Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Later that afternoon, Jo sat at her desk, her mind still reeling from the revelation that someone was trying to frame her. She’d gone through several emotions since finding out, but now, she was just plain mad.
Sam approached, his footsteps heavy with concern. He pulled up a chair, sitting down beside her. “How are you holding up?” he asked, his voice low and gentle.
Jo looked up. “Fine. Angry. More determined than ever to find who did this.”
“Right. And why. I mean, is it something against you? What was the reason for leaving something that points to you. Or maybe they just happened to find the hair tie and used it to muddy the waters?”
Jo’s hand instinctively went to her ponytail, which was tied with the very same ties. “I doubt it. It’s not like I take it out much, and when I do, I put the tie around my wrist.”
“Are you missing one?”
Jo shrugged. “Don’t think so. Hard to tell, though. I buy them by the package and don’t exactly keep an inventory or anything.”
Wyatt and Kevin, who had been hovering nearby, exchanged glances before joining the conversation. Wyatt leaned against a nearby desk, his arms crossed. “We need to figure out where they could have gotten your hair from,” he said, his tone analytical. “It might give us a lead on who’s behind this.”
Kevin nodded in agreement. “Any ideas, Jo? Have you noticed anything strange at your place lately? Any signs of a break-in?”
The thought sent a chill down Jo’s spine. “God, I hope not,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “The idea of someone being in my house, going through my things...” She shuddered, unable to finish the sentence.
Sam’s jaw tightened, his protective instincts kicking in. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. There might be a simpler explanation.”
Wyatt nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. “He’s right. Think about it, Jo. Your hair is probably all over this station. Near your desk, in the cruiser...”
“Not to mention the countless places around town where you might have lost a few strands,” Kevin added. “It wouldn’t be hard for someone to collect a sample without breaking into your house.”
Jo felt a small wave of relief wash over her. “That... That actually makes me feel a bit better,” she admitted. “But that means they’d have to work hard and with intention to just find some hairs.”
Sam placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “We’ll figure this out, Jo. Whoever’s behind this, we’ll find them.”
“I still have some of Garvin’s neighbors to talk to who weren’t home when I went there earlier. Hopefully, one of them saw something, and we’ll get a lead,” Kevin said.
Just as Jo was starting to feel a glimmer of hope, the squad room door swung open. Mayor Henley Jamison strode in, his face set in a grim expression. The room fell silent, tension crackling in the air as the mayor approached.
“Afternoon, everyone,” Jamison said, his voice clipped and formal. His eyes landed on Jo, and she felt her stomach drop. “Sergeant Harris, I need to speak with you. Chief Mason, you should be present for this as well.”
Sam stood, his posture stiff. “What’s this about, Mayor?”
Jamison glanced around the room, noting the curious faces of Wyatt and Kevin. “Perhaps we should step into your office, Chief.”
“Anything you have to say to me, you can say in front of my team,” Jo said, rising to her feet. She squared her shoulders, meeting the mayor’s gaze steadily.
Jamison hesitated for a moment then nodded. “Very well. Sergeant Harris, in light of recent developments, I’m afraid I have to relieve you of duty, effective immediately.”
The words hit Jo like a physical blow. She heard Sam’s sharp intake of breath beside her, felt the shock ripple through the room. “What?” she managed to say, her voice barely audible.
“Mayor, this is completely unnecessary,” Sam began, his tone sharp with anger. “Jo is a victim here, not a suspect. We believe someone is trying to frame her.”
Jamison held up a hand, cutting off Sam’s protest. “I understand your position, Chief. But the fact remains that evidence linking Sergeant Harris to the crime scene has been found. It would be highly improper for her to continue working on this case.”
Jo felt as if the floor was tilting beneath her feet. She gripped the edge of her desk, steadying herself. “Mayor Jamison, I assure you, I had nothing to do with Garvin’s death. I would never—”
“I’m not accusing you of anything, Sergeant,” Jamison interrupted, his tone softening slightly.
“But we have to consider the optics of the situation. If word gets out that you’re still on the case despite this evidence, it could compromise the entire investigation.
Not to mention...” He trailed off, looking uncomfortable.
“Not to mention what?” Sam pressed, his voice tight with barely contained anger.
Jamison sighed. “Not to mention the potential impact on my reelection campaign. Marnie Wilson would seize on this in a heartbeat, using it to paint my administration as corrupt or incompetent.”
Jo felt a surge of bitter disappointment. Of course, it all came down to politics. She opened her mouth to argue, but to her surprise, Sam beat her to it.
“With all due respect, Mayor,” Sam said, his voice low and dangerous, “if you think I’m going to let you sacrifice one of my best officers for the sake of your campaign—”
“Sam,” Jo interrupted, placing a hand on his arm. She could feel the tension thrumming through him, knew he was on the verge of saying something he couldn’t take back. “It’s okay.”
Sam turned to her, disbelief etched on his face. “Jo, you can’t be serious. This isn’t right.”
Jo met his gaze, trying to convey her resolve. “Maybe not, but the mayor has a point. We can’t risk compromising the investigation.” She turned back to Jamison, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. “I understand, Mayor. I’ll step down for now.”
Jamison nodded, looking relieved. “Thank you for your understanding, Sergeant. I assure you, this is temporary. Once this matter is cleared up—”
“Save it,” Sam growled, still glaring at the mayor.
Jo moved to her desk, pulling out her badge and gun. She held them for a moment, feeling their familiar weight in her hands. Then, with a deep breath, she held them out to Sam. “I guess you should take these,” she said softly.
Sam stared at the offered items, his face a mask of conflicting emotions. For a moment, Jo thought he might refuse. Then, with a barely perceptible nod, he took them from her, his fingers brushing hers in a gesture of silent support.
As the tense scene unfolded, movement from the top of the filing cabinet caught Jo’s eye.
Major had been observing the proceedings with his usual air of feline indifference.
Now, as Jamison stood near the cabinet, Major leaned forward, snaking his paw out slowly.
With one quick swipe, he jabbed Henley in the shoulder.
“Ouch!” Henley whirled around. The cat simply sat there, looking all innocent. “Did you just scratch me?” Henley brushed at his shoulder.
“I didn’t see anything, did you?” Kevin looked at Wyatt and Sam, who all shook their heads.
“I’ll clear out my desk,” Jo said.
“There’s no need for that,” Jamison said quickly. “As I said, this is temporary. Just... take some time off. We’ll sort this out.”
Jo nodded.
Jamison looked relieved to end the uncomfortable scene. “I’m sure Chief Mason will keep you informed of any developments.”