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Til Death Do Us Part
Chapter 4
Santana had barely slept last night. She couldn't stop thinking about Patrick Byrne, it's even affecting her work at the moment as she struggles to concentrate on the paper work in front of her.
She can't believe that the man she's been looking for is now possibly involved in her investigation. She hasn't told Rachel about her new discovery, she didn't want her to worry about Byrne being in Lima. Hopefully by the time Santana tells her that Byrne is in Lima she can also tell her that he's behind bars.
"Patrick Byrne is here for questioning" Dobbs says as he approaches her desk.
"Okay, just give me a second to finish this."
"Santana if Patrick Byrne is involved in this case you know that means you can't be. You're dating his ex-wife which means you're personally connected. I just came to inform you, so that you knew what was going on" Dobbs explains.
"Dobbs this guy can hurt Rachel, you know I need to help."
"The best way you can help Rachel now is by not being on the case. You could compromise evidence if his defense find out you're connected by Rachel. I know that you know this too."
"Of course I do. Matthews talked to me yesterday too, he said that I'm off the case" Santana says in defeat.
"Then why are you being so difficult?" Dobbs asks with a hint of a smile.
"I'm just worried okay and I don't know what I can do to help."
"I'm conducting the interview so I'll keep you posted. I know how important this is to you."
"Thanks, can you do me a favor and at least let me watch the interview?"
"Fine, I'll try and get you a copy of the tape afterwards, but you can't be anywhere near the room at all. You got me?" Dobbs asks.
"You do realize that you're not my boss?" Santana asks with a raised eyebrow.
"I know but I am your friend."
As much as Santana likes to tease Dobbs she knows that he is only looking out for her.
"Thanks Dobbs, just make sure you get that son of a bitch" Santana calls to her departing partner.
Dobbs walks into the interview room and sits across the desk from Patrick Byrne.
"So Patrick, what brings you to Lima?"
"Just visiting a friend who moved here a few months ago."
"Where are you residing now?"
"I live in L.A. It took a while to get used to the climate, but I've adjusted. Please detective cut the small talk and tell me why I'm here."
"Mr. Byrne we have video footage of you entering an warehouse in Lima Heights last night can you explain what you were doing there?" Dobbs asks.
"I saw that the warehouse was for sale and I thought that it could be the perfect place for a new showroom. I own a chain of used car dealerships."
"So you went to check out this location at midnight? That's a bit late for a viewing."
"I'll admit that it wasn't an official viewing. It was spontaneous. I was passing when I saw the for sale sign and I thought just that I might as well check it out. I was in there for ten minutes at the most. I thought the property had potential so I called the realtor the next day and told him I was interested. I'm supposed to meet him today to discuss it" Byrne explains.
Dobbs looks towards the one way mirror and nods slightly, he knows that another officer will now be going to check out Byrne's story.
"Unfortunately I think the sale of the warehouse will be postponed as it's currently under investigation after it's been used for drug trafficking."
"Thanks for the information, maybe I can use it to get the sale price knocked down."
"You can joke all you like Mr. Byrne, but you were at a crime scene just hours before there was a drugs bust there. It's no secret that you have a colorful past with the law."
"That's all behind me now. I told you I own used car dealerships, I've worked hard to get where I am. It's pure coincidence that I was at that warehouse. I'm just glad that I didn't arrive any later otherwise I might have run into these criminals."
"I'm sure you could have handled yourself Mr. Byrne" Dobbs says as he lays our three photographs on the table.
"Do you recognize any of these men?"
Byrne leans over the table and studies the photographs for a few seconds before returning to his original position in the chair.
"I'm sorry detective, I've never seen any of these men before. I wish I could be more help."
The door of the interview opens and in walks Officer Clarke. He walks over to Dobbs and places a file on the desk and whispers in the other officer's ear.
"Thanks Clarke."
Clarke nods at Dobbs before exiting the room.
"I'm guessing that was confirmation that my story checks out. I came here out of good will but if you're not charging me with anything then I must go. I have an appointment with my realtor."
"You're free to leave" Dobbs says reluctantly.
"Thank you. Good luck with the case Detective."
Santana has been staring at the file in front of her for nearly half an hour now. She can't concentrate, not with a man who could potentially harm Rachel sitting in a room a few feet away from her. It's killing her not knowing what he's saying or whether Dobbs is getting any evidence against him. She wishes that she could have some involvement, but she knows that Dobbs was right earlier, if her involvement could jeopardize the case then she's better off staying away.
A mistrial is what lead them into this situation in the first place, she doesn't want history to repeat itself. The sound of a door opening makes Santana lift her head from the file she couldn't concentrate on. It's the first time she's seen him face to face, exiting the room was Patrick Byrne.
Santana eyes up her fiancee's ex, her police instincts automatically profiling him. He wasn't very tall, maybe five foot seven. His short blonde hair styled perfectly on his head with just a hint of stubble on his chin. She can see why Rachel fell for this guy, even she could tell a good looking man when she saw one.
He looked so normal that if it wasn't for years on the force it would be hard to think that this man could be capable of the things he's been alleged to. One of the first things you learn in policing is that sometimes the perpetrator is the least person you'd expect so expect everyone.
He walks with a sense of self assurance and an air of cockiness about him. Santana immediately dislikes the man. She dislikes him even more when he approaches her desk with a smug look on his face. It looks as if he's about to walk straight past Santana until he suddenly stops in front of her.
Santana follows his line of sight and notices that he's looking at the photograph of her and Rachel that's sat on her desk.
"That's a lovely photo, Detective Lopez" he says.
Santana's body immediately stiffens, with those words it's like he's giving her a message; "I know you're close to Rachel and I know who you are" and it terrifies her.
Santana doesn't say anything and neither does Byrne, he just exits the station with even more confidence than when he came in. Santana stays frozen at her desk until she sees Dobbs exiting the interview room. She jumps to her feet and rushes over to her fellow officer.
"Dobbs why is he leaving? What happened in there?" Santana asks hurriedly.
"I told you I'd get you the footage of the interview."
"I don't have time, just give me the cliff note version."
"You don't have to worry, he's just visiting Lima he lives in L.A. He said that he was at the warehouse because he is interested in buying it. We called the agency selling it and they confirm that they had arranged a meeting with Byrne."
"That still doesn't mean that he isn't involved. He's just very good at covering his tracks" Santana argues.
"I know but there was no evidence to suggest that he is connected with the drug bust. We didn't even have enough evidence to bring him in for questioning, he volunteered to speak with us. We had no authority to hold him so that meant that he could leave."
"You need to find something to connect him to the case or evidence to connect him to any case."
"Santana, what's going on? Are you okay?"
"As Byrne was leaving he walked past my desk and saw the photo of Rachel and I. He knows I know her, he knows who I am and he must have worked out that she lives here in Lima" Santana explains.
"Okay, calm down San. We'll figure something out, don't worry. You said that Rachel is under witness protection right? So why don't you just call them and tell them that Rachel's identity might have been compromised."
"That's a good idea, thanks Dobbs. I'm sorry my head isn't working properly at the moment."
"Don't mention it. Don't worry, Rachel will be fine. We've put him under surveillance too" Dobbs says before patting Santana on the shoulder as a sign of comfort.
"I'll leave you to make the call."
As soon as Dobbs leaves Santana sits at her desk and picks up the phone. She finds the number she is looking for on the computer and dials it.
"Hello this is Detective Lopez, badge number 135. I need to speak to someone regarding a possible compromised identity."
"Of course Detective, can I please have the clients reference number so I can notify the correct personnel."
Santana digs through her desk drawer for the copy of the file that contains the information of Rachel's witness protection case.
"RF1905"
"Thank you. I'll put you through to the case worker who was involved with this case."
"William Myers speaking, how can I help you?"
"This is Detective Lopez of Lima police department. We're working on a case that could involve Patrick Byrne. It's come to our attention that Mr Byrne has possible information about the whereabouts of his ex-wife Rachel Berry previously known as Rachel Jacobi-Jones or Rachel Byrne and I thought it would be best to notify you on this development."
"Thank you for the information Detective Lopez, we'll pass the information on in regards to possibly extract Miss Berry from her current situation. We'll send someone to also talk to you about the case regarding Patrick Byrne, you should hear from us in a few days."
"A few days? Shouldn't you be sending someone to protect as soon as possible Rachel just in case."
"I'm sorry Detective, we can't discuss our cases in detail with anyone including the police. Just be rest assured that we'll make this matter a priority. Once again thank you for the information Detective Lopez."
As soon as the line goes dead Santana presses the end call button and calls a number she knows off by heart.
"Hello Pete's Diner, Rachel Berry speaking."
"Hey, it's me. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine sweetie, are you? You sound worried."
"I'm just under a lot of pressure with a case that's all, it's nothing for you to worry about. I was just checking in since I missed you this morning" Santana says.
"Okay well don't over work yourself. There's an order up so I have to go. I love you."
"I love you too" Santana says before putting down the phone.
"Everything good?" Dobbs asks.
"Yeah the witness protection people are going to look into it and I just called Rachel she's at work."
"Good. I spoke to Captain Matthews he said that you can work the case again since we have no evidence to connect Byrne to it. So I thought that we'd jump straight into it, I've asked for Kyle Walker to be brought here for questioning. Are you up to it?"
"Of course. I'm right behind you partner."
Santana leaves her desks and follows her partner over to the interview rooms. As they reach the door, Dobbs opens it for her and gestures for him to go first. Usually she would make a joke about being a gentleman, but they have a suspect just feet away from them and she needs her game face on.
"Well I can't say that it's a pleasure to see you again Kyle" Santana says as she sits at the interview table.
"I thought I answered all of your questions?"
"You did at the time. We now have some new evidence that we'd like to talk to you about."
"Please state your name for the record."
"Kyle Walker."
"Do you know this man?" Dobbs asks.
"No."
"His name is Thomas Phelps and he went to your high school, you were in the same grade."
"I went to big high school, I don't know everyone there."
"So if I asked around or looked at a year book from your time at the school, you're saying I won't find any evidence that proves you and Phelps were friends in high school."
"Okay fine, I knew him but I haven't heard from him since high school."
"Your phone records contradict that statement. You are looking at a prison sentence here Kyle, the more cooperative you are, the more lenient the judge will be."
"I saw Tom last week, we just hung out that's all."
"Did you tell Tom about the drugs you deal?"
"He asked where I was getting my money from. I told him that I did a few jobs for someone and that I could hook him up if he wanted" Walker explains.
"Tom took you up on this offer?"
"Yes. I gave him the address of a warehouse and told him to meet someone there."
"The person you told him to meet, was this your supplier?" Santana asks.
"Yes."
"What is his name?"
"I can't tell you, he'll hurt me."
"Kyle, Tom Phelps was arrested yesterday with two other men. We already have evidence to prosecute but anything else you tell us can add to the case. If you know who he was meeting and he was the supplier then he can't hurt you as he is in custody" Dobbs explains.
"We just need a name" Santana adds.
"Estevez, Tiago Estevez."
"Thank you Kyle."
"Now, what do you know about Estevez?" Santana asks.
"Not much. I met him at a party, he was selling pills. He said that if I sold what he had he'd give me fifty bucks. I took him up on that offer and when I gave him his money, he offered me more work."
"Do you know who supplies Estevez?"
"No. He's never mentioned a supplier, he doesn't really talk to me. He just gives me the merchandise and leaves."
"Okay, I think we have enough for now. Interview over at 2:29 pm.
Santana and Dobbs have been working on the increased drug problem in Lima for months. They had spent that time looking for possible causes and just over a month ago they got a lead on a man named Tiago Estevez.
It has taken them weeks to finally get the man into custody and Santana is eager to talk to the man she has been hunting.
"Tiago, it's nice to finally meet you. We've been looking for you for a while" Santana says as she enters the interview room and takes a seat.
"Well I've been around."
"Allusively it seems."
"Tiago you have been arrested for the possession of drugs with the intent to supply. We suspect that you're a part of a drug ring, what we need to find out is what your part in it is" Dobbs explains.
"A drug ring? I know nothing about a drug ring."
"We have information that states you have been supplying drugs to sellers, but we also have information that suggests that you are just a middle man. You receive the drugs and disperse them to your sellers; we want to know who your supplier is."
"Tiago you don't have to answer that. There is no evidence that proves my client is connected to any drug ring. He is here to talk about the drug charges only, nothing else" Mr. Powell, Estevez's lawyer intervenes.
"We are just trying to gather as much information as possible. If your client has anything to tell us that can not only help us, but can also rule him out of our investigation then that's all we're asking for" Santana explains.
"I don't know who the guy is, all I know is that he goes by the name The Saint. I just do what he asks, the stuff just gets delivered to the warehouse and then I distribute it."
"How did you become a part of this arrangement?" Santana asks.
"I was selling on the street when two guys came up to me and told me that I was selling on their turf. They gave me the choice to stop selling completely or to start selling for them and take a percentage. I was desperate for money so I took them up on the offer."
"Do you have any contact with The Saint?" Dobbs questions.
"I have a cell phone number, he texts me with the drop dates."
"Do you have the number?"
"It's on my cell, you took it off me when you searched me" Estevez says.
"Okay. What else do you know about the seller?"
"I told you, I don't know anything about the guy."
"What do you know about these three men?" Dobbs asks as he slides three photos across the table.
"That's Eric, Kyle and Tommy they are dealers."
"What were you doing at the warehouse?"
"Eric and Tommy were there to pick up their products."
"What kind of products?" Santana asks.
"Drugs obviously. A bit of weed, some pills maybe some harder stuff. I'd give them a few bags of each and then they had to bring me their profits at the end of every week."
"How did you transfer the profits to the supplier?"
"There is a safe in the warehouse. I would put the money in there and then I guess the supplier or an associate of his would collect it."
"Is there anymore information you think might help with our investigation?" Dobbs inquires.
"I don't know."
"I think my client has helped you in good faith and to as much as his ability as possible. I think that should be taken into account if any charges come into play" Mr. Powell says.
"I'll keep that in mind. Interview terminated at 4:51pm"
"Jones can you take Mr. Estevez back to his holding cell, thanks. Mr. Powell you're free to leave too."
Once the room is cleared, Dobbs turns to his partner.
"So the drug money is all in cash, I guess that's a good way to stop us tracing a large amount of money changing hands."
"If Estevez leaves the money in the safe and the supplier collects it then that could be the reason why Byrne was at the warehouse. Byrne could be the supplier or at least work for him" Santana says.
"You do realize that there isn't any evidence to prove that, people will think you're just reaching. It's like you're trying to connect Byrne to the case just because you want him convicted. You want him convicted because you see him as a threat to Rachel."
"You know that my instincts are good."
"They are sometimes, but I also know that sometimes your heart rules your head when it comes to Rachel" Dobbs says.
"I wouldn't let that happen when it comes to my duty as a police officer. Why are you so against the idea of Byrne being involved?"
"I'm not. Look I wasn't saying it to be an asshole, I was just saying what Mathews or a judge would say. If you think Byrne is really involved you'll need more evidence, but you know you can't be involved in that. I'll try and help you as much as I can" Dobbs offers.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to go off at you."
"It's alright. I'm used to your flaring temper; it makes me question how Rachel puts up with you."
"Trust me Rachel can rival my temper with her diva tantrums, but we just know how each other function and that works for us."
"Then that sets you up for a really happy marriage. Well since our shift is finally over you can finally go home to that little diva of yours."
"After today I can't wait to get home and see her. Do you still feel that way about going home to Maggie?" Santana asks.
"Usually I get home, grab some chips, open up a beer and put ESPN on the TV. She always comes in and yells me to get my feet off the coffee table and not to eat snacks before dinner. So yeah I look forward to that every day, we're the same we just get how each other work." Dobbs says with a big smile on his face.
"I'm going home before I see anymore of this mushy side of you; it's actually starting to freak me out."
"Don't go yet; I haven't expressed how much your friendship means to me" Dobbs yells through laughter as Santana exits the station, flipping him off as she goes.
It had been a really long day for Santana, all she wanted to do is get in bed with her fiancée and relax. Santana knows that isn't about to happen when she approaches her apartment door and finds it slightly open.
It obviously wasn't left open by accident by Rachel or herself, she's a police officer she checks that she's locks the door automatically and she had taught Rachel the same. She gently pushes the door open and gets the first look at the damage to her apartment. It looks as if the place had been ransacked.
"This is the Lima police department, show yourself" Santana yells as she takes a small step into her home.
She listens for any noise in the apartment, but receives silence in return. She reaches for her gun that's nestled in her hip holster, removes it slowly and turns off the safety.
Rachel has never liked the idea of guns in the house but being a detective Santana always carried a weapon for safety. She was definitely glad that she had the added protection at the moment as she moves slowly into the living room, her gun leading the way.
"Is there anyone here?" Santana calls.
The room had been trashed from top to bottom, Rachel's favorite lamp which she brought from her old apartment when she moved in with Santana lay broken on the side table.
The floor was scattered with cushions, books and all the little knick knacks Rachel had insisted on putting around the place, stating it gave their home character.
Santana makes her way through the living room, as she does she hears a crunch beneath her foot. She looks down and sees that she's stood on the broken glass of a picture frame. She picks up the frame and notices that the photograph from it is missing.
It was a photo of her and Rachel that was taken at Dobbs and Maggie's anniversary party. It was a favourite of Santana's and that's why it had pride of place in their living room but now it was gone. Whoever did this had taken the photograph.
"Rachel!" she calls again.
Santana knows Rachel's shift for tonight and she should have been home hours ago, usually she would call Santana if her plans or her shifts changed. Santana quickly pulls out her cell phone from her pocket and dials Rachel's number. It rings for a few seconds, the longer it rings the more Santana begins to worry. She just needs to hear her fiancée's voice to calm her nerves and reassure her.
"Come on Rachel, pick up" Santana says down the phone as it continues to ring.
"Please baby, pick up."