LIVING ON THE EDGE

CHAPTER: 38

Hey, listen, Sharon, you cannot pursue this. The gangs in Maury County are not like they were when you were there as a cop. They have transformed into something much uglier and more dangerous than what we dealt with back then. The FBI is handling most of the gang stuff around here because it has gotten very bad. You have to back down, Sharon," Officer Cedric Travis said.

"I just need a little update on the gang situation. I have been paid a hefty price, so I will be continuing the case. With caution, of course," Sharon said.

Cedric sighed but recognized that she was not going to stop conducting the investigation, with or without vital information. 

"Okay. I will tell you what you need to know, but you must be very careful. These kids are ruthless. Some of the gangs have turned into hybrids; you cannot pinpoint them. Sometimes, some gangs have mixed illegal and blood aspects. The gang thing the way it was in the 1980s has gotten old for a lot of the kids coming up now. They want something new, so they have elevated their recruiting strategies and tactics. Honestly, they run the gang like a business. Recruitment videos on social media, open-air drug deals, bullying, and murder of witnesses, and a stockpile of guns and money. I don't know what the victim had to do with those boys, but if it was anything, she was an i***t. How did you make the connection?" Cedric asked Sharon.  

"A little help from my friends." Sharon winked at Cedric.

"There you go making friends again; you always were good at that. Well, you have uncovered quite a turn. This lady had a secret life. Are you going to tell the husband?" Officer Cedric asked.

"Yes, but I want to wait to see if it is connected. I mean, at this point, I don't know what the connection is, but because she was murdered in Maury County, I am sure there is one. I just want to wait until I have more information. The poor guy is already suffering. Finding out that the woman he married had a secret life is not going to make things better," Sharon said.

"True. Okay, what is your next move?" Cedric asked her.

"I know it is a long shot, but I have got to try to find anyone on Marshall Street who remembers her and knows more about what went on when she lived there. Do you have any informants in the area?" Sharon asked.

"Yeah, there is one guy," he said.

"You think he will talk to me?" Sharon asked.

"Probably. His name is Xavier. He is still a small-time dealer. But, great informant. He has three kids and a house on Marshall Street. He is one of the few second-generation Maury County residents. Too poor to leave; not motivated to do more than collect social security and casually sell drugs. He just got out of jail on small-time drug charges. I don't know if he will remember anything from that long ago, but I will set something up," Cedric said.

                                                                    ***********

Sharon left the NPD, headed to the office, and searched online for more information. Why had Nicholas decided to provide her with information about Adriana's past? What was his angle? Sure, she appreciated the news, but what was his motive? She began searching for clues.

Nicholas Davies was an upstanding citizen except for the three DUIs ("driving under the influence" of alcohol or drugs) he had acquired over the past ten years. That explained his newfound renunciation and his recent divorce from Amy Davies. One area where Nicholas had been consistent and reliable was at the Tennessee County State Forensics lab. He had been employed there since graduating from Tennessee State University with a degree in forensics. The excessive DUIs had not affected his employment at the lab, which seemed very odd, but some people pay a higher price than others. Perhaps he had connections of some sort. The rest of the public info was standard.

Nicholas and Amy had three children, and they had been married fifteen years before the divorce, which had been finalized two months ago. They had originally filed for divorce two months after Adriana had been murdered. It would actually be interesting to know what Amy thought of her former sister-in-law and her ex-husband. Sharon found Amy's current address in Nashville, not far from where she had met Nicholas for lunch. Sharon was not sure if the phone number listed was current, but she decided to give it a try anyway. A phone call should be sufficient. No need to drive back to her place.

"Hello?" Amy answered on the second ring. Her voice sounded stressed and thin. 

"Hello. May I speak with Amy Davies?" Sharon said.

"You have got her. How can I help you?"

"My name is Sharon Stone, and I am investigating the murder of Adriana Davies."

"Oh! The detective. I believe my husband recently spoke with you. I hope he was helpful. I told him to be nice and do his best. How can I help you?" Amy Davies asked her.

Sharon had not asked questions, but she was sure that she had hit the jackpot. Rarely, if ever, were people excited to help a private detective. Generally, people saw a Police Inspector as a false detective who was meddling in the police business. Amy's attitude was refreshing. This could be a great opportunity.

"I am trying to get a feel for Adriana as a person and learn more about her family and background. Would you mind sharing your opinion and insight of Adriana?" Sharon asked.

"Well, I knew Adriana for about twelve years. Nicholas did not mention her when we were dating, and she was not invited to our wedding. Sounds strange, but I did not know that she existed until after we were married. Of course, I was annoyed; oh, excuse my language, but really, I was far beyond mad when I found out that I had a sister-in-law I did not know existed. Can you imagine not telling your spouse about your sibling? Weird, right?" Amy asked Sharon.

A/N: To be continued...