Chapter 33
When they arrived at Rory’s apartment building, they followed a female resident inside.
Beau Lee knew that if it hadn’t been for Finn’s making small talk and flashing his badge and a smile, they wouldn’t have gained entry.
Finn had violated numerous policies as a sworn officer, which conflicted with Beau Lee’s moral code.
Here he was, fighting police corruption, particularly officers who, under the color of authority, had broken laws, violated policies, and violated people’s civil rights.
Yet, he stood by as Finn did the same. Should it have mattered that Finn was working to get justice for Hollis?
How could Beau Lee justify violations when it was the same behavior that might’ve led to Hollis’s being pulled over and shot?
He wasn’t sure he wanted to explore the answer, fearing he wouldn’t like the direction it would take. Self-evaluation could be messy, and while Beau Lee never shied from it, he knew it would require Gigi to serve as a sounding board.
God, he missed his wife…
“You guys stand clear,” Finn said before knocking on Rory’s door. “Officer Caruthers, open up! If you’re in there, we need to talk.”
Capes used his foot to nudge three boxes stacked next to Rory’s door. “Guy’s got a lot of packages out here,” he said. “He hasn’t been out in a minute.”
More knocks, harder this time. “Caruthers, it’s Doyle. Hey man open up, will you? We only want to talk and make sure you’re all right.”
“You think he made good on his word and left town? Could account for the packages,” Beau Lee said.
“I thought he meant after the trial. An open shooting investigation means you keep your ass local.”
Capes looked unconvinced. “Still, dude might’ve bounced…”
“Nah, not Caruthers. Doesn’t seem like the type,” Finn said. “He put in for a transfer to Metra—I don’t think he’d just tuck tail and run.”
“Unless someone gave him a good enough reason,” Beau Lee said. “I suppose everyone can be incentivized.”
“You ain’t never lied, boss,” Capes said. “But I don’t think he’s here. Should we call it?”
“Damn it,” Beau Lee said. “We have his affidavit, but I was hoping he’d see right and agree to be our star witness. It would mean so much more to the judge and jury. I worry the affidavit’s going to be disqualified as hearsay.”
“Hold on,” Finn said, ready to knock again. “I think I hear someone inside.”
“I don’t hear anything,” Capes said.
“You sure? Thought I heard someone call for help.”
Beau Lee instantly grew worried. “I know what you’re doing, Finn. It’s a bad idea.”
Finn smiled. “Yeah, maybe,” he said, just before kicking the door open. “No point in arguing now.”
Inside, the curtains were drawn and the place stunk of stale pizza. Clothes were strewn about on the couch and floor, and dishes were piled in the sink.
“You in here, Caruthers?” Finn shouted, but there was no answer.
“I’ll check the bedrooms,” Capes said, heading toward what looked like a large suite.
Beau Lee stayed in the living room surveying the mess. It was clear that Rory hadn’t been home for days. He looked for signs of foul play—evidence of a struggle, like broken items or blood, but there was none.
Capes returned from his search. “Nada,” he said. “Guy’s gone.”
“Yeah, looks like he left in a rush,” Finn said.
Beau Lee sucked his teeth. “The question is, did he leave on his own accord or by force?”
“So, what are we going to do about his door?” Capes asked.
“I’ll leave my card,” Finn said, placing it on the entry table. “If he shows up, he’ll know to call me.”
“Let’s get out of here,” Capes said. “I don’t think we want to have to explain this to the superintendent or the cops.”
“Agreed,” Beau Lee said, leading them out.