Chapter 2: Indirect Evidence

Chapter Two: Indirect Evidence Sidney’s chest tightened as he stepped into the Baptist church the following afternoon. The foyer was empty. God, I hate these places. He crossed the polished floorboards and knocked on Reverend Harrison’s office door. “Hang on!” Andy Harrison called. “Be there in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. Damn you—save!”

Sidney chuckled quietly under his breath. So the Reverend swears. A moment later the office door swung open. Reverend Andy Harrison stood there in creased trousers and a Mister Rogers-style knitted sweater, his face faintly red with embarrassment.

“Sidney. Please, come in.” He stepped aside awkwardly. “Sorry if you heard that. Computers and I remain mortal enemies." Sidney smirked faintly as he entered the office.

Andy shut the door behind him while Sidney sat down. His eyes immediately landed on the silver-framed photograph sitting on the desk. Elizabeth Harrison. The Reverend’s murdered daughter smiled back at him from happier times. Sidney winced almost imperceptibly and looked away. A reminder of my biggest failure. Andy sat opposite him and pulled his chair closer.

“Now,” he said gently, “what can I do for you, Sidney?” Sidney leaned forward slightly. “This is an unofficial official visit, Reverend.” Andy frowned with mild confusion.

“You’ve lived in Moon Shine for decades,” Sidney continued. “You know who’s who and what’s what around here.”

Andy nodded slowly. “I suppose I do.” Sidney folded his hands together. “As you’ve probably heard, Father O’Malley’s finally going to trial." Andy’s expression darkened immediately.

“It’s been all over the news.”

Sidney studied him carefully. “I know ministers talk,” he said quietly. “I also know you’ve known most local clergy, past and present.” He paused.

“Was there ever discussion regarding O’Malley?” Andy tensed visibly. Then he sighed. “Yes.” Silence settled heavily between them. “A few people confessed to me over the years that the Father abused them,” Andy admitted quietly. Sidney’s jaw tightened.

“Do you think they’d come forward?” Andy looked exhausted suddenly.

“Some might.” He swallowed hard. “Some definitely won’t.” He hesitated. “And one…”

His voice faltered. “One committed suicide.” Sidney lowered his eyes briefly. Andy stared at Elizabeth’s photograph.

“I conducted his funeral,” he whispered.

“I’m sorry,” Sidney said quietly. The Reverend nodded once before looking back toward him. Sidney shifted slightly in his chair.

“Would you be willing to testify if necessary?” he asked. “Silver will cross-examine you.” Andy grimaced.

“That man’s a right little prick,” Sidney added. “Pardon my French.” Despite himself, Andy gave a faint smile. Then his eyes drifted back toward Elizabeth’s photograph once more.

“With God’s help,” he said softly, “I will.” Sidney nodded once.

“Thank you, Reverend. We’ll be in touch.” He stood and pushed the chair back quietly. Andy remained seated as Sidney walked toward the door. Deep in thought. Alone with the memories lingering inside the church walls.

“Take a seat, Raymond.” John remained standing. “I’d rather stand, sir. This won’t take long.”

Sidney looked up slowly over the rim of his glasses. John immediately regretted walking in. Uh oh. Still, he held his ground. Don’t let him intimidate you. “What do you want, Raymond?” Sidney asked coolly. John glanced toward the interview rooms.

“Sir… why is Andy Harrison sitting in Interview Two?” Sidney leaned back in his chair and folded his arms.

“We need to interview him regarding O’Malley,” he replied evenly. “I went to see him personally.” John’s jaw tightened.

“With respect, sir… you never should’ve approached Andy yourself.” Sidney’s expression hardened immediately. “You’re too close to this,” John continued carefully.

“You’re overstepping.” Sidney’s eyes narrowed behind the glasses. “I’m doing my job, Raymond.” His tone had become dangerously calm.

“We need credible witnesses. Harrison is credible.” John exhaled slowly. “Sir, we need to get this right.” He lowered his voice slightly.

“You know exactly what Silver’s going to do if he finds procedural issues.” Sidney said nothing. The silence became heavy.

“At the very least,” John continued carefully, “Andrea should conduct the interview.” Sidney simply stared at him. John suddenly felt like a bug trapped in a jar beneath a microscope. Then, without breaking eye contact, Sidney picked up the desk phone.

“Farris,” he said flatly. “I need you to interview Reverend Harrison regarding O’Malley. He’s waiting in Interview Two.” A pause.

“Go.” Sidney replaced the receiver gently. Then he looked back at John. “I’m busy,” he said coldly.

“But we are not finished discussing this, Raymond.” Dismissed. John held his gaze for another moment before nodding once.

“Yes, sir.” He turned and slipped quietly from the office, closing the door behind him. The moment he reached the hallway, he rubbed a hand over his face. I hate this job. John sat at the kitchen table reading the paper when Sidney arrived home.

Unfortunately, his mind immediately drifted back to the office confrontation earlier that day. We’re not done discussing this, Raymond. Shit. Sidney walked past slowly, giving him that same intimidating look over the rim of his glasses. Then his mobile rang. Sidney glanced at the screen and smirked.

“Oh, hello darling.” John immediately became suspicious.

“Yes,” Sidney continued smoothly, loosening his tie. “Jono and Soph are out tonight, so I thought perhaps we could try some more tie-up games.”

John nearly choked. Fuck. Sidney’s eyes flicked toward him briefly. Smug bastard. “Oh…” Caroline’s voice purred softly through the speaker.

“That sounds hot.” John’s soul attempted to leave his body. Sidney leaned casually against the kitchen counter, watching him suffer.

“So…” he murmured deliberately. “You like the idea.” “Oh yes.” Sidney’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Yes, what?” he growled softly. John immediately stood and grabbed his beer. I’m outta here.

“Yes, sir,” Caroline replied breathlessly. Sidney smirked. “Good girl,” he said in that same low voice. “See you tonight.”

He ended the call and slowly looked back toward John. But John was already halfway down the hallway retreating in horror. Sidney chuckled under his breath. Bastard knows exactly how to freak me out, John thought darkly. Wet and flushed from the heat, Caroline rested her head against Sidney’s chest. Sidney wrapped his strong arms around her, smiling faintly as he held her close. “Western,” she murmured softly. “Hm?”

“How is it that no matter how infuriating you are… no matter what happens…” She smiled against his skin. “I always end up back in your arms?” Sidney chuckled. “Because I’m hot stuff,” he replied smoothly. Caroline laughed and rolled her eyes.

“You are beyond arrogant. I’ve run out of adjectives.” Sidney grinned. “You can’t get enough of me.” He stroked her cheek gently before his expression softened.

“Seriously?” he murmured. “It’s just love. We love each other enough to work through things.”

Caroline nodded slowly, inhaling his scent. Expensive cologne, sweat, and something deeper beneath it — masculine, dangerous, primal.

“We do,” she whispered. “I just can’t stop loving you.” Sidney smirked slightly.

“I think that’s a song.” Caroline shrugged. “I don’t listen to the radio. Unless it’s the emergency channel.”

“Macca,” Sidney replied immediately. “Good old talkback radio keeps me sane.” She smiled faintly before her expression shifted.

“Speaking of…” She traced a finger lightly across his chest. “John told me you cancelled your leave.” Sidney nodded once.

“The O’Malley case takes priority.” His jaw tightened. “We have to get this bloke, Caro.” The intensity in his voice sent a chill through her. “Are you going to be okay?” Sidney hesitated. Then he looked down at her. “As long as you’re here.” Caroline’s chest tightened.

“Caro…” His voice lowered slightly. “You’ll stick by me, won’t you?” The vulnerability beneath the question broke something inside her. She wrapped her arms around him tighter immediately.

“Of course I will.” Sidney closed his eyes briefly in relief.

“Good,” he murmured quietly. “Because this is going to get ugly.” He leaned back slightly against the pillows.

“My old mate Silver’s been hired as QC.” His mouth twisted bitterly. “Bloke hates me. He’ll tear me apart if he gets the chance.” Caroline shuddered.

“Yes… I remember him.” Sidney nodded grimly. “The Brando trial.” His eyes darkened. “He hasn’t changed. And this is the biggest case of his career.” Caroline studied him carefully.

“How do I support you?” Sidney looked back at her for a long moment.

“Just be here,” he said finally. “Like this.” He brushed her hair back gently. “Someone to talk to. Someone close.” Caroline nodded. “I can do that.” A faint smile crossed Sidney’s face. “Thank you,” he whispered. “God, I love you.”

She leaned upward and kissed him. Not playful this time. Urgent. Searching. Almost desperate. As Sidney pulled her closer, Caroline suddenly felt him shiver against her despite the lingering heat.