The lieutenant in charge shook their hands as they walked into his office. He knew both men well. The talk had spread quickly throughout the department that Cole Brownfield had a vested interest in this subject’s arrest. It was a matter of courtesy to hear him out. And the information the perp was trying to sell to the cops came under Narcotics’ jurisdiction. That was Cole’s territory. It stood to reason that he and his partner would be called in.

“What has he said? What have you promised?” Cole’s anger was obvious and barely contained.

Lieutenant Tanaka frowned. “He’s said plenty. We’re trying to decide what’s valid and what’s not. But it seems he’s saving the “big stuff,” as he calls it, for bigger guns, like you boys. He claims to have some inside info on the dealers around the warehouse district.”

Cole’s heart sank. He knew a petty thief’s crimes would fall short of important in the light of something as big as putting a major dealer out of business.

“And we haven’t promised him a damn thing.” The lieutenant’s voice was gruff. “My daughter was raped seven years ago. The bastard never even made it to trial. His lawyer made a deal.” Venom poured from the lieutenant’s words.

Cole understood. He could still close his eyes and see the shock on Debbie’s face when he’d walked into the mall office. And the cuts and bruises on her face and body and the fear in her eyes and the way she’d collapsed in his arms.

“So, can we talk to him?”

“He’s all yours. He’s waived a lawyer and trial. He just wants to deal and walk.”

Cole’s mouth thinned. “I’d like to get my hands on him. He’d be lucky if he ever walked again.”

Rick’s hand closed over his partner’s shoulder. “Easy, buddy. We don’t need to make matters worse.”

Cole nodded. But the anger continued to boil too close to the surface for comfort.

*  *  *

The door opened. Thomas Holliday looked up and then breathed a sigh of relief. He smirked and leaned back in his chair. The big guns had arrived. He could tell these guys were from Narcotics. No uniforms here. Plain clothes, cold eyes, and tight-lipped expressions gave them away.

Cole saw the smirk and resisted the urge to punch it off the punk’s face. Cole shoved his hands in his pockets and stood back, breathing slow and deep to calm his rage as he and Rick made eye contact. Rick nodded.

“So, Holliday, it seems you want to tell us something special?” Rick said.