Free Cold Justice by Rayven T. Hill

may have
known that figure, and knew an overdose was the best way to avoid suspicion.”
    Diego ignored the assumption. “Hank, we’ve known each other
for a long time. I know you’re a good cop.” He leaned forward. “What you do on
your own time is up to you, but officially, this file is closed.”
    “The Lincolns are looking into this. If they, or we, come up
with something solid, can we take another look?”
    “Not meaning to disrespect the Lincolns in any way, but they’re
looking into this because they’re paid to look into it. Not because they
necessarily think there’s anything to go on.” He paused. “However, if they come
up with something solid. I mean solid. Real proof a crime has been committed
here. Something that will stand up in court, then we’ll take another look. But
until then...” He closed the file folder in front of him with a swish, sat
back, adjusted his navy blue tie, and looked at Hank.
    Hank studied Diego a moment, and then finally stood. “All
right. Thanks Captain,” he said reluctantly as he turned and left the room.
    Hank knew Diego had done the logical thing. As head of
Richmond Hill Police Department, Captain Diego had worked his way up through
the ranks and was well respected by the men under him. That’s not to say Diego
was always right, of course, but he is the Captain.
    He sighed and stabbed speed dial on his cell phone.
    “Jake here.”
    “Hey Jake, the captain closed the file. Mrs. Macy’s death is
officially labeled a suicide by the coroner.”
    “So the investigators found nothing either?” Jake asked.
    “Nope. I have all the reports right here. If you guys are
going to be home for a while, I’ll drop them over.”
    “Sure,” Jake said. “We’re here now. Come on over.”
    “Be right there.” Hank touched the cell phone and ended the
call, shoving it into his pocket. He made photocopies of the papers, went to
his desk, and slipped them into his valise.
    Before leaving, he poked his head back into Diego’s office. “Can
we at least have an autopsy done?” he asked.
    Diego sighed. “All right. I’ll get the coroner to do a full
autopsy. Then we’ll close the case.”
    “Thanks Captain,” Hank said. He turned and left the
precinct.
     
     
    Thursday, August 17th, 9:22 AM
     
    JAKE SWUNG the front door open when Hank knocked. “Come on
in. We’re in the kitchen. There’s some fresh coffee on.” He led the way and
Hank followed.
    Annie was in the kitchen and greeted Hank with a smile. Hank
and Jake dropped into chairs at the kitchen table. Jake slouched back,
utilizing another chair to prop up his feet, while Annie poured three steaming
mugs of coffee. She set them on the table with cream and sugar, and sat at the
end.
    Hank opened his valise and removed the folder of reports. He
dropped them on the table in front of Annie. “It’s all here,” he said. “Police
report. Coroner’s report. Doctor’s report. Drug screen.”
    Annie flipped open the folder and browsed the papers while
Hank and Jake prepared their coffee. Lots of sugar in Hank’s. Not too much
cream.
    Jake looked at Annie, “Hank said the investigators found
nothing suspicious.”
    Hank nodded. “That’s what they say, but...”
    Annie looked at Hank. “You don’t think it’s a suicide
either, do you,” she stated.
    Hank shook his head. “I’m not sure, but the captain closed
the file. He said he had no choice as there’s nothing there to indicate it was
anything other than suicide.” He shrugged and took a gulp of coffee. “But, I
was able to convince him to do a full autopsy first.”
    Jake sat up and picked up one of the reports. He browsed the
pages, sipping thoughtfully at his coffee.
    “Outside of these reports, there’s a lot of little things
that don’t make sense, “Annie said.
    “Such as?” Hank asked.
    “For starters, Philip Macy said his wife would always keep
the front door chained when he’s not home. But today, when he came home, the
chain was