Chapter Twenty-Two

"OK," John said pacing back and forth in interrogation. "I'm gonna ask you... one more time. It's gonna be so much easier for you to just tell me what happened."

"I already told you." Ron sighed. "I don't know what happened. I didn't kill those girls."

"Come on, Ron. Madison Kensington, Jessica Buchanan... what did they piss you off?

"I didn't..."

"I know you advised my client that he doesn't have to answer any of your questions." Evangeline said entering the room.

"You're representing Ron Walsh?" John said "How'd he manage that?"

Evangeline motioned towards the door. Marcie and Al stood outside. "Now if you don't mind, I'd like a minute with my client."

John sighed leaving Evangeline with Ron. "You," John grabbed Al pulling him aside. "What are you doing Mikey?"

"What are you talking about?" Al said.

"Look... Mike. I know you're really into Marcie, but could you give me a break here." Al gave him a strange look. "Evangeline Williamson? This guy's killed five girls."

"Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? He gets a trial John. You don't get to be judge and jury."

John laughed, shaking his head. "And remind me again," he folded his arms across his chest. "When exactly is it that you became a cop?"

"I know enough," he said "I know that Ron should have a lawyer. If he really did do this, then no lawyer will be able to get him off, right John?"

"Evangeline makes that a lot harder..."

Al shook his head. "Listen to you," he said "You are ready to hang him for this. You asked me when I became a cop... well what about you?! You sound like an executioner!"

"And you're looking at this from both sides, Mikey?"

"Oh you mean like you! I'm looking at this from the only side I need to and that's what I believe. And what's in my gut John... what's deep down in my gut is that Ron Walsh did not do this. I know his demeanor. I know what type of person he is and he is not a murderer!"

John shook his head. "Oh and this has nothing to do with Marcie."

"It's got plenty to do with Marcie. It's got plenty to do with her." Al paused. "She knows he didn't do this."

"She's his sister!"

"Please don't fight me on this John. Don't make me choose between my family and what's in my heart because I already know what's going to win out."

John was silent as Evangeline exited the interrogation room. "Questioning is over" she said "He wants to see his sister." John nodded for Marcie to enter the room.

Ron was still at the table, elbows resting on top as Marcie entered. "Ronnie!" she said. "Are you OK? Did they hurt you?" She checked every inch of him.

"I'm OK" he said "No, I'm OK. Marcie... I'm in a lot of trouble here," Marcie sat in front of him. "They're gonna arraign me on this. I could end up in jail."

"But you didn't do anything." Marcie cried.

"I know. I know but... listen... I don't know how we're affording an attorney..."

"Don't worry," Marcie said "Miss Williamson's taking your case... pro bono."

"Marcie..."

"Don't Ron. I didn't ask her to work for free, She offered. She's your best chance Ronnie."

"Not if they don't catch the guy who really did this."

"Then we'll find him. I'll find him myself if I have to but... you gotta tell me. Where did you really go last night?"

"Marcie..."

"Where'd you go Ronnie?"

"Bobby snores." he said "I couldn't sleep. I went for a walk, Marcie."

"Nobody saw you?"

"It was late," Ron sighed. "I'm really up a creek here."

"I'm gonna help you." Marcie took his hands. "I'll think of something. I promise."