Page 53 of Ghost
Panic flashed across Jake’s stunnedface. Perfect.
“But they’re still outthere.”
“Who?”
“The people who killedCross.”
“Yes, we know, but we’re ata standstill without further leads.”
“What about the informationI gave you?’
“We're still following upbut have nothing so far. However, you have rights, and we can’tcontinue to hold you here. You’re free. Would you like one of thedeputies to give you a ride someplace?”
“No. You can’t let mego.”
“Did you killCross?”
“No.”
“Then you’re free togo.”
“Holy shit, don’t you getit? They’ll kill me.”
“Who?”
“The people who killedCross.”
“You keep saying that, butpeople aren’t a name, and under the law, as you’re aware, we can’tdisregard your rights. I must let you go if we have no proof,leads, or new information. I wish you luck, Jake.”
Ray walked out of the room, closed thedoor behind him, and continued into the room on the opposite sideof the wall. Looking through the one-way mirror, Ray watched Jakerun through a gambit of emotions: confusion, anger, andfear.
“You got a mean streak inyou, buddy,” Elias chuckled as he watched Jake.
“Evil.” Brick laughed. “Ilike this side of you.”
“Thank you,” Ray said witha bow. “Now, let’s see how strong his sense of self-preservationis.”
Minutes passed and Jake still hadn’tstood from the chair. Ray was almost considering going back in whenJake finally stood and walked out the door. When Jake reached thefront desk, Ray came up from a side hallway, making it seem like hehadn’t noticed Jake was still there.
“Oh, you’re still here. Wasthere anything else?” Ray asked.
“You know they’ll bewaiting for me.”
“Tell me who.”
“I can’t.”
“If I don’t let you go, I’dbe denying you your rights. Everything has to be done by the book.You’re free to go.”
Ray grabbed a small plastic bag fromthe desk that held what Jake had in his pockets when they broughthim in, handed it to Jake, and slapped him on his back.
“Good luck outthere.”
Jake took the bag and glanced out thesheriff's station windows. He sucked in a deep breath, took thebag, and stormed out of the door and back onto the streets ofMarshall. It was sunset and would be dark soon.
All the better to hunt by in Ray’seyes.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
