"We talk to the local authorities, give them the information, and you let them handle it. You’re not going to take matters into your own hands. You’re not going to hunt that guy down. You’re gonna sit back and let the PD do their job."
"And what if they don't do their job? Can't the county handle this? You must know someone here in Pineapple Bay, don't you?"
"This is the PD's investigation. They have primary jurisdiction here. It's not like Coconut Key, where the city contracts with the county for policing. And I'm pretty sure that Detective Scarborough won't take too kindly to having this case taken away from him."
"I don't care how Detective Scarborough feels."
Tyson chuckled. "Still defiant as ever, I see."
We drove across town to the Pineapple Bay Police Station. Tyson found a place to park, and we hustled inside. At the main desk, I told an officer I was there to see Detective Scarborough.
"He's busy right now. Can I take your name?”
The muscles in my jaw flexed, and my eyes blazed into her.
Tyson put a gentle hand on my shoulder and flashed his badge. "We need to see Detective Scarborough now.”
He said it in a tone that offered no alternatives.
21
"Let me get this straight," Scarbrough said as we sat at his desk, displeased. "You did what!?"
"He's the guy that was with Isaiah Turner,” I said. "I'm sure of it."
The office buzzed with activity. Phones rang, and keyboards clacked. The smell of stale coffee drifted in the air. Perps were hustled in and out. Rays of Florida sunshine pierced the blinds, painting shafts of light across desks and the floor. The chaos was never-ending.
"You had no business going over there,” Scarborough continued. “Now you spooked him. That will only hamper our investigation.”
"I’m not trying to step on anybody's toes," Tyson said.
“That's funny. Because it sure seems like you're stepping on my toes.”
“Just trying to make your job easier." Tyson smiled.
"You've made it harder.”
"Was Carter Wallace even on your radar?" I snapped.
Scarborough gave me an annoyed look. "Yes. He is a person of interest.”
I didn't buy it for a second.
"I appreciate that you're just trying to help out a friend, Deputy…"
"Wild," Tyson said.
"But I've got this covered. I assure you, this case has my full attention. We don't take these kinds of things lightly around here. And it seems like you ought to have your hands full in Coconut Key.”
Tyson forced a smile. It was a slight dig.
"If there's nothing else I can do for you at this time, I need to get back to my casework. Thank you for stopping by."
That was our not-so-subtle cue to leave.
We did.
This was going nowhere. And I didn't have an ounce of confidence in the Pineapple Bay Police Department.
