Free Vendetta by Jennifer Moulton Page B

state the obvious.
         Mark looked at him steadily. “Yes, that’s exactly what I think. I believe it indefinitely, with every molecule in my brain. That man is a cold blooded killer. He has never once admitted guilt for the murders, ever. God only knows what has gone on in his mind, being locked up all this time. His resentment towards me, I’m sure, has been unbearable. There’s NO doubt in my mind that he’s been waiting and planning to take some sort of revenge. He‘s too proud and stubborn of a man to have just let this all go. The motive is clear to me,” Mark said eloquently.
         “Alright then, now we just have to prove it,” Williams agreed.
         Williams then slid his glasses back on.
         “First things first, let’s go over the preliminary report from the hospital that Dom gave you. It states… possible food contamination or Allergic Reaction. The official cause of death might not be determined for weeks and the autopsy won’t be performed until next week you said?” William asked.
         “Yeah, that’s right,” Mark said.
         “So for now, we go with the E.M.T’s cause of death, which is “anaphylactic shock and asphyxiation,” he looked focused as he read the report that Mark put in front of him. “This could coincide with either theory of an allergic reaction or a poisoning,” Williams seemed disappointed by this.
         Mark had already realized this. “Absolutely, it’s disheartening, but we must find other proof that supports that this case is a homicide.”
         It wasn’t easy hearing how she may have died or that she might have suffered. He suddenly thought of her laid out on that cold, metal viewing table.
         Mark quickly put the image out of his mind. He continued.
         “It’s important that we maintain trust between us. I have told you all this because…... I simply don’t know who I can trust anymore. I need your help. It’s imperative that you know everything, EVERY little thing. I know that he found us, and had someone carry out my daughters murder as a message that he’s coming after me…..there’s no need to keep up false pretenses.”
         “He’s almost out on parole, and he’ll be coming for me. I’ll be ready for him… but, let’s just do what we can now, in the time that we have, to prove her death wasn’t an accident. It was a deliberate, calculated and pre-meditated act. I just know it.” Mark didn’t realize how loud his voice had become or how agitated it sounded.
         “Mark, I know if something ever happened to my daughter, I would do whatever it took to find out the truth. I will help you as much as I‘m possibly capable of. I would like to give you my anonymity on this, I really would, but if it turns dangerous then I will need to notify my Captain and bring him in on it,” Williams said quietly.
         Mark leaned forward and placed his hands in front of him on the table. He looked up into Williams face.
         “I understand your position. I also appreciate your forth right attitude, and I respect your personal duty to your job. However, when this turns dangerous… and it will, I will no longer be needing your services,” Mark leaned back in his chair.
         Williams was perplexed by this.
         “I’m sorry. I don’t understand. I’m a detective, Mark. Would you really expect me to just turn my back, if something truly criminal is happening?” Williams seemed bothered and maybe a little perplexed by Marks odd requirement.
         Mark folded his hands in his lap, and appeared calm once again. “Something truly criminal has ALREADY happened. Look, it’s very important to me that you understand something. I’m not interested in any harm coming to you or any other innocent person around me. I’m not asking you to turn a blind eye to anything. I will do whatever it is that I have to do. I simply need a second pair of eyes, ears and the use of your