Riker leaned closer.
“The Darius Bell file.”
Arvand remained silent.
The officer continued.
“I know you’ve been talking to people about that case.”
“The conviction was overturned.”
“That doesn’t give you permission to steal police records.”
Arvand studied him.
“Are you accusing me of theft?”
“I’m asking questions.”
“Then remove the handcuffs and conduct a proper interview.”
Riker laughed.
“You don’t make the rules in here.”
He gestured toward the dead camera.
“No cameras.”
Then toward the door.
“No witnesses.”
He smiled.
“I can make you confess to anything.”
Arvand felt a cold wave of fear.
He understood the threat.
He also understood that arguing aggressively could make the encounter more dangerous.
He looked toward the officer’s gloves.
Then said quietly:
“You should take off those gloves, Tommy.”
The reaction was immediate.
Riker froze.
“How do you know that name?”
Arvand looked at him.
“It’s on the recording.”
The officer’s expression changed.
“What recording?”
“The one Captain Vale didn’t want entered into the evidence index.”
Riker stared.
Arvand continued.
“The one where he told you to stop asking questions about Darius’s alibi.”
For a long moment, the officer said nothing.
Then he stepped closer.
“Who gave it to you?”
Arvand met his eyes.
“Someone who finally decided fifteen years was long enough.”
Riker grabbed his jacket.
But Arvand did not tell him who the witness was.
Because the recording wasn’t in his possession.
And the original evidence was already with people Riker could not reach.
Chapter 9: The Confession He Wanted to Force
Riker released Arvand and stepped away.
His breathing was heavy.
“You think you know what happened?”
Arvand looked at him.
“I know Darius was innocent.”
