Chapter 62
Chapter Sixty-Two
Kain
Two weeks later, the news reported that Senator Falcone had hanged himself in his home with a letter admitting his sins, including an apology to his family and those he had hurt.
I didn’t know if Hawthorne’s men got to him before he could go to the authorities or if he believed death could end his troubles. For a man with so much wealth and power, perhaps death was the coward’s way to go.
The Falcone Educational Foundation shuttered, discontinuing assistance to needy students. An investigation was underway to see if the senator or members of his office had harmed any students.
The boys and I started an organization to assist not only college students but also high school students. Teenagers were vulnerable, and if we could guide and educate them on what’s right and wrong, the world would be a better place.
I drove to the police precinct to meet Detective McNally to review all the files my friends and I had compiled for him, including the recording, which had been shortened when I deleted the section of me admitting to my crimes.
My trust in the authorities diminished daily, but Detective McNally remained on my small list of those I confided in.
Sitting at his desk, he shoved a frustrated hand into his hair, which had gotten grayer since I last saw him.
“I can’t believe there were so many murders.
” A deep crease formed between his brows as he flipped through the folders.
“I’m working with the Feds on this. It’s gonna take time to sift through evidence and interview everyone who was involved in each investigation. ”
“It should take as long as it needs to,” I said. “Everything needs to be looked at thoroughly. I’ll let you know if I encounter something new.”
Detective McNally met my eyes, and I knew what he was thinking.
He wanted me to be careful as I navigated the edge of darkness without law enforcement to back me up.
But he knew the laws were often distorted, where victims suffered first before anything got done.
Not only that, but things also took longer to get done with the city or state.
I only had so much patience for these matters.
“Just be careful, okay?” He pressed his lips into a thin line.
“Always.”
“I’ll do my best to help.”
“I know, which is why I’m here. You’re the only person who has this information.” I slid over a flash drive of the recording and the folders of data. “It’s gonna keep you busy. Don’t retire on me.” I gestured toward his face. “Because the gray hair and dark circles under your eyes suggest that.”
“I wish it were that easy.” He laughed. “If I retire, I’ll probably take these boxes of unsolved crimes with me to work on.”
I looked at him, appreciating his service and what he’d done for me back then. When no one listened, he had. “Thank you for caring.”
“It’s my job.”
“I wish it were that easy,” I repeated his words. “Everyone should have your integrity and dedication.” I took out my wallet and pulled out a gift card with a significant fund for his favorite Italian restaurant. “This will help with all your late nights.”
“I’m trying to lose weight, Kain.” He roared with laughter.
“Don’t forget you get a lifetime membership to my gym for free. Make use of it.”
We discussed more details about Senator Falcone.
His family didn’t know he had built an underground compound beneath the lake.
Though it was destroyed, leaving a mess in the area, the family planned on selling the property as is once the authorities finished doing what they needed.
The city would probably buy it. I considered buying the property too, but did I want that kind of responsibility?
Did I want to own something that only conjured dark memories?
I left when Detective McNally had to attend a briefing.
Glancing at my watch, I smiled. I had time to spare before picking Eva up from her shop.
So I drove home and ducked into my office to continue sketching ideas for Eva’s tattoo.
She probably assumed I’d forgotten about it.
But ideas had been bouncing around in my head since she told me.
Where would my wild woman want her tattoo?
The thought of tattooing was so romantic and erotic all at once.
I couldn’t wait to show her what I’d come up with.