Page 44 of Wild Idol

“Solomon is being investigated in several states. There’s no doubt in my mind he’s a bad man. I’m willing to go down there and talk to your daughter. I can’t forcibly bring her back, but I can make a persuasive argument. Maybe the idol is there, and we can retrieve it if you provide some type of proof of ownership.”

“I’m not sure how I can prove something like that to you. It’s not like it came with a receipt or a certificate of authenticity. But it was independently appraised and evaluated. I can give you that documentation.”

“That will suffice.”

“When do you think you can get started? The sooner, the better.”

“We’re in the middle of a case right now, but I’m reasonably confident we have a good suspect. With any luck, we can wrap up in the next couple of days, then attend to your business.”

“That would be satisfactory. About payment…”

“As I mentioned, we don’t do this for the money.”

“Yes, but you’ll incur expenses, and I insist that I cover those.”

“Fair enough.”

I told him I’d be in touch and keep him updated as the situation developed.

We filled our bellies and watched the breaking news segment as Paris Delaney flashed Haley‘s picture on thescreen. I had to admit, it looked pretty incriminating. Sure, we had no proof what the white powdery substance was, but you’d be hard-pressed to make an argument that it was anything but cocaine.

Paris said, “Toxicology reports confirm that Haley had a large quantity of cocaine in her system, along with alcohol, amphetamines, and trace amounts of fentanyl. She was also taking an over-the-counter antihistamine that contributed to her death. I’m told Darius Zimmerman, better known as Deezy Roc, has refused to cooperate with local law enforcement. No arrest warrants have been issued yet. Darius may have been one of the last people to see Haley alive.” The ambitious blonde looked into the camera with a solemn face. “I’m Paris Delaney, and you heard it from me first.”

The segment ended.

I shared a look with JD.

“That ought to stir things up,“ he said with a mischievous grin.

It was later that afternoon when I got a call from an unknown number. I swiped the screen and held the device to my ear. “Hello?”

“Is this Deputy Wild?” a man asked.

“Speaking.”

“They told me at the department you’re working the Haley Reid case.”

“I am. Who am I speaking with?”

“I’d like to stay anonymous if that’s okay.”

“I’ve got your number on my caller ID. I can figure it out.”

He hesitated for a long moment. “Yeah, alright. But keep my name out of it. I ain’t no snitch.”

“What’s up?”

“I was at the Pearl Room the night that girl died. I saw them doing coke together. Darius had been feeding her drinks all night, giving her pills. I think he was trying to get her fucked up and take her back to his place.” He paused. “The girl passed out. I don’t know if she was even still breathing. He and his crew hustled her out of there. That was the last I ever saw of her. Then she showed up on the news.”

“You’re sure about that?”

“I know what I saw.”

“I need you to come down to the station and make a sworn affidavit.”

“What does that mean?”

“You’re just gonna tell me that story again, only this time it will be in front of the cameras.”