“But in the meantime, innocent bystanders are caught in the crosshairs for trying to do what’s right,” I retort.
He studies me, and I glance away from him.
“We can file a report and try to find the man.”
“Don’t bother. I know there are dozens more waiting to take his place. He made that very clear.”
“This is when we lose most of our witnesses.”
“Don’t try to sweet-talk me. We’re in this for the long run. I still have the right to be scared.”
“Yes, you do. These are dangerous men, but what you’re doing here is brave and necessary to get men like this off the street.”
I nod my head.
“I need to know you’re committed to this,” Kunes says. His words are warbled as if I’m Charlie Brown and he’s the adult speaking. It’s all noise that means very little to me.
“I’m here talking to you, aren’t I?” I lift an eyebrow.
“You are now. Will you be tomorrow?”
His words irritate me. “Funny how I’m being treated like a criminal here.”
“There may be something I can do to help you. But I need to know you’re not a flight risk.”
I tense and bite my tongue until I taste copper.
“She’s still processing, Detective Kunes,” Ollie says sternly.
“I need you two to think long and hard about your commitment. Once you decide, give me a call, and I’ll put things into motion to keep you safe until trial.”
“We will. Thank you for coming on such short notice,” Ollie says.
“I’m here for you two. I want to make that clear.”
As long as we testify.
Bitterness rises up inside of me, and I glance down when Detective Kunes leaves as quickly and quietly as he arrived.
“Why were you giving him attitude?” Ollie asks.
“Because we’re nothing more than a means to the end. We are the pieces he needs to move around on a chess board in order to win the game.”
“It’s not a game.”
“Not to us. What happens to him if we do this and get killed?”
“They’ll be out on the street,” he says dumbly.
“Yes, and he’ll still be in the same position. It won’t affect his life or his family. If we do this and we put ourselves at risk and our families, then what? We could lose our lives or theirs. That’s a lot of what ifs.”
“And if we don’t, will the fear go away? Will the threat? Once they know they can scare us into doing what they want, where does it stop?”
“Right there. All they want us to do is to keep our mouths shut. I’m not sure it’s not the best course of action to take.”
“I don’t agree.”
“Then I guess we’re at an impasse. I’m having enough trouble dealing with the guilt I have over you. I’m not trying to add any more to my plate.”