “Very well, then.”  The Captain eyed Morris carefully.  “Detective, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
    Morris’ eyes fixed on the Lieutenant as he opened a side door that led to a connecting observation room.  In walked a distinguished-looking older gentleman.
    “Detective Morris,” The Captain’s voice broke through the sudden silence in the room.  “I’d like you to meet Owen Cassidy.”
    A thick silence hung in the stale air of the tiny room while everyone waited for his response.  His usual skills at quickly sizing up the situation and taking control momentarily eluded him.
    “Does Maggie know?”  Morris fixed his stare on the older gentleman as he asked the question.
    “No, “he lowered his eyes.  “No she doesn’t.”
    “Just what the hell is going on, sir!”  Morris’ voice held his irritation as he turned towards the Captain.
    “Sorry about the little show back there detective but it’s imperative that as few people as possible know what’s going on.”
    “And I seem to be one of them.”
    “Why don’t we all sit down,” the Captain’s voice regained its authoritative tone.
    “How is Maggie - Detective Morris, isn’t it?”  The older man was first to speak, clearly worried.
    “She’s alive and safe and yes it’s Detective Morris,” answering the questions in the order they were asked.
    “Owen.”  The