Passion In James County X
Badge of Dishonor
By D.C. Roi
Chapter eighteen
Nancy Burke answered the knock on her door, her heart pounding. She was sure Bud Dickinson, her crude teen-age neighbor, had come back to demand more sex from her. She opened the door and was surprised to find two men in suits standing on her porch. The older man held up a leather case containing a gold star-shaped badge.
"I'm Alex Martin," the older of the two men said. "This is Lieutenant Tim Jackman. We're with the James County Sheriff's department. Are you Mrs. Nancy Burke?"
Alex had decided that, given the potentially sensitive nature of the investigation they were undertaking, it might be best if he and Tim handled it instead of assigning it to the duty detectives.
"Ah...yes...yes I am," Nancy said. "Can...can I help you with something?"
"May we come in, Mrs. Burke?" Alex asked.
"Yes...of course," Nancy said. She had no idea why the officers were there. She led them into the living room and they sat down.
"The reason we're here, Mrs. Burke," Alex said, "is that we have information that you may have been the victim of a crime, and that you may be victimized again."
"You...you do?" Nancy stammered. "How...?"
"Yes, ma'am," Alex said. "One of our patrol officers obtained evidence that indicates someone may be forcing you to do things you don't want to do."
"What...what...kind of things?" Nancy asked. She knew exactly what the officers were talking about, but had no idea how they'd found out what was going on.
"I think you know what I'm talking about, Mrs. Burke," Alex said, "and I understand why you're a bit hesitant about telling us about it. But we can help you, if you'll let us. When this first happened, you should have called us."
"I...I don't know how you found out..." Nancy said, her voice very soft. "But you're right. I...I guess I am being blackmailed...and...and I'm scared!"
"Tell us exactly how it happened," Alex said.
"I...I don't know if I can. I'm so ashamed," Nancy said staring at her feet.
"Mrs. Burke, you don't need to be embarrassed," Alex said, trying to sound reassuring. "I've been a cop for thirty years, and Lieutenant Jackman's heard it all, too, so there isn't much we haven't seen or heard. We're not here to judge you. Just relax, take your time, and tell us what happened. Why don't we sit down?"
After they all sat down in her living room, Nancy took a deep breath then, after a long pause, she let it out and began talking. The sheriff said very little, just an occasional question, seeking clarification, and his partner said nothing. Alex's style of interviewing made it easy for her to tell him what was going on. As she told the officers her story, she felt her spirits lift a little. Finally, she was done. She looked at Alex hopefully. "That...that's about it," she said.
Alex sat there quiet, lost in thought. This was a serious problem, but in reality, it would fairly easy to deal with and assure her safety. He could fix the blackmail all right, he was positive of that. All he had to do was bust Bud Dickinson and his friend.
On the other hand, he had no idea what to do about the fact that she was sleeping with Rod Billingham, his secretary's husband, if he ought to do anything. He didn't particularly like the fact that she was sleeping with the cop, but it really wasn't any of his business. As far as the business with the Dickinson kid went, Alex saw Nancy as a victim, and wanted badly to help her.
"I honestly don't think dealing with this Dickinson guy and his friend will be too big a problem," Alex told Nancy. "We could probably arrest them right now, but I have an idea of a way we can make an even better case against them, if you're willing to give us a little help."
"Really?" Nancy asked, brightening. "Can you really help me? What do I have to do?"
Alex explained his plan to Nancy, who agreed to go along with it. "There will be four officers here," he said. "Two of us in the house, and two outside. I can pretty much assure you that you'll be safe."
