Chapter 51

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

The case had taken several twists, but they finally had solid evidence tying David to the recent list of crimes.

"The gun we found in his motel room is registered to Max Everett," Sawyer said, handing Dare the ballistics report. "His prints are all over it."

Dare skimmed the report. "And the ballistics?"

Cam nodded. "Confirmed. The bullet that killed Max matches the gun we found in David's possession. But that's not all—the ballistics also match the bullet used to kill Corey Hayes."

Dare took a deep breath, absorbing the information. "Let's see what he has to say."

David Collins looked up, his eyes flickering with a mix of fear and defiance as Dare pushed open the door to the interrogation room. Dare dropped into a chair behind the stainless steel table and stared at David.

"Why don't you tell me what happened?"

David lifted his chin defiantly. "I want a lawyer."

"Sure, you can have a lawyer. But I should tell you first…" He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "The gun we found in your motel room is linked to two murders—Corey Hayes and Max Everett."

David's face paled, and he swallowed hard.

Dare leaned forward, his gaze intense. "You killed Max Everett to steal his identity, didn't you?"

When he didn't respond, Dare pressed on. "When we found Misty's body, you knew you were caught, didn't you you?"

David's eyes flashed with anger, and a muscle ticked in his jaw. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Dare hummed a noncommittal sound. "Kinley told us all about how you killed her and stashed the weapon. You were behind it all along, weren't you?"

"She's lying," David retorted.

Cam bristled as he watched the interview on the screen. "Motherfucker."

"Don't worry," Sawyer said quietly. "We've got enough to put him away."

True, he would face charges for killing two men, but they still didn't have the murder weapon from Misty's murder. And if they didn't find it soon, he would get away with it.

On the screen, Cam watched as Dare tipped his head toward David. "Let's talk about Max. Why him?"

David expelled a deep breath before speaking. "I was at a bar one night when he sat down beside me. He starting making small talk, telling me how he'd just finished his certification to become a realtor." He shrugged. "I figured it was a good cover."

Dare nodded slowly. "So, you killed him, took his identity, and got a job at the realty office."

David's confidence began to leach away be degrees. "Working as a realtor would allow me the freedom to come and go. I knew Kinley was working on her house. I was going to approach her, but then Lance signed her as a client instead."

"You planned to make him take the fall for Hayes's murder. How did you manage to get Lance's fingerprint and plant it on Kinley's keychain?"

David glanced to the side. "Lance left his coffee cup in the office one day. I lifted the print and waited for the right moment. I needed a way out, and framing Lance seemed perfect."

Dare leaned back, arms crossed. "Why kill Hayes?"

David's shoulders snapped straight and he shook his head. "I want my lawyer."

Dare studied him for another long moment before nodding. "Fine."

He pushed from his chair, then signaled to two deputies waiting outside. They entered the room to escort David back to his cell.

They had enough to convict David for both murders, but the full truth about his motives was still unfolding. The dark secrets of Brookhaven had been exposed, and they could now move forward, one step closer to healing the wounds of the past.