Chasing A Spider- Round and Round 63

   A sense of revulsion swept over me after talking to Barnes, who was wallowing in the muck he dredged up on Hamilton. I wondered how Barnes had managed to dig up that sordid piece of information and concluded that it was probably based on hearsay because just about everything else in this investigation was. Barnes said an unpleasant exchange with Hamilton and Sheriff Worthington prompted him to look into their pasts, but he was certainly emboldened by the F.B.I. involvement in the investigation. Barnes must know that he’s rolling the dice because the feds won’t always be around to shield him.

   A call from Jones confirmed my conclusion and he agreed that Barnes was fast becoming a too cocky for his own good. “He’s basing most of his accusations on the word of criminals and bitter ex-deputies looking to start shit.” Jones said. I asked him about Lila and Seth Cassidy, and Jones scoffed. “Barnes is treading on tabloid territory with that one because I asked one of the clerks in the courthouse about that and she said that Lila and her son are somewhere in Florida, but what I want to tell you is that Dietz had his interview with Drayton this morning and he found him intelligent, cooperative and slightly strange.” “Okay, how does that concern me?” I asked. “It doesn’t, but this investigation isn’t going to end anytime soon, so after you talk with Dietz tomorrow you’ll probably be free to head on home.” “I didn’t know I was talking to Dietz.” “You are, but let me ask you something, Hassey, why have you lost your zest for this?” Jones asked. “Because it’s much like my life: all out of whack.” “Aren’t most things in life?” Jones replied. “Not like this. Jones, I’m tired, sad and disgusted. It’s time to let the pros handle this.” “Absolutely, they’ve done such a wonderful job so far.”  Jones said before hanging up.

   My cell went off again and this time it was Drayton, who sounded as pleasant as ever. “Hassey, you now got the F.B.I. on me.” He said. “It’s those three bodies they discovered that prompted that, Drayton.” “I know, just kidding buddy, but listen, why don’t we have dinner tonight because there is one thing I have to tell you about one of your associates.” “This doesn’t sound good.” I replied. “It is what it is.”

   At least that would be a change.