Page 61 of Breaking Rules

“Back in the day, when I was investigating the robbery, I always suspected Rickman was involved,” Hartman continued, his voice growing stronger with each word. “But every time I got close, someone higher up would shut me down, stonewall my investigation.”

Harry’s eyes widened, a look of realization dawning on his face. “You think Rickman had someone in his pocket?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Hartman nodded, his jaw set with determination. “I knew he was dirty, but I could never prove it,” he said, his words laced with a mix of frustration and regret. “But now, with Tommy’s confession and the evidence we’ve gathered, I guess I was right.”

Harry leaned back in his chair. “I have to apologize, because I thought you were throwing the case on purpose back then.”

“I may have been a lot of things in my day, but I was never dirty. I had to take my orders from above, and every time I got close to anything, things happened to turn the investigation another way.” Hartman’s voice was firm and unwavering. “I’ve always been straight as an arrow, and I always will be.”

Harry held up his hands. “I know that now,” he said, his voice warm with genuine respect. “You’re a good man, Hartman.”

Hartman nodded, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Darn right I am,” he said, his gruff voice tinged with a hint of pride.

As the laughter died down, Jo’s expression grew pensive. “You know, Rickman had a lot of connections to Convale,” she said, her voice low and thoughtful. “I wonder what other secrets he was hiding.”

“Seems like a lot of shady things are tied to Convale,” Kevin said, his words heavy with implication. “The robbery cover-up scheme, Alex’s murder... makes you wonder what else they’re involved in.”

Rickman’s death had brought a sense of closure to Alex’s case, but Sam still felt there was more. What other secrets had died with the man?

As the last of the potato skins disappeared and the glasses ran dry, Sam felt a sense of contentment wash over him. Things were good despite everything. His town was safe, his friends were happy, and the future was bright with possibility.

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