Chapter 13
Conflict and power struggles take the forefront with the Five of Swords.
DANNY
On Tuesday morning we closed the investigation into Ivan Danovich as a suspect in the murder of Paul Davis.
“There is no evidence that Danovich killed Davis, Danny. Your informant alibied Danovich for that day and said he has heard no chatter about Ivan being involved.” Biz was getting more frustrated with me by the minute.
“Why are you still harping on the mob angle? Despite what you say, I saw how you looked at Cassidy on Sunday.”
“Drop it. Caroline Cassidy is a suspect in this murder investigation. Period. End of story.”
“You’re blushing again.”
“Dammit, Biz, I said drop it. Talk about crossing the line. Just stop with the accusations.”
Biz looked taken aback. “Whoa. Didn’t mean to get you so upset about something you say is non-existent.”
Crap. Biz can read me like a book. I retreat into the precinct kitchen.
I can’t stop thinking about that damn woman. I even had a dream about her last night. It was that kind of dream. I woke up soaked in sweat.
Nothing like this had ever happened to me. I have always maintained strict professionalism with colleagues, court personnel, and of course, with suspects and perps.
Yesterday, I called a friend of mine. Steve is a therapist, and I knew he would keep our conversation confidential even though I’m just a friend and not a patient.
I explained that I had an inappropriate attraction to someone. “Why would I be attracted to someone if it would not be right for us to be in a relationship?”
“Lots of reasons. Why are any of us attracted to one person and not another? In your case, it may be the forbidden aspect of it that is fascinating. Or maybe you’ve just been single too long and this is the wrong person who came along at the right time.”
I didn’t think any of these scenarios applied to me.
“Usually, we are attracted to someone who shares the same values and beliefs. You know, someone we have something in common with. You say you just met this person a few days ago and it was an instant attraction?”
“I can’t explain it, but yeah.”
“Well, my friend, maybe she’s The One.”
“The One? That’s some fairytale fantasy. Doesn’t happen in real life.”
“Chemistry, magic, soul mates…it does happen, Danny. If you are feeling a strong attraction to someone, you need to ask “why.” What missing part of you is she completing? What need does she fulfill in you? Tell me—what is it about her that you find captivating?”
“She’s brilliant—well educated but down to earth. She’s funny, intelligently sarcastic. She’s attractive in an organic, natural way. And she’s got moxie.”
“She sounds wonderful. I can see why you are attracted to her.”
“You’re not really helping much.”
“You say you know what you must do, which is not pursue a relationship with her. So, don’t worry about your feelings. Feelings originate in our ego mind. Feelings tell us all kinds of lies. You know the right thing to do. And I’m confident that’s what you’ll do. You are a man of impeccable integrity.”
Biz poked her head through the doorway. “Lab guys want to see us in the conference room.”
Ramesh was waiting for us. He handed Biz a manilla folder. “You’ve got yourself a suspect, guys.”
Biz scanned the document. “Ha! I knew it. Cassidy is a DNA match to the shoe and the cup. Her fingerprints match the prints on the plastic envelope the poison was in. Boo-yah!”
I had been holding my breath while Biz read the lab results. Dr. Cassidy’s fingerprints were in the system because she worked for Peachtree College. How did they make the DNA match?
“Ramesh, did you have a blood or saliva sample to match to the crime scene?”
The lab tech consulted the report.
“Yes, we did. We had a blood sample from the suspect.”
I looked at Biz. She would not look at me. She was studying the staple on the lab report.
“Biz?”
“It’s a match, Danny. Drop it.”
“Congratulations, Biz.” I left the room and went to my desk. I opened my department email and typed a letter of resignation to the Commander.
I am seriously screwed. I let my feelings for this woman interfere with my better judgment.
On second thought, I deleted the letter. The DNA and fingerprints are a match. I look at my watch. 11:00. Time to nail a suspect.