Chapter 14 - The Four Begin to Talk
The four arrested attackers spent another night in separate holding cells.
By morning, their confidence had disappeared.
The oldest among them requested another interview.
"I'll cooperate."
Detective Morris remained expressionless.
"Start talking."
He rubbed both hands together nervously.
"We weren't supposed to hurt him."
"You knocked an elderly disabled man onto concrete."
"I know."
"Then explain."
The young man stared at the table.
"We only received instructions."
"From who?"
"I don't know his real name."
"What did you call him?"
"'Director.'"
"Describe him."
"I've only met him twice."
"What happened?"
"He paid cash."
"How much?"
"Enough that nobody asked questions."
The detective leaned forward.
"What exactly were your instructions?"
The suspect swallowed.
"Watch old people."
"Only old people?"
"People living alone."
"Disabled?"
He nodded.
"Veterans."
"Retired police."
"Former firefighters."
"Teachers."
Elena frowned.
"That's an unusual list."
"So did we."
"What explanation were you given?"
The suspect lowered his voice.
"'Director' said those people might still be hiding something."
"What?"
"He never told us."
"Then why target Harold?"
The suspect hesitated.
"Because someone reported seeing an old silver badge."
The room fell silent.
"You mean the emblem?"
He nodded slowly.
May you like
"'Director' wanted anything connected to it."
...
